Edwin Starr - War

Originally written under the Motown label, War was an anti-Vietnam War protest song, written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong which was recorded by Whitfield and the Temptations in 1969.
War was one of the first Motown songs to make a political statement. The label had always been focused on making hit songs, but around this time Motown artists started releasing songs with social commentary, many of which were written by Whitfield.
 Motown had no intention of releasing it as a single, but many in the protest movement, especially college students, made it clear that the song would be a big hit if it was. Motown head Berry Gordy had other plans for The Temptations and didn't want them associated with such a controversial song, so he had Motown soul singer Edwin Starr record it and his version was released as a single in 1970, Starr didn't have as big a fan base to offend.
 Starr’s powerful vocal delivery brought a real sense of anger and frustration to the recording and
War became one of the most successful protest songs of the 20th century, holding the number one chart position for three weeks. In the wake of this success Starr used his growing profile to criticise American foreign policy in general and the Vietnam War in particular. Whitfield’s lyrics speak of the dishonest futility of war, calling it “the enemy of all mankind” and a “friend only to the undertaker.
 ‘War’ deservedly won the Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance, and went on to  on to emphasise the power of its message to future generations.
A song that will never stop being powerful and relevant  especially since Donald Trump decided to start off the year with an unnecessary war with Iran. May this primal anti-war song long continue to move our hearts.

 Lyrics:

War, huh, yeah
What is it good for
Absolutely nothing
War, huh, yeah
What is it good for
Absolutely nothing
Say it again, why'all

War, huh, good god
What is it good for
Absolutely nothing, listen to me

Oh, war, I despise
'Cause it means destruction of innocent lives

War means tears to thousands of mothers eyes
When their sons go to fight
And lose their lives

I said, war, huh good god, why'all
What is it good for
Absolutely nothing say it again

War, whoa, lord
What is it good for
Absolutely nothing, listen to me

it ain't nothing but a heart-breaker
(War) friend only to the undertaker

Oh, war has shattered many young man's dreams

Made him disabled bitter and mean 

Life is much to short and precious to spend fighting wars these days 

War can't give life it can only take it away, ooh

War, huh, good God y'all 

What is it good for? 

Absolutely nothing, say it again 

War, whoa, Lord What is it good for?

Absolutely nothing, listen to me

War, it ain't nothin' but a heartbreaker 

War, friend only to the undertaker

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

War, huh, good God y'all 

What is it good for?

You tell 'em, say it,say it, say it, say it

War, good Lord, huh 

What is it good for?
Stand up and shout it, nothing 

War, it ain't nothin' but a heartbreaker