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

Voice of a ChildEric Clapton

Eric Clapton – Voice Of A Child (Official Music Video)

This instrumental piece was performed by British guitarist Eric Clapton, born from a heartfelt desire to save the children suffering in the Gaza Strip.

The track opens the live album “To Save a Child: An Intimate Live Concert,” which captures a charity performance held in December 2023.

Though there are no lyrics, the plaintive guitar melody, woven note by note, embodies the inexpressible cries of the children.

It reminds us, deep in our hearts, that the tragedies unfolding in a distant land are by no means someone else’s problem.

Precisely because we live in peaceful everyday circumstances, why not listen to this work and use it as an opportunity to consider what we ourselves can do?

Against the WarBeans on Toast

Beans on Toast – Against the War

A protest song by Beans on Toast, an alt-folk singer-songwriter from the UK.

Released in February 2023, the track raises a strong voice of protest against the war in Ukraine.

Set to simple acoustic guitar, the lyrics powerfully decry the senselessness and terror of war.

In a traditional folk-punk style that shows the influence of Bob Dylan and Neil Young, it channels his feelings deeply affected by the modern realities of war.

Proceeds will reportedly be donated to the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament.

It’s a recommended track for those opposed to war or interested in social issues.

EpiphanyTaylor Swift

Taylor Swift – epiphany (Official Lyric Video)

Taylor Swift sings with empathy for those on the front lines of war and the pandemic.

Featured on the album Folklore, released in July 2020 by the American artist, this work weaves a sweeping narrative that overlays her grandfather’s experiences in World War II with the fight of healthcare workers against COVID-19.

With the aura of a sacred hymn, her ethereal vocals pierce the heart.

This song, which gives voice to the anguish and hope of people living through difficult times, will resonate with all who yearn for peace.

Song for the Houthi ArmyDavid Rovics

This work was released in January 2024 by British folk singer-songwriter David Rovics.

True to his American roots, it’s a protest song that shines with a sharp eye for social criticism.

While expressing support for the Houthi position in the Yemeni Civil War, the lyrics poignantly decry the horrors of war and its impact on children.

The acoustic guitar and commanding vocals powerfully convey his message.

It’s a recommended listen not only for those interested in war and social issues, but also for anyone curious about contemporary folk music.

Home BackJINJER

JINJER – Home Back (Official Video 4K) | Napalm Records

The Ukrainian metal band Jinjer.

Their song Home Back is included on their 2019 album Macro.

It’s an anti-war song with political themes, but the highlight of this piece is, above all, the expressive power of vocalist Tatiana Shmailyuk.

Judging from the lyrics, rather than making a peaceful appeal against war, the song channels anger—and she conveys this brilliantly through a combination of clean vocals and growls.

TANGOTananai

Tananai – TANGO (Sanremo 2023)

Italian singer-songwriter Tananai’s song “TANGO” appeals to listeners’ hopes for peace with its beautiful, heartrending melody.

Released in 2023, the track carries a sharp message about the world’s turmoil and was Tananai’s entry in the Sanremo Music Festival 2023, where it earned a distinguished 5th place among 28 contestants.

The song is based on the story of a Ukrainian family, inspired by a true account in which the husband was drafted while the wife and daughter relocated to Italy as refugees.

Be sure to check it out, including its moving music video.

Holy WarAlicia Keys

Alicia Keys – Holy War (Official Audio)

Alicia Keys, whose soulful vocals have won strong support from many listeners.

It may come as a surprise to those who only know her from her early days, but since the mid-2010s she has released many songs about politics and anti-war themes.

Among them, Holy War is particularly popular.

The song doesn’t explicitly advocate against war; instead, its lyrics resemble a sermon, focusing on the state of the human heart.