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
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
What is it good for
Absolutely nothing, listen to me
Oh, war, I despise
'Cause it means destruction of innocent lives
'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
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
What is it good for
Absolutely nothing say it again
War, whoa, lord
What is it good for
Absolutely nothing, listen to me
What is it good for
Absolutely nothing, listen to me
it ain't nothing but a heart-breaker
(War) friend only to the undertaker
(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
Stand up and shout it, nothing
War, it ain't nothin' but a heartbreaker