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Song Analysis: The Vietnam War

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The song “War” was written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong in 1969 to protest against the Vietnam War. The song was later recorded by the singer Edwin Starr and it became the number one hit on the billboard hot 100 chart in 1970. The song was later sung by Bruce Springsteen and it gained popularity again in 1986 for being the most popular protest song ever recorded. In the song there were some controversial lyrics about their opinions of the Americans being part of the Vietnam War. The song was successful because it spreaded the anti-war messages across America and people agreed with them. The song was also noteworthy because it was the most popular protest song in the 1970’s to 1980’s. Back then when the government told men to go fight in the war they would listen, but during the 1970’s it was the first time people were starting to be against the idea of going to war and fighting. This song became popular because no one ever heard a song that boycotted what the government was telling them to do. So, it became successful because it was different than all the other songs written back then. The song was a realization to the people that listening to the government and going to fight wasn’t such a good idea. …show more content…

The upbeatness of the song made it more memorable to people. It got people to agree with their lyrics of protesting against the Americans for being part of the Vietnam War. This song was written against the War, it was made to be upbeat so people can sing along with it and protest together. However, since the War was, and currently still a serious topic and many people died in it, the song should be more sorrow and sombre to respect the soldiers that died during the Vietnam

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