Ten Great Peace Movement Songs

Long gone are the anti-war protests that were cause for great social conflict in America during the 1960’s. Even longer gone is any semblance of peace movements. With few exceptions, gone are the singers and songwriter willing to be the inspiration to lead the citizens of the world against a raging military industrial complex. With multiple wars to fight in its quest for global domination of a fast disappearing natural resource, America is wrapped up in its insatiable desire to consume all things meaningless.

So wrapped up are we in consumption that we’ve lost our ability to think clearly, to tell our so-called leaders, through protests and movements, how wrong it is to invade and set up a military occupation in foreign lands. With a failed foreign policy, the question is where do the next peace movements begin? Where, and who, are the next great writers that will inspire the sheople to become human beings with the long forgotten ability to think for themselves?

1 - Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind” was written in 1962 by a then 21 year old singer-songwriter and is #14 in Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. Where are the voices of today’s comparable 21 year olds? Perhaps a better question is where are today’s comparable 21 year olds?

2 - Among all his great hits, John Lennon’s “Give Peace A Chance” became an anthem for the peace conflict associated with the anti war movement, inspiring hundreds of thousands of people across the globe, making him one of the international peace movement’s leading figures.

3 - Everyone remembers Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks and her comment regarding the group being “...ashamed the President of the United States is from Texas.” Spoken at a concert in London, the words sent shock waves throughout the Republican led establishment and their mindless followers. The pathetic and sad treatment ensued. Blacklisted by the music industry, surviving the insipid threats directed their way, they stood tall.  Then they bounced back with "Not Ready to Make Nice", showing their spine, their talent, and an ability to lead.  Along with another great example of the pen being mightier than the sword.

4 - The folk music that is associated with Pete Seeger was once considered “poison” by our government and some of his early work was “in bad taste,” according to Eleanor Roosevelt. Blacklisted by that very government, thanks to a 1957 contempt of Congress indictment, he has proven over and over that the pen is indeed mightier than the sword and just how cowardly fearful our government is of those who can lead through song. Pete Seeger, more of an icon than any elected politician, is the consummate American hero. His "Bring 'em Home" was one of the great pro-peace songs to come out of the Viet Nam era.

5 - Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Fortunate Son” delivered the anti-war message in this raw and edgy song that carries its strong message into the 21st century. Hard hitting, the stills in the music video are eloquent in showing the absurdities of war.

6 - It’s rather ironic that in this country of great freedom we still judge someone on their looks. Or their name. Yusuf Islam, with a longer beard and a long forgotten recording artist name, experienced first-hand the results of our diminished freedoms, thanks to the fear-induced administration at the beginning of the 21st century. Still, with a bag of lemons, he made a lemon pound cake. This new version of "Peace Train" sounds as good today as it did when it first came out.

7 - Dion’s “Abraham, Martin, and John” is a sad reminder of our government’s fear of freedom for the citizens.

8 - With a band name derived from leftist politics, Country Joe and the Fish began their protest songs in 1965 and were on the charts by 1967. “I-Feel-Like-I’m-Fixin’-to-Die Rag” was one of the great Woodstock performances.

9 - One of Canada’s great talents, Neil Young has been active and vocal in his political and environmental beliefs throughout his career. Overcoming numerous obstacles in his personal life, he is the shining star in leading by example.

10 - No stranger to great songwriting and stage presence, Bruce Springsteen has also been a vocal opponent to much of what is wrong in America today, specifically of the Bush administration’s failed policies, an endless list of atrocities. He turns his energy loose in this cover of "War".  

It’s a sad day in America that we must go to YouTube in order to find war footage in music videos rather than from within the current version of corporate news programming.  For the most part, reminders of war remain suppressed.