Songs That Changed the World--The Most Important Songs of the Rock Era: "War" by Edwin Starr

Released at the height of the Vietnam War in 1970, this song was originally slated to be recorded by the Temptations but they were unsure about being that vocal against the war.  So, Edwin Starr volunteered and it became a huge hit for him.  Probably one of the most popular antiwar songs of all-time.

"War"

by Edwin Starr

Written By Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong

War... (huh!) Yeah! What is it good for? Absolutely... (nothin'!) Uh huh uh hu-uh. War... (huh!) Yeah! What is it good for? Absolutely... (nothin'!) Say it again y'all. War... (huh!) Look out! What is it good for? Absolutely... (nothin'!) Listen to me. Ahhh war... I despise, cause it means destruction of innocent life. War means tears to thousands of mothers' eyes, when their sons go off to fight and lose their lives. I said, war... (huh!) Good God y'all. What is it good for? Absolutely... (nothin'!) Say it again. War... (huh!) Whoa whoa whoa Lord. What is it good for? Absolutely... (nothin'!) Listen to me. War... It ain't nothin' but a heart breaker. War... Friend only, to the undertaker. Ahhh war... is an enemy to all mankind. The thought of war blows my mind. War has caused unrest within the younger generation. Induction, then destruction. Who wants to die? Ahhh war... (huh!) Good God y'all. What is it good for? Absolutely... (nothin'!) Say it, say it, say it. War... (huh!) Uh huh yeah, huh! What is it good for? Absolutely... (nothin'!) Listen to me. War... It ain't nothin' but a heart breaker. War... Its got one friend, that's the undertaker. Ahhh war... has shattered, many a young man's dreams. Made him disabled, bitter and mean. Life is but too short and precious, it's been fighting wars each day. War can't give life, it can only take it away. Ahhh war... (huh!) Good God y'all. What is it good for? Absolutely... (nothin'!) Say it again. War... (huh!) Whoa whoa whoa Lord. What is it good for? Absolutely... (nothin'!) Listen to me. War... It ain't nothin' but a heart breaker. War... Friend only, to the undertaker. wooo Peace, love and understanding, tell me Is there no place for them today? They say we must fight, to keep our freedom, but Lord knows there's got to be a better way. Ahhh war... (huh!) Good God y'all. What is it good for? You tell 'em. (nothin'!) Say it, say it, say it, say it. War... (huh!) Good God now, huh! What is it good for? Stand up and shout it. (nothin'!)... [FADE OUT]