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

What a Wonderful WorldLouis Armstrong

What a Wonderful World (Remastered)

What a Wonderful World, released in 1967 by American jazz trumpeter and singer Louis Armstrong.

It is said that he created this work while lamenting the tragic scenes of the Vietnam War, which began in 1955, and dreaming of a peaceful world.

It reminds us that the most important things are the seemingly ordinary ones: sensing the beauty in the scenes before our eyes and feeling the love that exists between people with our whole being.

To help bring about a peaceful world, let us first keep our own hearts rich and full.

Wavin’ FlagK’NAAN

K’NAAN – Wavin’ Flag (Coca-Cola Celebration Mix)

Wavin’ Flag, released in 2009 by Somali-born rapper K’naan, drew worldwide attention when it was chosen as a theme song for the 2010 FIFA World Cup hosted by South Africa.

True to its theme, the song sings of “raising the flag” and portrays people fighting to win their freedom.

It’s a classic in which his warm vocals resonate over a grand, sweeping sound.

Listen closely to the message of anti-war resolve conveyed through song.

Waiting On the World to ChangeJohn Mayer

John Mayer – Waiting On The World To Change

“Waiting On the World to Change,” by American singer-songwriter John Mayer, is a song that expresses a heartfelt wish for the current conflicts to end and for a world without strife to arrive.

It appears on his 2006 album Continuum.

Although conflict takes so much from people and from the world, it gives nothing in return.

The song conveys a prayer-like hope that one day the world will stop such sorrowful fighting, and that most people will come to wish for the end of conflict itself.

The hopes of many who long for peace are distilled in this song.

All You Need is LoveThe Beatles

All You Need Is Love (Remastered 2009)

The Beatles’ “All You Need Is Love,” known in Japan under the title “Ai Koso wa Subete” (“Love Is Everything”), was written for Our World, a special program that became the first live global television broadcast via communications satellite, aired simultaneously in 24 countries in 1967.

Although it was released as an anti–Vietnam War song, it doesn’t deliver an explicitly antiwar message; instead, all of its sentiment is encapsulated in the words “All you need is love.” Its simple, peaceful melody conveys the Beatles’ message directly.

Let’s keep proclaiming love ourselves, so we can change the world.

After the GardenNeil Young

After the Garden

“After the Garden” is a track by Neil Young, a leading figure in folk rock, included on his album Living with War.

Released in 2006, the album is a collection of songs themed around opposition to the Iraq War.

“After the Garden” is a folk-rock tune featuring a cool, gritty electric guitar tone and performance.

Its lyrics—singing about “what happens after paradise is gone”—really resonate with the listener.

Why Can’t We Live TogetherSade

Sade – Why Can’t We Live Together (Audio)

Why Can’t We Live Together, covered and released in 1984 by the UK band Sade, who have been active since the 1980s.

The original song was created in 1972 by keyboardist Timmy Thomas.

It conveys a message about the state of a world in conflict simply because people are born into different environments and circumstances.

Her impassioned vocals, carried by the gentle tones of the synth, resonate deeply.

It is an anti-war song imbued with a straightforward resolve and a heartfelt plea for the end of war.

Where Is The Love?The Black Eyed Peas

The Black Eyed Peas – Where Is The Love? (Official Music Video)

What do you think we should do to eliminate conflict from the world? It’s a really difficult topic, isn’t it? One song that offers an answer to this question is “Where Is The Love?” by The Black Eyed Peas.

In the lyrics, the message is that if each of us asks ourselves that question, conflict will disappear.

Since 2022, it’s been trending on TikTok, so many of you have probably heard it often.

Take a moment to listen to the message of peace carried by this song.