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

RussiansSting

Sting – Russians

Even after disbanding the legendary band The Police, the British artist Sting has continued to produce numerous classic songs as a solo act.

Known for his keen intellect, he’s someone whose political statements the British public always pays close attention to.

One of his works themed around anti-war sentiment is Russians.

When people think of anti-war songs, they often imagine broad messages against violence and calls for peace.

This song, however, is different: its lyrics explicitly reflect the context of the Cold War and offer pointed political criticism of the governments of the time.

In terms of substance, it’s among the most compelling anti-war songs, so be sure to give it a listen.

ImagineJohn Lennon

IMAGINE. (Ultimate Mix, 2020) – John Lennon & The Plastic Ono Band (with the Flux Fiddlers) HD

John Lennon’s “Imagine” is an anti-war song known by many people across generations and countries.

Released in 1971, the song expresses a desire to stop conflict and build peace.

It conveys the idea that things often seen as sources of conflict are not inherently meant to cause strife.

If everyone joins hands, understands one another, and learns to think about each other, peace will come—this message is depicted in the lyrics.

Through the phrase “Imagine,” it appeals to people about the importance of living peacefully in this world right now.

Wake Me Up (When This Nightmare’s Over)Simple Plan

Simple Plan – Wake Me Up (When This Nightmare’s Over) Official Music Video

Simple Plan, known as one of Canada’s leading bands, performed at the closing ceremony of the Vancouver Olympics in 2010.

Their 2022 release “Wake Me Up” is a charity song created to raise funds for those suffering from war.

Alongside their passionate band sound, their warm choral work resonates.

The song carries a wish for peace—“we don’t want the war to continue.” Please take in their message as they continue to actively engage in charitable efforts.

We Want PeaceEmmanuel Jal

We Want Peace – Emmanuel Jal

Emmanuel Jal, a multi-artist from South Sudan, has endured harrowing experiences since childhood, including a period when he was a child soldier in the Sudan People’s Liberation Army.

That’s why his anti-war songs are on a different level from the usual.

His track “We Want Peace” is one of his signature works.

The powerful message—something only someone who has lived in a world where friends die one after another could convey—reminds us how precious our everyday peace truly is.

We Are The WorldUSA For Africa

U.S.A. For Africa – We Are the World

We Are the World was created through the collaboration of many artists to help people suffering from hunger in Africa.

The project, called USA for Africa, brought together global stars such as Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, and Diana Ross to record the song.

The lyrics, which sing that the world is one, also carry a prayer for peace.

If wars were to end, the number of people suffering from hunger would surely decrease.

Don’t you think that connecting people’s hearts across the world and creating a calmer, kinder world is the first step toward peace?

What’s Going OnMarvin Gaye

Marvin Gaye – What’s Going On (Official Video 2019)

Marvin Gaye’s classic “What’s Going On.” It’s a historic track that dramatically reshaped the course of later R&B, while also embodying Black music with an anti-war theme.

It’s said he was inspired to write the song after hearing stories from his brother, who had returned from the Vietnam War.

At the time, racism against Black people was more intense than it is today.

It was an era shortly after the recognition of civil rights, when various social issues were in the spotlight, and many Americans likely found support and solace in this song.

Happy Xmas (War Is Over)John Lennon & Yoko Ono

HAPPY XMAS (WAR IS OVER). (Ultimate Mix, 2020) John & Yoko Plastic Ono Band + Harlem Community Choir

A song by John Lennon, known as a member of the Beatles with fans around the world, and his wife Yoko Ono, who is also known as a peace activist.

As the title suggests, it is both a classic Christmas song and a well-known anti-war anthem.

The lyrics, imbued with prayers that everyone can enjoy a happy Christmas regardless of race or beliefs, and the beautiful harmonies that envelop the listener, are filled with a power and compassion that soften the urge to fight.

It is a masterpiece in music history that teaches us that all people have the equal freedom to be happy.