Pacifism Through Music. #3

Inspired by a previous blog post, I noticed that anti-war is a common message in the media, not only now, but through the history of the world. As a musician, I connect to more lyrical things, so I divulged into songs that portrayed this message. Living in a war that always has been in conflict, there is a heavy belief that it is immoral and creates no solutions for either side. From the civil war to the war on terror, there are 1000s of songs that tell a story of war in different lights from different perspectives, but meet at the same conclusion of war destroying lives. How is it that over time the brutality of war is shown, but we still paint a pretty picture that it is right and a necessity. If you see an ad for the military, it shows that anyone is capable of protecting their country, no matter their skill set, yet the mist over the death and massacre that combat creates. The opposing view through popular music is creates a perspective that is closer to reality, oddly enough, even though we can only paint a picture in our heads through the words and rhythms.

Although this movement of pacifism seems to be strongest through the Vietnam War, followed by the War on Terror, this is a message that is strong and can be supported over time.

Metallica- One

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WM8bTdBs-cw

James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich wrote ‘One’ based on Dalton Trumbo’s 1939 book, ‘Johnny Got His Gun.’ The song tells the story of a World War I soldier who has lost his eyes, ears, mouth and limbs. However, his mind remains intact, leaving him a prisoner in what remains of his body. Hetfield growls the thoughts of this wounded veteran, while the song’s furious finale conveys his anger and desperation as he prays for death.

Edwin Starr - War (What Is It Good For?)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bX7V6FAoTLc

There aren't too many protest songs that also managed to become No. 1 hit records, but Edwin Starr’s anti-Vietnam rant achieved this feat in 1970. Starr channeled his inner James Brown in order to shout and shriek the lyrics, while it was produced to be one of the hardest-rocking Motown singles with prominent guitar and propulsive percussion. Bruce Springsteen revived the song during his Born in the U.S.A. tour, and eventually released his live version as a single, which hit the Top 10 in 1985.

The Band- The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jREUrbGGrgM

Robbie Robertson wrote this Civil War song after becoming curious about the history of the war from his many tours through the American south. With help from Levon Helm (the Band’s sole American and Southerner), Robertson treated the lyrics like a book report and went to the library. The result was nothing short of extraordinary was a song that conveys the weary pride of the Confederate states via carefully chosen words and a beautifully anguished vocal from Helm.