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

Love Is Still the AnswerJason Mraz

Jason Mraz – Love Is Still The Answer (Official Video)

Why do sad things happen, and why do people fight? “Love Is Still the Answer” is crafted as lyrics that pose those very questions to oneself.

And, as the title makes immediately clear, it declares that the answer is “love.” Why not take this song as an opportunity to reflect anew on love? Also, be sure to pay attention not only to the lyrics but to Jason Mraz’s passionate vocals and the beautiful choral arrangements.

Fortunate SonCreedence Clearwater Revival

Creedence Clearwater Revival – Fortunate Son

The song released in November 1969 by the American rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival is known as an anti-war anthem of the Vietnam War era.

With lyrics that deliver a fierce critique of the privileged class and the war, and a simple yet iconic guitar riff, the track stands out as a powerful statement against social inequality.

There’s also a well-known anecdote that CCR’s frontman, John Fogerty, wrote it in just 20 minutes.

Featured in numerous films and TV shows—including Forrest Gump—the song continues to resonate with many people today, carrying a timeless message.

Where have all the flowers gone?Pete Seeger

PETE SEEGER　⑪ Where Have All The Flowers Gone (Live in Sweden 1968)

Known as a classic song with an anti-war message, this piece was written and composed by Pete Seeger in 1955.

Its simple melody and repeated lyrics symbolically express the horrors of war and the preciousness of peace.

Since it was first recorded in 1960, it has been covered by many artists, including Joan Baez and the Kingston Trio.

The song held particular significance in the anti-war and peace movements of the 1960s and left a deep impression on many people.

It is a must-listen for those who wish for peace and for anyone who hopes to speak to society through music.

The Longest DayIron Maiden

The Longest Day (2015 Remaster)

A song themed around the Normandy landings of World War II is included on A Matter of Life and Death, the album released in August 2006 by Iron Maiden, the pinnacle of British heavy metal.

Marked by heavy guitar riffs and powerful vocals, the track vividly depicts the horrific scenes of the battlefield and the anguish of the soldiers, delivering a strong message about the inhumanity and sacrifices of war.

Its epic seven-and-a-half-minute structure fully showcases the band’s technical mastery, making it a recommended listen not only for heavy metal fans but also for those interested in history.

People Have the PowerPatti Smith

Patti Smith – People Have The Power (Official Audio)

People Have The Power is the song in which Patti Smith, known as the “Queen of Punk,” sings about the power of democracy.

Released as a single in 1988, it was also included on the album Dream of Life the same year.

The lyrics—declaring that when many people raise their voices and join forces, they can speak up to those in power and even change the world—carry a powerful message from Patti.

If many people voice their opposition to war, the situation might change, even if only a little.

Square DanceEminem

Square Dance

Speaking of The Eminem Show, the third album released by the pinnacle of white rappers, Eminem, in 2002, it’s a masterpiece that went down in history as the best-selling album worldwide that year.

Known for his provocative style and established as a superstar, Eminem delivered what could be called a shocking monologue on this record.

Among its tracks, “Square Dance,” the fifth song, is one I want people to listen to today.

It wasn’t released as a single and may have the status of a hidden gem, but its lyrics mainly address the events of 9/11 in 2001 and the subsequent U.

S.

-led War on Terror.

While employing language that’s extreme and laced with black humor, he incisively cuts into the darker side of power—very much in line with Eminem at the time.

The reality of early-2000s America may sound even heavier to our ears in 2022 than ever before.

It’s a different kind of anti-war song, but precisely because we live in such a tumultuous era, I hope people will give it a fresh listen.

Hey Hey Rise Up (feat. Andriy Khlyvnyuk of Boombox)Pink Floyd

Pink Floyd – Hey Hey Rise Up (feat. Andriy Khlyvnyuk of Boombox)

The charity song “Hey Hey Rise Up (feat.

Andriy Khlyvnyuk of Boombox)” was created to support the people of Ukraine during wartime.

Produced in 2022 by the English rock band Pink Floyd, it features vocals by Andriy Khlyvnyuk, a member of the Ukrainian band Boombox.

David Gilmour, Pink Floyd’s vocalist, hopes for a swift end to the war and took action to express support for Ukraine.

It is an anti-war song filled with the message: “Let’s support those suffering from the war across the world!”