“War” is the song written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong in 1969, during Vietnam War. The single performed by Edwin Starr was released in 1970 and reached #1 position in the Billboard chart. Edwin Starr received a Grammy nomination for this song for the Best R&B Male Vocal in 1971. “War” was also included into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.
“War” lyrics:
War, huh, yeah
What is it good for?
Absolutely nothing, uh-huh, uh-huh
War, huh, yeah
What is it good for?
Absolutely nothing, say it again, y’all
War, huh, good god
What is it good for?
Absolutely nothing, listen to me
Oh war, I despise
‘Cause it means destruction of innocent lives
War means tears to thousands of mothers’ eyes
When their sons go off to fight and lose their lives
I said, war, huh, good god, y’all
What is it good for?
Absolutely nothing, say it again
War, huh, whoa-oh-whoa-oh, Lord
What is it good for?
Absolutely nothing, listen to me
War, it ain’t nothing but a heartbreak
War, friend only to the undertaker
Oh, war, is an enemy to all mankind
The thought of war blows my mind
War has caused unrest within the younger generation
Induction then destruction, who wants to die?
Oh, war, huh, good god, y’all
What is it good for?
Absolutely nothing, say it, say it, say it
War, huh, uh-huh, yeah, uh
What is it good for?
Absolutely nothing, listen to me
War, it ain’t nothing but a heartbreaker
War, it got one friend, that’s the undertaker
Oh, war has shattered many a 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
Oh, war, huh, good god, y’all
What is it good for?
Absolutely nothing, say it again
War, huh, whoa-oh-whoa-oh, Lord
What is it good for?
Absolutely nothing, listen to me
War, it ain’t nothing 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
Oh, war, huh, good god, y’all
What is it good for?
You tell me, (nothing) say it, say it, say it, say it
War, huh, good god, yeah, huh
What is it good for?
Stand up and shout it (nothing)