Edwin Starr – War

 Now that’s a song that needs no introduction, or perhaps more accurately, a song that introduced itself with such a bang, it continues to resonate across generations. Released in 1970, amidst the social and political turmoil of the Vietnam War, “War” became an instant anthem, a clarion call against violence and a plea for peace.

But to truly appreciate the impact of “War,” we need to delve a little deeper. While Edwin Starr became synonymous with the song, it was originally written and composed by the songwriting duo of Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong for another Motown powerhouse, The Temptations. The Temptations’ version, however, remained unreleased, paving the way for Starr to take the reins and truly make the song his own.

Starr, a seasoned performer with a powerful, soulful voice, brought a raw energy and conviction to the song. The opening line, a stark question delivered with a touch of disbelief – “War, what is it good for? Absolutely nothin’!” – is as iconic as it is simple. It’s a statement, a challenge, and a mantra all rolled into one.

The song doesn’t dwell on the abstract concept of war. Whitfield’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of the battlefield’s devastation, the mothers’ grief, and the hollowness of victory. Lines like “Brother to brother, mother cries.” and “See the children running for their lives.” evoke a sense of horror and pathos, forcing the listener to confront the human cost of war.

But “War” is not just a lament. It’s a call to action. The powerful, almost gospel-like chorus, punctuated by Starr’s impassioned vocals, demands a response: “Talk it out, it’s going to be alright.“. It’s a plea for diplomacy, for communication, for anything but the senseless violence that war perpetuates.

The success of “War” transcended the charts. It became a rallying cry for the anti-war movement, a powerful symbol of resistance against a seemingly intractable conflict. Even today, decades after its release, “War” remains a potent reminder of the human cost of armed conflict and the enduring hope for peace. It’s a song that transcends genre and era, a timeless testament to the power of music to speak truth to power and stir the soul.

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Lyrics

“War”