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

The War SongCulture Club

The War Song (Remastered 2003)

Culture Club, the band that gained worldwide popularity with “Karma Chameleon.” They were a hit in the 1980s with a sound that distilled blue-eyed soul and New Romantic into pop.

Their anti-war themed work is this song, “The War Song.” Their lyrics are optimistically written—in a good way.

That signature style is alive here as well; despite the heavy theme, the song never drags your spirits down.

Nobody Wins A WarRaheem DeVaughn

Raheem DeVaughn – Nobody Wins A War

Raheem DeVaughn is an American singer-songwriter who delivers music rooted in R&B and soul.

His 2010 album The Love & War MasterPeace includes the track Nobody Wins A War.

It carries a simple yet powerful message: “At the end of war, there are no winners.” His heartfelt vocals and rich harmonies convey a strong desire to see war come to an end.

With its repeated phrases, the song speaks to people while expressing a wish for peace.

It’s a MistakeMen At Work

Men At Work – It’s a Mistake (Official Video)

Men at Work’s song “It’s a Mistake,” released in 1983, is an era-defining anti-war track.

It vividly reflects the tensions of the Cold War and leaves a strong impression on listeners.

Especially now, as we witness the situation in Ukraine and the conflict between Israel and Gaza, lyrics like these are taking on renewed significance.

Anyone who’s seen the darkly humorous music video will recognize that today’s circumstances are anything but funny.

It’s a song I hope will be heard by listeners who wish for peace and by everyone whose heart aches over these issues.

Hammer To FallQueen

Queen – Hammer To Fall (Official Video)

This is a song released in 1984 by Queen, one of the greatest rock bands to come out of the UK.

It was written and composed by guitarist Brian May, and when it was released as a single, it became a smash hit.

It’s a catchy track featuring a characteristically Queen-like dynamic guitar riff and tight rhythm, with Freddie Mercury’s soaring vocals and gorgeous choral work standing out.

Yet the lyrics actually take nuclear war as their theme.

The word “mushroom cloud” even appears outright, and since the song was released in the middle of the Cold War, its lyrics—full of the kind of irony and political satire so typical of the British—prompt all sorts of reflection precisely because of the era.

May’s message is likely not a simple one, but given that today’s world can feel as if we’ve slipped back into Cold War times, I encourage you to listen to this song while thinking about how we ought to live now.

Harry Patch (In Memory Of)Radiohead

Harry Patch (In Memory Of)

Radiohead, the British rock band that’s hugely popular in Japan as well, is a group everyone knows.

They’ve created numerous classic songs over the years.

Among them, the track I especially recommend is Harry Patch (In Memory Of).

Inspired by Harry Patch, the legendary soldier who fought in the trenches during World War I, the song honors his bravery while decrying the folly of war as an anti-war piece.

This track also marked a turning point where Radiohead began releasing songs with more concrete, specific lyrics.

It’s a work that can be considered significant in discussing their career.

Killing StrangersMarilyn Manson

Marilyn Manson – Killing Strangers

Marilyn Manson’s song “Killing Strangers,” released in 2014, is also featured on the soundtrack of the popular film John Wick starring Keanu Reeves.

It’s said that the song was influenced by Manson’s father’s experiences with PTSD from the Vietnam War, and its poignant melody—an alternative rock piece with blues elements—conveys the futility of war and the cycle of violence.

While it may seem far removed from the typical image of the band Marilyn Manson, it’s worth knowing that they created a song like this.

ZombieThe Cranberries

The Cranberries – Zombie (Official Music Video)

Released in 1994, this song has continued to be beloved worldwide as one of The Cranberries’ signature works.

Featuring Dolores O’Riordan’s powerful vocals and a heavy guitar sound, it is known as an anti-war song themed around the Northern Ireland conflict.

Deeply pained by the tragedy of innocent children becoming victims, O’Riordan wrote lyrics imbued with a fervent plea for peace that continue to resonate with many people today.

Its acclaim is considerable, including winning Best Song at the 1995 MTV Europe Music Awards.

This is a track to listen to when you want to reflect on the horrors of war and violence, and to reaffirm the preciousness of peace.