# War Song iMix **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [January 19, 2007, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-song-imix/388556 "2007-01-19T04:00:43Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Drake\_Tungsten](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/51bf81/32.png) [@Drake\_Tungsten](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drake_Tungsten)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2007, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-song-imix/388556/1 "2007-01-19T04:00:43Z")
I’m looking to put together a playlist or mix tape or iMix - whatever the kids are calling it made up of songs about war. I’m looking for a mix of songs from a variety of eras, perspectives, and music styles. I will start the list with the fantastic “Day After Tomorrow” by Tom Waits. ---
**Author:** ![Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e47c2d/32.png) [@Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biffy_the_Elephant_Shrew)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2007, 4:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-song-imix/388556/2 "2007-01-19T04:04:14Z")
[QUOTE=Drake Tungsten] I will start the list with the fantastic “Day After Tomorrow” by Tom Waits. [/QUOTE] You may start the list with it, but you should _end_ the mix with it. The opening song of the mix should be “war” by Edwin Starr. Good god, y’all. ---
**Author:** ![Twoflower](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/twoflower/32/22_2.png) [@Twoflower](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Twoflower)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2007, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-song-imix/388556/3 "2007-01-19T04:12:21Z")
It can’t be considered complete unless it includes County Joe & the Fish’s _Feel Like I’m Fixing to Die Rag_ Oh it’s one, two three what are we marching for? Don’t ask me I don’t give a damn, next stop is Vietnam … ---
**Author:** ![interface2x](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/c0e974/32.png) [@interface2x](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/interface2x)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2007, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-song-imix/388556/4 "2007-01-19T04:12:48Z")
How about a couple by **VNV Nation**? The three notables for this type of compilation being: “Chosen” (spoken word) > [@](#): > > The earthquake, burying a whole people beneath the ruins of their houses; the river in spate, sweeping away the bodies of drowned peasants, together with the carcasses of cattle and rafters torn from roofs; and the victorious army slaughtering all who resist, making prisoners of the rest, looting by right of the sword, and thanking their god to the sound of cannon. “Procession” > [@](#): > > One day we’ll see our names in stone where fires burn. > The great who silent stood among you, never praised nor never known. > Our thoughts defined the passing days. Sensed the spirit, seized the age. > After all these years to dream again. Like smiling children with faces raised. > Cheering their path. Tomorrow’s glory days. > > …and we who were so scorned, will always wish to make their end. > Our words to still their voice. Our hands to break their worthless necks. “Honour” > [@](#): > > Stand your ground this is what we are fighting for. > For our spirit and laws and ways. > Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war. > For heaven or hell we shall not wait. > Shall I think of honour as lies > or lament it’s aged slow demise? > Shall I stand as a total stranger > on this day in this stone chamber? For full lyrics, check out [this page](http://www.songlyricscollection.com/v/VNV%20Nation/praise-the-fallen/ptf2012%20lyrics.htm). Beware, though, thar be popups. ---
**Author:** ![Drake\_Tungsten](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/51bf81/32.png) [@Drake\_Tungsten](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drake_Tungsten)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2007, 4:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-song-imix/388556/5 "2007-01-19T04:40:32Z")
interface2x, those are great, this is the first time I’ve read those lyrics. Thanks for the heads up. Folks, these are a good start. Any to fill the Dire Straits “Brothers in Arms” category? What about more hip-hop, country (anything from the last 50 years), or some of those angry fellows from the indy and punk crowds. ---
**Author:** ![JThunder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e95f7d/32.png) [@JThunder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JThunder)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2007, 4:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-song-imix/388556/6 "2007-01-19T04:44:21Z")
[QUOTE=Drake Tungsten] I’m looking to put together a playlist or mix tape or iMix - whatever the kids are calling it made up of songs about war. [/QUOTE] So, what is it good for? ---
**Author:** ![Drake\_Tungsten](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/51bf81/32.png) [@Drake\_Tungsten](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drake_Tungsten)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2007, 4:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-song-imix/388556/7 "2007-01-19T04:50:00Z")
While sources go on the record with: “absolutely nothing”, I prefer “War is good for the setting for a variety of video games.” ---
**Author:** ![Snooooopy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ee7513/32.png) [@Snooooopy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snooooopy)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2007, 4:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-song-imix/388556/8 "2007-01-19T04:51:26Z")
Pink Floyd’s “When The Tigers Broke Free.” ---
**Author:** ![RandMcnally](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/b782af/32.png) [@RandMcnally](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RandMcnally)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2007, 4:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-song-imix/388556/9 "2007-01-19T04:53:14Z")
[QUOTE=Drake Tungsten] interface2x, those are great, this is the first time I’ve read those lyrics. Thanks for the heads up. Folks, these are a good start. Any to fill the Dire Straits “Brothers in Arms” category? What about more hip-hop, country (anything from the last 50 years), or some of those angry fellows from the indy and punk crowds. [/QUOTE] Country: “If I Don’t Make It Back” - Tracy Lawrence “I Just Got Back From A War” - Darryl Worley “8th of November” - Big and Rich “Traveling Soldier” - Dixie Chicks Chances are that none of these are what you’re looking for, but that’s all I got. ---
**Author:** ![Drake\_Tungsten](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/51bf81/32.png) [@Drake\_Tungsten](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drake_Tungsten)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2007, 5:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-song-imix/388556/10 "2007-01-19T05:01:25Z")
No, those are good. Keep thinking outside the box. More Dixie Chicks and less Big and Rich. (Not necessarily message, just better music. Big and Rich hurt my head.) ---
**Author:** ![Airman\_Doors\_USAF](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e36b37/32.png) [@Airman\_Doors\_USAF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Airman_Doors_USAF)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2007, 5:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-song-imix/388556/11 "2007-01-19T05:04:36Z")
_Alice’s Restaurant_- Arlo Guthrie _The Unknown Soldier_- The Doors _War_- Edwin Starr ---
**Author:** ![Spoke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e57/32.png) [@Spoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoke)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2007, 5:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-song-imix/388556/12 "2007-01-19T05:10:11Z")
“[Fortunate Son](http://www.lyricsfreak.com/c/creedence+clearwater+revival/fortunate+son_20034362.html)” - **Creedence Clearwater Revival** “[Shipbuilding](http://www.lyricsfreak.com/e/elvis+costello/shipbuilding_20047609.html)” - **Elvis Costello** (From the perspective of shipyard workers. War is good for business, but “Is it worth it?”) “[And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda](http://www.lyricsfreak.com/p/pogues/and+the+band+played+waltzing+matilda_20109782.html)” - **Eric Bogle** (or a nice cover by **The Pogues** ) [“Rumours of War”](http://www.billybragg.co.uk/releases/albums/dont_try_this/dont14.html) - **Billy Bragg** [“Everywhere”](http://www.billybragg.co.uk/releases/albums/dont_try_this/dont3.html) - \*\*Billy Bragg \*\* (About boyhood friends, one of whom is Japanese-American, and their divergent experiences during WW2) And for **nuclear** war, there’s: “[99 Red Balloons](http://www.lyricsfreak.com/n/nena/99+red+balloons_10191376.html)” - **Nena** “[Seconds](http://www.lyricsfreak.com/u/u2/seconds_20141620.html)” - **U2** “[Russians](http://www.lyricsfreak.com/s/sting/russians_20132086.html)” - **Sting** “[It’s a Mistake](http://www.lyricsfreak.com/m/men+at+work/its+a+mistake_20091735.html)” - **Men at Work** “[Everyday Is Like Sunday](http://www.lyricsfreak.com/m/morrissey/everyday+is+like+sunday_20096007.html)” - **Morrissey** > [@Drake Tungsten](#): > > Any to fill the Dire Straits “Brothers in Arms” category? Well, there’s Billy Bragg’s “[Tender Comrade](http://www.billybragg.co.uk/releases/albums/workers_playtime/work3.html)” (These particular comrades get a little, er, _“closer”_ than most.) ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2007, 5:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-song-imix/388556/13 "2007-01-19T05:19:57Z")
I’m amazed it’s taken so long for anyone to mention it, but you absolutely must have Holst’s “Mars”. Yeah, it’s all instrumental, but at the same time, there’s no doubt at all what it’s about. And what I know best is Irish folk, so I’ll also mention “By the Rising of the Moon” and “Henry Joy” (both of which, I think, have been sung by Johnny Makem). And in the “War is Hell” category, there’s “Willie McBride (No Man’s Land)” and “And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda”, both of which I think were done by the Pogues. ---
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2007, 5:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-song-imix/388556/14 "2007-01-19T05:30:07Z")
[For What It’s Worth](http://www.stlyrics.com/lyrics/forrestgump/forwhatitsworth.htm) - Buffalo Springfield [Khe Sanh](http://www.coldchisel.com.au/l1_khesahn.html) - Cold Chisel [I Was Only 19](http://www.hotlyrics.net/lyrics/R/Redgum/I_Was_Only_19.html) - Redgum ---
**Author:** ![Spoke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e57/32.png) [@Spoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoke)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2007, 5:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-song-imix/388556/15 "2007-01-19T05:33:01Z")
A few more: “[What’s Goin’ On?](http://www.lyricsfreak.com/m/marvin+gaye/whats+goin+on_20340769.html)” - **Marvin Gaye** “[Gun Shy](http://www.lyricsfreak.com/1/10000+maniacs/gun+shy_20000042.html)” - **10,000 Maniacs** “[Galveston](http://www.lyricsfreak.com/g/glen+campbell/galveston_20205877.html)” - **Glen Campbell** “[Children’s Crusade](http://www.lyricsfreak.com/s/sting/childrens+crusade_20132080.html)” - **Sting** (The lost generation of World War One as metaphor for heroin addicts.) “[The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down](http://www.lyricsfreak.com/b/band/the+night+they+drove+old+dixie+down_20012332.html)” - **The Band** “[If I Had a Rocket Launcher](http://www.lyricsfreak.com/b/bruce+cockburn/if+i+had+a+rocket+launcher_20194266.html)” - **Bruce Cockburn** (Guatemala’s civil war.) ---
**Author:** ![Sam\_Stone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Sam\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sam_Stone)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2007, 5:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-song-imix/388556/16 "2007-01-19T05:33:58Z")
And for some old-time goodness, “The Battle of New Orleans” by Johnny Horton. Two from John Prine: **Sam Stone** - about a Vietnam vet with a monkey on his back **Your Flag Decal Won’t Get You Into Heaven Anymore** - because it’s already overcrowded from your dirty little war… How about **The Ballad of the Green Berets** by Staff Sgt. Barry Sadler? Warren Zevon has **Veracruz** , about the Spanish-American war, **Roland The Headless Thompson Gunner** , and **Jungle Work** - the latter two about mercenaries. Great songs, all. Oh, and **Renegade** is told from the perspective of a loser of the American Civil War. ---
**Author:** ![St\_Ides](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ccd318/32.png) [@St\_Ides](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/St_Ides)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2007, 5:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-song-imix/388556/17 "2007-01-19T05:47:00Z")
War Pigs - Black Sabbath BYOB - System of a Down - More of a modern anti-war, civilian POV. System of a Down has quite a few war-related songs When Ya Get Drafted - Dead Kennedys. Cold-war era punk. Awesome. Aces High - Iron Maiden - About flying a Spitfire during WW2 (Maiden’s singer is an airline pilot in his spare time) Run to the Hills is another good song - it involves indians. Nautical Disaster - Tragically Hip - Generally thought to be about the tragic [Dieppe Raid](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dieppe_Raid) during WW2. Not all the facts are right, but it’s told from the perspective of the narrator recalling a rather chilling dream. Awesome song from a great band. ---
**Author:** ![Spoke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e57/32.png) [@Spoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoke)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2007, 5:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-song-imix/388556/18 "2007-01-19T05:56:37Z")
More: “[19](http://www.80smusiclyrics.com/artists/paulhardcastle.htm)” - **Paul Hardcastle** “[Still in Saigon](http://www.k-state.edu/english/nelp/american.studies.s98/still.in.saigon.html)” - **Charlie Daniels Band** “[Born in the USA](http://www.lyricsfreak.com/b/bruce+springsteen/born+in+the+u+s+a_20024969.html)” - **Bruce Springsteen** “[Spanish Bombs](http://www.lyricsfreak.com/c/clash/spanish+bombs_20031945.html)” - **The Clash** (Spanish civil War.) **Old school** : “[Over There](http://www.firstworldwar.com/audio/overthere.htm)” - World War I hit, written by George M. Cohan, and performed by various artists. “[When Johnny Comes Marching Home](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/When_Johnny_Comes_Marching_Home)” and on a lighter note… “[Boogie Wooogie Bugle Boy](http://www.minibite.com/oldies/boogiewoogie.htm)” - **The Andrews Sisters** (Covered in the 70s by **Bette Midler**.) ---
**Author:** ![Monkey\_Chews](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/65b543/32.png) [@Monkey\_Chews](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monkey_Chews)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2007, 6:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-song-imix/388556/19 "2007-01-19T06:09:38Z")
I’ll second the Australian classic “Khe San” by Cold Chisel (available for a listen on thier myspace page). Also “Cambodia” by Kim Wilde. ---
**Author:** ![straykat23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c4cdca/32.png) [@straykat23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/straykat23)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2007, 6:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-song-imix/388556/20 "2007-01-19T06:17:41Z")
[Eve of Destruction](http://artists.letssingit.com/barry-mcguire-eve-of-destruction-s1m88lj) - Barry McGuire (Vietnam era) > [@](#): > > The eastern world, it is exploding > Violence flarin’, bullets loadin’ > You’re old enough to kill, but not for votin’ > You don’t believe in war, but what’s that gun you’re totin’ > And even the Jordan River has bodies floatin’ > > But you tell me > Over and over and over again, my friend > Ah, you don’t believe > We’re on the eve > of destruction [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-song-imix/388556.md?page=2)