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Oct 31, 2023 · Starr admitted that “War” was a “touchy song” at the time of its release and a “very hard” situation to navigate with the assertive stance of the lyrics being anti-war during a time when...
- Cillea Houghton
- 3 min
- Staff Writer
- Betty Clements
- Who wrote the song “War”? War was written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, two talented songwriters and producers. They collaborated to create this powerful track that has become an enduring anthem.
- When was the song released? The song was released in 1970, during a tumultuous period marked by social and political unrest, with the Vietnam War in full swing.
- What inspired the creation of the song? The creators of War were deeply influenced by the ongoing Vietnam War, which claimed countless lives and divided public opinion.
- Why did the song become such a popular anthem? War struck a chord with listeners due to its powerful lyrics and stirring delivery by Edwin Starr. Its message resonated with a generation that sought peace and questioned the reasons behind warfare.
Dec 21, 2023 · Measured against The Temptations’ original, Starr’s bristling vocal and ad-libs raged like a polemic shouted through a megaphone at a protest. Starr’s War stayed at No.1 in the US for three weeks and never left the public consciousness.
The lyrics of “War” convey a powerful anti-war message. It vehemently declares that war is absolutely useless and destructive. The repetition of the line “War, huh, yeah. What is it good for? Absolutely nothing!” emphasizes the point that war brings nothing but pain, suffering, and death.
- War & Peace (1970)
- June 10, 1970
- Edwin Starr
- Norman Whitfield, Barrett Strong
Starr began his career recording for Ric-Tic Records, a Detroit label that was a rival to Motown. In 1968, Motown bought Ric-Tic, which gave Starr access to their writers and producers. This is a protest song about the Vietnam War, although it makes a broader statement of the need for harmony in our everyday lives.
'Cause it means destruction of innocent lives. War means tears to thousands of mothers' eyes. When their sons go out to fight and lose their lives. I said. [Hook] (War, huh) Good God...
War, I despise. 'Cause it means destruction of innocent lives. War means tears to thousands of mother's eyes. When their sons go off to fight. And lose their lives. I said, war, huh (good God, y'all)
