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

LeningradBilly Joel

Billy Joel – Leningrad (Official Video)

Singer-songwriter Billy Joel, who rose to popularity with his catchy musical style, is also well loved in Japan for songs like “Honesty” and “Piano Man.” One of his works themed around anti-war and peace is “Leningrad.” The song has a distinctive structure, alternating between the lives of a Soviet man named Viktor and Billy Joel himself.

Through lyrics that juxtapose peace and war, the story of these two becoming friends warms the heart, even as it centers on an anti-war theme.

Back to the WorldCurtis Mayfield

Back to the World

The title track from American musician Curtis Mayfield’s 1973 album Back to the World.

Created as the Vietnam War was drawing to a close, it’s an anti-war song imbued with reflections on the social climate of the time.

Through lyrics that portray the earnest feelings of soldiers returning from war, it conveys the message that war should never happen.

Set to a sound enriched by vibrant brass band tones, his heartfelt vocals resonate throughout.

Let this song’s message remind you of the importance of peace.

Hero Of WarRise Against

Rise Against – Hero Of War

Rise Against is a band that enjoys immense popularity in the rock genre known as melodic hardcore.

They are known for having many songs with strong messages.

Among their works, one I especially recommend that centers on themes of anti-war and peace is Hero Of War.

While this song addresses the theme of anti-war, it portrays a soldier not as a victim of war, but as a perpetrator.

The lyrics, which realistically depict the frailty and coldness of the human heart, will prompt us to reexamine the way we live.

What If There Were No Sides At AllBryan Adams

Bryan Adams – What If There Were No Sides At All

Rock singer Bryan Adams, who enjoys enduring popularity in Japan.

Released in May 2023, this work is an anti-war song imbued with a universal message against conflicts around the world.

It’s a ballad marked by an acoustic sound, carrying a heartfelt plea for peace.

Intended to encourage dialogue from governments, the piece is a socially conscious song characteristic of Adams, a native of Canada.

Although Adams shot to global stardom with his 1984 album Reckless, nearly 40 years later his commitment to advocating for world peace remains unchanged.

Masters of WarBob Dylan

Bob Dylan – Masters of War | Warlords (Japanese Subtitled ver.)

Released in the spring of 1963, this song by Bob Dylan is known as an anti-war anthem that delivers a scathing critique of war leaders.

Expressing protest against the nuclear arms buildup of the Cold War era, the song harshly condemns the military–industrial complex and those who profit from war.

Featured on the album The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan, it moved many with its direct and powerful lyrics.

Covered by various artists, including Eddie Vedder and Pearl Jam, it is celebrated as a song with a timeless, universal message.

Highly recommended for those who yearn for peace or wish to stand up against social injustice.

Heal The WorldMichael Jackson

Michael Jackson – Heal The World (Official Video)

Michael Jackson, the King of Pop who consistently called for peace.

At his memorial service after he passed away, Stevie Wonder deliberately referred to him as a “lovable fool.” Michael Jackson had his share of troubles, but I believe his heart was always pure.

One of his works themed around anti-war and peace is “Heal The World.” Rather than outright rejecting war, its lyrics depict the state of the human heart, which speaks volumes about his character.

Good PeopleJack Johnson

Good People

Jack Johnson is an American singer-songwriter who also works as an actor and documentary filmmaker.

His 2005 release “Good People” is a song filled with reflections on the state of society.

It carries a message laced with irony about what is said on television programs, prompting listeners to question what it means to be a good person.

Precisely because the band plays with an upbeat rhythm, the depth of the lyrics quietly resonates.

Paired with his warm vocals, it’s an anti-war song that offers a moment to wish for peace.