War Lyrics
What is it good for?
Absolutely nothing (Uh-huh, yeah)
What is it good for?
Absolutely nothing (say it again, y'all)
What is it good for?
Absolutely Nothing (Listen to me)
Cause it means destruction of innocent lives
War means tears in thousands of mothers' eyes
When their sons go out to fight
And lose their lives
(War)
Friend only to the undertaker
The thought of war blows my mind
War has caused unrest within the younger generation
Induction, then destruction
Who wants to die?
It's got one friend, that's the undertaker
Made him disabled, bitter and mean
Life is much too short and precious
To spend fighting wars these days
War can't give life, it can only take it away
(War)
Friend only to the undertaker
Is there no place for everyday?
They say we must fight to keep our freedom
But Lord, there's just got to be a better way

Obviously protesting the vietnam war! Pretty much what it says.. what is war good for? Killing loved ones and causing destruction

This song is amazin' and so true of the times
Most of the times you dont have to fight it's called diplomatics and peace plus making an umbreakable wall around you is not fighting
Most of the times you dont have to fight it's called diplomatics and peace plus making an umbreakable wall around you is not fighting

No one has to fight for their freedom. There IS another way. And the more people refuse to go to war, the better off humanity will be. I take my hat off to all of those brave souls who refuse to participate in the conflicts of the nations. Those who realize that there is a better way, that war is not inevitable, and that there is no such thing as a "just war." Violence only perpetuates violence. A nation founded by bloodshed only guarantees the continuation of warfare - until enough brave souls stand up and refuse to participate.
I'm reminded of a quote: "When you kill a man to defend an idea, you don't defend an idea. You kill a man." Whether that idea is freedom, democracy, or anything else, it's true. You cannot justify the murder of another individual, and there is ALWAYS another way to stop tyranny. The alternative often seems more difficult - but it's worth it. Contrary to popular perception, pacifism is the harder route - but it's also the far more humane, and moral. And just.
Anyways -
This is an absolutely fantastic song, and one of my favorite of all protest/anti-war songs. And unlike some of the songs from the Vietnam era, this is absolutely timeless. I also really like the versions by The Temptations and Bruce Springsteen.

Oh, war has shattered many young man's dreams Made him disabled, bitter and mean Life is much too short and precious To spend fighting wars these days War can't give life, it can only take it away
Excellent lyrics, they really just send chills down my spine.

Which times? or is that moot, for is it true for all times?

its true for pretty much all occasions in war, both sides can say rightfully that anytime this song is right.

Why does anyone have to fight for freedom? You don't have to waste your brain cells on God. Maybe it would be possible for people to just decide to treat each other with respect and dignity and not attempt to control each other with stupid BS religion and live in peace and have freedom without any wars.
yes that's because none of the people could make people cause they cant think
yes that's because none of the people could make people cause they cant think
and because our leaders well some are fails i dont even know all of 'em
and because our leaders well some are fails i dont even know all of 'em
and because our leaders well some are fails i dont even know all of 'em
and because our leaders well some are fails i dont even know all of 'em

WAR HUH YEAH! god i love that line so much. the lyrics are so true. protesting the vietnam war. can basically be used for any war, there is a better way, maybe, i dunno if u guys were taught this, but i was taught that fighting doesnt get you anywhere, its better to talk and resolve the problem, i think all world leaders fighting deserve a good whipping, mainly bush.

I love this song! It definitely blows away the stereotype that pacifists are wimpy, especially after hearing those vehement grunts in the chorus. I totally agree with the lyrics. Too bad they are just as applicable today as they were during the Vietnam war. I'd love to rally a group and go sing this to President Bush, as well as any young man under 30 who's thinking of joining the army (including my boyfriend, too bad he probably wouldn't listen). All war does is damage people's psyches, leaving those who fight with physical injuries that may never heal, as well as nightmares and paranoia for the rest of their lives. Edwin's got it right.

The three of clubs and very surprised Thumbelina In gardens of reflection A heart is a harp strummed by the glance of a little girl The vision scatters I am in the middle—hung in a cage Blind I walk and do not move forward I am surrounded by a silent conclave of puppet buffoons Buzzard terrorists, sawing mandibles, ventriloquist angels They are burning in the bed of mirrors Seated on a throne of glances The iceman whistles shadows and light Letters rot in the mail boxes Obstinate cars go by The high electric fruit—it casts no shadow as dense as silence It darkens There is no one in the street now Not even this dog One day the streetlights will explode
[paraphrased poetry]