This was one of the most powerful anti war songs to come out at the height of VietNam (1969). There was no benefit to Thousands of boys who died in this useless war. Why doesn't anyone make songs like this - we have become so immune to the horror of war.
Edwin Starr took "War" to number one in the charts in 1970 while the Vietnam War raged and the United States remained wracked with protests against it. His vocals are powerful and his message irrefutable. Bruce Springsteen often covered the song in concert back in the eighties. He released a single of a live recording and took the song back to the top ten in 1986. He would often talk about the Vietnam War in the banter he used to introduce the song before turning it into a protest against American involvement in the civil wars in El Salvador and Nicaragua.
The world can hear it, but the men who start wars don't care . You cannot reason with an unreasonable mind ...they are never going to see their actions are wrong .
Everything about this song is fire!! His voice is perfect for this song and it's message. The music is sort of chaotic which is what war is. This is close to a perfectly produced song.
This was one of the great anti-war protest songs of its day. And it was covered by several other artists, which brought it back to the Top40 more than once. This was by far Starr's greatest hit, although he had a rather productive career, producing over a dozen albums. Another great protest song, from near the same time, with very deep lyrics would be "War Pigs" by Black Sabbath. Also well worth a listen.
1970 was a really good year for Anti-War songs: "War", "Ohio", "War Pigs" come immediately to mind. I remember being in Junior High and dancing to this song, hard. We knew there was a war going on in Viet Nam, but we just thought it was a really cool song. We didn't really think about the words, just the way Edwin Starr sounded, we just rocked out to it. Later, we figured it out for real.
I like everything you're saying, I'd just like to suggest a slightly different way to frame you first sentence: 1970 was a terrible year for humanity, and these powerful works of art allowed people to rally around something positive. Ideally, there would never be another "really good year for anti-war songs." Hopefully we won't need them one day.
I can't help thinking about Elaine on Seinfeld singing this in the limousine when I hear this song.😆 This has to be one of the most famously known chorus of all time. Most people may not have heard the whole song but they surely know the chorus.
“Although one wonders if Tolstoy’s "War and Peace" would have been as highly acclaimed as it was if it was published under its original name "War: What Is It Good For?" - Elaine Benes
Hilarious! It's my favorite episode: "The Marine Biologist" -- sub-plot: Jerry tricks Elaine into thinking "War & Peace" was originally titled "War, what is it good for?" and she makes a total fool of herself. I think of that episode every time I hear this song.
You have to picture all of us listening to the AM radio in the car with our parents or friends,or at home where we all listened mostly to the same few stations, hearing the opening drum roll and then WAR coming out. It was 🤯
Such a passionate peformance and one of the greatest anti-war protest songs ever.Edwin Starr's amazing Gospel infused vocal style really sends the message home.Check out his other classic '25 miles''.
This is one reason I love reaction videos. Younger people would never hear about most of bands/ singers. Just like Edwin passed in 2003. We've lost so many over the years Bob Marley in 81 Jerry Garcia in 95 Ben E King in 2015
Another song about the Vietnam war. Artists and Bands put out hundreds of them during the 60s and early 70s. This one hit you right in the face! I think this fellow was a "One Hit Wonder," but what an impression he made with his one and only hit. Everyone remembers this song. I was 14 years old. I'm 67 now, so it was 53 years ago. Time just flies right by.
I'm 65 and even at that time I knew Vietnam was a horrible crime unfolding in extreme and excruciating slow motion and America and Australia had no business being there. My family was awake to the shit and when My Lai massacre hit the news we had known for years that the Vietnam war was jus one big atrocity. And then the soldiers came back all fucked up and those that weren't had spent their 13 months back in the rear with the gear like the pogue REMFs they were. Was only poh white southerners, Blacks and Latinos doing the fighting in the front line. 'The rich man in his castle, the poor man at his gate, He made them High or lowly, and ordered their estate.' Rich man's war, poor man's fight. As King said in Platoon 'Everybody know...Da' po' always bein' fucked ova by da' rich. Always have...Always will.' Yep, seems like yesterday.
Most of your reactions are on my private playlist, so You're getting some of the best songs and bands throughout the history of this past 50+ years. Great job, because music can broaden your concept and knowledge to new heights. Blessings to you on your journey.
Had this one among my 45 collection, which I regretfully traded off to a guy back in the 80's for a warm spot to store my motorcycle one Winter. I loved any artist that put that kind of emotion into their art.
I sing this all the time when I hear it my daughter knows this song and now my grandchildren know this song by heart thank you for the flashback to the Past😊😊😊❤
I saw him do this Live in Brighton UK in the 80's as support to Stevie Wonder, the place erupted when the first line came out " War , what is it good for " , such a powerful current statement. Great choice!
I can't hear this song without thinking of Seinfeld where Jerry convinces Elaine that Tolstoy's War and Peace was originally to be titled "War: What is it Good For?".
i was 9 yrs old when this song came out,and had 2 older brothers who were drafted into the army. i remember my mom marking off the days to when they would come home from basic training. fortunately they were never called up for military duty,but that possibility loomed over their heads until the viet nam war ended a few years later. so even though they didn't see actual combat,the realization that they could be called up at any time weighed heavy on our family. those were some scary times for the whole country to be sure.
We had this (a phenomenal song), Fortunate Son (CCR) and What’s Goin’ On (Marvin Gaye). Thst should have been enough for this lifetime and the next. But it wasn’t. Thank you Biz!
I was going to ask you to play this song, but I see you have. I protested the Vietnam War and we played this song. My brother was drafted and who knew I would marry a Vietnam Veteran 😮
damb 🔥 ...The war in question would have been the Vietnam war which was very different from the actions today. People were tired of what seemed an unwinnable war. Including those that were going to be drafted into it and never volunteered to be gun fodder. It was deep.
“War. What is it good for? Good God y’all! What is it good for? Absolutely nothing.” This song is the anthem of every generation before and after. Every living person on earth should hear this song.
Great reaction! You should do Edwin Starr's song "Easin' In". The base line has been sampled for a number of different rap songs - Ice T's "High Rollers" and Tone Loc's "Loc-ed After Dark" come to mind, for example.
I was in the 60s and it was so unnecessary. I thank every single Veteran I see. I had a man. started talking a bit about how he was proud to serve but he wouldn't do it for this president and I couldn't help but to agree. I won't get all political on your channel. What a fantastic song man.
I remember as a young girl I would hold an am radio and roller skate everywhere. This song was a strong memory! I was afraid my brother would be drafted! My father made sure he was in college to avoid it. He died of a brain tumor. My father passed in 2020. The deep state did all these wars to make money on both sides! FFS! 😢
While I loved the song then and still do to this day, I did not agree with the disrespect by the protestors, of the soldiers coming home, either on leave or to recover from injury. That was wrong! As for me yeah, I was on the way because of the draft. I got as close as the induction center in OKC, the airbase, but they turned me down because of a health issue at the time. But I would have gone. My father was in Europe during WW2. My uncle was in the Pacific in the Navy. When my uncle got out of the Navy he went right into the Army and went to Korea where he was a POW for 8 hours, rescued by his fellows. He almost lost his arm due to a grenade which went off right next to him. My step dad was in the Army and also went to Korea. My uncle and my step dad each did 26 years of service. I have all my uncle's medals including the Purple Heart he received in Korea. War sucks and I, to this day, don't like seeing our people go to war for others. As we say here in Texas; Y'all be safe.
You damn sure won't hear music like this on the radio, no mo'! You might hurt someone's feelings by telling The Truth. Politicians and Undertakers making cheddar off of greed and the poor.
This was one of the most powerful anti war songs to come out at the height of VietNam (1969).
There was no benefit to Thousands of boys who died in this useless war. Why doesn't anyone make songs like this - we have become so immune to the horror of war.
Well said, Cindy.
So true! My cousin lost his life in Vietnam just two weeks before his 21st birthday 😢
@@leannmiller7153 So very sad. I'm so sorry to hear that about your cousin, LeAnn. He was one of our country's heroes, may he rest in peace.
@@leannmiller7153 So sorry for your family's loss. Tragic.
It's sold as an "Honor" to kill as a problem solving solution. It's not just sad, it's sick.
Edwin Starr took "War" to number one in the charts in 1970 while the Vietnam War raged and the United States remained wracked with protests against it. His vocals are powerful and his message irrefutable. Bruce Springsteen often covered the song in concert back in the eighties. He released a single of a live recording and took the song back to the top ten in 1986. He would often talk about the Vietnam War in the banter he used to introduce the song before turning it into a protest against American involvement in the civil wars in El Salvador and Nicaragua.
I wish the whole world could hear this song
The world can hear it, but the men who start wars don't care . You cannot reason with an unreasonable mind ...they are never going to see their actions are wrong .
Amen!!!!
Anch'io
This song along with “Eve of Destruction” by Barry McGuire and “Fortunate Son” by CCR were all great protest songs from that era.
Everything about this song is fire!! His voice is perfect for this song and it's message. The music is sort of chaotic which is what war is.
This is close to a perfectly produced song.
My Dad died in Vietnam in 1968 and then this came out and blew my mind. Miss you Dad.......
Just as powerful today as it was 53 years ago.
One of the best recordings ever made. Everything about it.
Incredible anti-war song, iconic chorus. Heard in Rush Hour, Jackie Chan signing, lol. Powerful song and message during the Vietnam war.
This was one of the great anti-war protest songs of its day. And it was covered by several other artists, which brought it back to the Top40 more than once. This was by far Starr's greatest hit, although he had a rather productive career, producing over a dozen albums. Another great protest song, from near the same time, with very deep lyrics would be "War Pigs" by Black Sabbath. Also well worth a listen.
1970 was a really good year for Anti-War songs: "War", "Ohio", "War Pigs" come immediately to mind. I remember being in Junior High and dancing to this song, hard. We knew there was a war going on in Viet Nam, but we just thought it was a really cool song. We didn't really think about the words, just the way Edwin Starr sounded, we just rocked out to it. Later, we figured it out for real.
I like everything you're saying, I'd just like to suggest a slightly different way to frame you first sentence: 1970 was a terrible year for humanity, and these powerful works of art allowed people to rally around something positive. Ideally, there would never be another "really good year for anti-war songs." Hopefully we won't need them one day.
I can't help thinking about Elaine on Seinfeld singing this in the limousine when I hear this song.😆 This has to be one of the most famously known chorus of all time. Most people may not have heard the whole song but they surely know the chorus.
“Although one wonders if Tolstoy’s "War and Peace" would have been as highly acclaimed as it was if it was published under its original name "War: What Is It Good For?" - Elaine Benes
Haha, greatr reference.
Hilarious! It's my favorite episode: "The Marine Biologist" -- sub-plot: Jerry tricks Elaine into thinking "War & Peace" was originally titled "War, what is it good for?" and she makes a total fool of herself. I think of that episode every time I hear this song.
You have to picture all of us listening to the AM radio in the car with our parents or friends,or at home where we all listened mostly to the same few stations, hearing the opening drum roll and then WAR coming out. It was 🤯
Wow !!! You took me down that old memory lane with this one. Thank you
Awesome song. Huge message about war. I loved Rush Hour cover. Hysterical
was thinking the same thing !
Such a passionate peformance and one of the greatest anti-war protest songs ever.Edwin Starr's amazing Gospel infused vocal style really sends the message home.Check out his other classic '25 miles''.
Great tune. I was a kid when this came out. A lot of truth in this song.
When I was in Jr. High school (7th grade) this song would play every day on the jukebox during lunch. Great song with a powerful message.
I remember hearing this as I had to go register for the draft. Reality hit home hard!
This is one reason I love reaction videos. Younger people would never hear about most of bands/ singers. Just like Edwin passed in 2003. We've lost so many over the years Bob Marley in 81 Jerry Garcia in 95 Ben E King in 2015
25 Miles from Home is,another killer song from him It will get you moving
Yes, had them pipes! Next for Starr - twenty-five miles - a banger 🔥✌🏼
Agent Double O Soul.
Another song about the Vietnam war. Artists and Bands put out hundreds of them during the 60s and early 70s. This one hit you right in the face! I think this fellow was a "One Hit Wonder," but what an impression he made with his one and only hit. Everyone remembers this song. I was 14 years old. I'm 67 now, so it was 53 years ago. Time just flies right by.
I'm 65 and even at that time I knew Vietnam was a horrible crime unfolding in extreme and excruciating slow motion and America and Australia had no business being there. My family was awake to the shit and when My Lai massacre hit the news we had known for years that the Vietnam war was jus one big atrocity. And then the soldiers came back all fucked up and those that weren't had spent their 13 months back in the rear with the gear like the pogue REMFs they were. Was only poh white southerners, Blacks and Latinos doing the fighting in the front line. 'The rich man in his castle, the poor man at his gate, He made them High or lowly, and ordered their estate.' Rich man's war, poor man's fight. As King said in Platoon 'Everybody know...Da' po' always bein' fucked ova by da' rich. Always have...Always will.' Yep, seems like yesterday.
Edwin Starr was also successful with "Twenty-Five Miles".
Had more hits but War overshadowed them-his other hits include Agent Double O Soul and Twenty Five Miles.
@@reddoxx4754 Yes, he had some great songs but this is my favorite.
The marching footsteps at the end of the song perfectly caps it off brilliantly.
Sang like a boss!!! Brings about a ton of feelings and memories.
Most of your reactions are on my private playlist, so You're getting some of the best songs and bands throughout the history of this past 50+ years.
Great job, because music can broaden your concept and knowledge to new heights.
Blessings to you on your journey.
This one is a power song, message and it builds your spirit up.
He had such a gift at the ability to rally up the crowds, that's for certaiin.
Had this one among my 45 collection, which I regretfully traded off to a guy back in the 80's for a warm spot to store my motorcycle one Winter. I loved any artist that put that kind of emotion into their art.
This needs to be played on the radio right now!
you have to run that past Simon Cowell first.
The great pushers of peace, like Edwin Starr, must be rolling over in their graves at the state of our world.
I sing this all the time when I hear it my daughter knows this song and now my grandchildren know this song by heart thank you for the flashback to the Past😊😊😊❤
I saw him do this Live in Brighton UK in the 80's as support to Stevie Wonder, the place erupted when the first line came out " War , what is it good for " , such a powerful current statement. Great choice!
I can't hear this song without thinking of Seinfeld where Jerry convinces Elaine that Tolstoy's War and Peace was originally to be titled "War: What is it Good For?".
I love this powerful song. So passionate!
i was 9 yrs old when this song came out,and had 2 older brothers who were drafted into the army. i remember my mom marking off the days to when they would come home from basic training. fortunately they were never called up for military duty,but that possibility loomed over their heads until the viet nam war ended a few years later. so even though they didn't see actual combat,the realization that they could be called up at any time weighed heavy on our family. those were some scary times for the whole country to be sure.
“They say we must fight to keep our freedom
But Lord knows there's got to be a better way.”
- Edwin Star
The Draft for the Vietnam War was between December 1969 and January 1973.
We had this (a phenomenal song), Fortunate Son (CCR) and What’s Goin’ On (Marvin Gaye). Thst should have been enough for this lifetime and the next. But it wasn’t. Thank you Biz!
I don't know how you found this classic but I'm happy you did, what a classic.
Classic Song .We Were All Kids Back Then !
A brother of mine speaking truth about War ✊✊🏻✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿
Everybody yelled out the shouted words, singing along with the radio. "Absolutely nothin' -- say it again!"
His other big hit was "Twenty-Five Miles".
also Happy Radio.
He ain't gonna be in Rush hour 3😂great video sir thanks I love this song respect 😊
I was going to ask you to play this song, but I see you have. I protested the Vietnam War and we played this song. My brother was drafted and who knew I would marry a Vietnam Veteran 😮
you never forget this one. it's fire.
damb 🔥 ...The war in question would have been the Vietnam war which was very different from the actions today. People were tired of what seemed an unwinnable war. Including those that were going to be drafted into it and never volunteered to be gun fodder. It was deep.
LOVE IT!
Love this song!
Thanks Biz
🎵 Do tell ❤, awesome 😎.
Some of the realist shit ever spoken...
For fun! Try "25 Miles" a raucous song about the last long walk to get home to his girl! Soul and Rythm and Blues that will give you happy feet!
“War. What is it good for? Good God y’all! What is it good for? Absolutely nothing.”
This song is the anthem of every generation before and after. Every living person on earth should hear this song.
Very popular in the 70's, great anti-war song.
“War can’t give life,
It can only take it away”
One of the best songs ever
Good God y'all I LOVE this song!! ✌️
A great song. 👍🎶🎶
Still on my playlist.
I remember this when I was a child in elementary y. I had older sisters 😉
Great reaction! You should do Edwin Starr's song "Easin' In". The base line has been sampled for a number of different rap songs - Ice T's "High Rollers" and Tone Loc's "Loc-ed After Dark" come to mind, for example.
This song punches you straight in the face!
No truer words have ever been sung.
Yes absolutely
Luv ur channel, deep rxns, tks!
Biz you’ve gotten the feedback on your singing voice 😅 But this one, you have to get with it! 🎉
One of the greatest songs ever... Great reaction
A classic! 😄
Love this❤
HELL YES.. you have to do "Spill the Wine" w Eric Burdon on leads to
This one is like Ball of Confusion to me. The real deal
Small Soldiers!!
Bruce Springsteen does a KILLER cover of this song too!!
He was also singing about a war we had no business being in. 🤷♀️
great song, and yet we never learn
Good Tune
Should be played at every world leaders summit.
Damn.....this makes me want to watch some old 70s movies...like Shaft,or,uh,Blackula! 😂😂😂😂😂❤
Haha, right!!! 🤣Was just thinking this song gon make me go search Three The Hard Way! 😭
You're gonna get educated
Jackie Chan, ha! For yucky, Xena Warrior Princess covered this in one of her shows!
As Relevant Today As It Was Then Maybe More So!!!
The Truth from a former Infantryman
❤
I was in the 60s and it was so unnecessary. I thank every single Veteran I see. I had a man. started talking a bit about how he was proud to serve but he wouldn't do it for this president and I couldn't help but to agree. I won't get all political on your channel. What a fantastic song man.
I remember as a young girl I would hold an am radio and roller skate everywhere. This song was a strong memory! I was afraid my brother would be drafted! My father made sure he was in college to avoid it. He died of a brain tumor. My father passed in 2020. The deep state did all these wars to make money on both sides! FFS! 😢
If you have ever watched Rush Hour you have heard this song
While I loved the song then and still do to this day, I did not agree with the disrespect by the protestors, of the soldiers coming home, either on leave or to recover from injury. That was wrong! As for me yeah, I was on the way because of the draft. I got as close as the induction center in OKC, the airbase, but they turned me down because of a health issue at the time. But I would have gone. My father was in Europe during WW2. My uncle was in the Pacific in the Navy. When my uncle got out of the Navy he went right into the Army and went to Korea where he was a POW for 8 hours, rescued by his fellows.
He almost lost his arm due to a grenade which went off right next to him. My step dad was in the Army and also went to Korea. My uncle and my step dad each did 26 years of service. I have all my uncle's medals including the Purple Heart he received in Korea.
War sucks and I, to this day, don't like seeing our people go to war for others.
As we say here in Texas; Y'all be safe.
Bob Seger 2 +2, another anti-war song
But still relevant
You damn sure won't hear music like this on the radio, no mo'! You might hurt someone's feelings by telling The Truth. Politicians and Undertakers making cheddar off of greed and the poor.
I suppose I identify as anti-war. Add to the letters AW
What is it good for? Absolutely nothing! Say it again.
Though not nearly as good Bruce Springsteen covered this,
Who wants to die?
In 1970 when this song came out I was 15 and did NOT want to go to war in Vietnam ...I was prepared to move to Canada if I had to