[2025] Anti-war songs in Western music: Songs that pray for peace

Hands Held HighLinkin Park

Hands Held High – Linkin Park (Minutes To Midnight)

A song by Linkin Park, hailed as the best-selling band of the 21st century, whose vocalist Chester Bennington’s sudden passing in 2017 shocked the world.

Featured on their third album, Minutes to Midnight, this track blends a calm yet powerful rap with a hymn-like, ethereal chorus that truly moves you.

Its cynical lyrics, which depict the horrors of war and criticize those in power, convey anger toward the harsh realities and injustices of the world.

With a sacred, requiem-like quality for lost lives, it’s a number that reaffirms the depth of Linkin Park’s message and the breadth of their musicality.

GASOLINEMåneskin

Måneskin – GASOLINE (Lyric Video)

Måneskin’s “GASOLINE” is a powerful work that calls for peace with a stirring message.

Created in 2022 to support Ukraine, the song clearly reflects the band’s stance.

When it premiered at Coachella 2022, vocalist Damiano drew attention by quoting the famous speech from Charlie Chaplin’s classic film The Great Dictator.

Just as their fashion and attitude seem to symbolize every kind of freedom, “GASOLINE” gives voice to young people standing up to forces that strip away liberty.

Shocking yet universally relatable in its plea for peace, it’s highly recommended for anyone concerned about the current state of the world.

B.Y.O.BSystem Of A Down

System Of A Down – B.Y.O.B. (Official HD Video)

A signature work by System of a Down that shook the world with its violent rhythm and provocative lyrics.

Released in May 2005, this song was created with anger and protest against the Iraq War.

It delivers a scathing critique of the inequality that forces the poor into battle and protests the government’s inaction—messages that have not faded with time.

A Grammy-winning track, it delivers an especially powerful message to young people.

A powerful, aggressive song that resonates with those who long for peace.

Devils & DustBruce Springsteen

Bruce Springsteen – Devils & Dust -The Song

Bruce Springsteen, a singer-songwriter from New Jersey.

He’s a singer-songwriter known for genres like pop rock and alternative folk, and in his later years he has earned acclaim for acoustic songs.

Among his many classics, the especially famous anti-war piece is “Devils & Dust.” It portrays, in a narrative style, an American soldier deployed to Iraq, and its meticulous craftsmanship powerfully conveys the reality of war.

Can’t Happen HereAtreyu

Atreyu – Cant Happen here

Known as a powerhouse of post-hardcore, Atreyu’s songs sharply depict the absurdities of society and anxieties about humanity’s future.

Featured on the album Lead Sails Paper Anchor, released in July 2007, this track evokes a chaotic world with lyrics about the thunder of tanks echoing through the night and a rain of bullets covering the sky.

Produced by John Feldmann and incorporating more melodic elements, the album became a major hit, reaching No.

8 on the Billboard 200.

It’s a compelling listen when you want to reflect on the horrors of war and the value of peace.

War PigsBlack Sabbath

BLACK SABBATH – “War Pigs” (Live Video)

Black Sabbath’s classic “War Pigs.” Featured on their 1970 album Paranoid, this song transforms anger at the Vietnam War and sharp criticism of those in power into music.

Its searing guitar riffs and Ozzy Osbourne’s expressive vocals deliver a scathing message that resonates with today’s turbulent society.

Powerfully decrying the senselessness of war, this work stands as an eternal anti-war anthem that speaks to all who are tossed about by conflict and to every heart that longs for peace.

WarBob Marley

War / No More Trouble (Live At The Rainbow Theatre, London / 1977)

Bob Marley, the god of reggae.

He wasn’t just an artist; he appealed for peace by getting the leaders of Jamaica’s ruling and opposition parties—who were locked in violent conflict—to shake hands.

Unfortunately, the strife did not come to an end, but his achievements continue to influence many artists today.

His song “War” is one of his signature tracks.

Centered on themes of peace and anti-war, this love-and-peace anthem has surely soothed the hearts of many.