As we honor and remember all of those who’ve given their lives while serving in the Armed Forces, Local Spins offers a playlist that’s a tribute to their sacrifice and a prayer for peace.
Another Year, Another War: A playlist for the ages in tribute to our fallen soldiers.
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Another year, another war.
More than a dozen American service personnel have been killed in the Iran War (with hundreds more wounded), adding to the death toll of thousands across the globe amid seemingly endless global conflicts.
Today, on Memorial Day, we honor and remember all of those who’ve given their lives while gallantly serving in the Armed Forces throughout U.S. history.
In that vein, Local Spins revisits another ultimate playlist: Songs of sacrifice, of war and pleas for peace. Let’s pray for an end to these battles, bloodshed and violence — and feel free to play these epic tracks loud.
12 SONGS ABOUT SOLDIERS, WAR & PEACE: The Local Spins Playlist
1. “Dress Blues,” Jason Isbell (2007) – Penned about Marine Cpl. Matthew D. Conley who was killed in Iraq in 2006, Jason Isbell pays tribute to the nation’s military. This one is particularly poignant and later was covered by the Zac Brown Band and Zach Bryan.
2. “Born in the U.S.A.,” Bruce Springsteen (1984) – Often misinterpreted (and misappropriated), Bruce Springsteen’s anthem about a returning Vietnam War veteran still resonates strongly today. It’s also the very definition of “anthemic.”
3. “Brothers in Arms,” Dire Straits (1985) – There are lots of things to like about this beautifully melancholy title track, not the least of which is Mark Knopfler’s amazing guitar work. And the final lines will stick with you: Let me bid you farewell / Every man has to die / But it’s written in the starlight and every line in your palm / We are fools to make war on our brothers in arms.
4. “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” Metallica (1984) – There’s a frightening milieu hanging over this heavy metal description of battle and loss, inspired by a novel about the Spanish Civil War.
5. “This is Why We Fight,” The Decemberists (2011) – Chief Decemberists songwriter Colin Meloy has made frequent references to soldiers and historic battles over the years, and two of the most compelling, “This is Why We Fight” and “Dear Avery,” appear on 2011’s “The King is Dead.”
6. “8th of November,” Big & Rich (2005) – The Vietnam War-era tale of the first living black man to receive the Medal of Honor since 1898, the music video — introduced by veteran, songwriter and singer Kris Kristofferson, who passed away recently — was nominated for a Grammy Award.
7. “Travelin’ Soldier,” The Chicks (2002) – This poignant classic about the death of a soldier was described by one website as “the best anti-war song ever.” It also serves as a powerful tribute to the loved ones grieving their lost heroes.
8. “Live from Iraq,” 4TH25 (2016) – The music for this rap track was actually recorded in Iraq and the video reflects some of the frightening realities of deployment.
9. “Machine Gun,” Jimi Hendrix (1970) – This is one of those tracks that not only shows off Jimi Hendrix’s jaw-dropping virtuosity in recreating the sounds of everything from bombs to helicopters to machine guns, but his brutal lyrical assessment of a soldier’s dangerous plight.
10. “Peace Train,” Cat Stevens (1971) – This song just doesn’t get played enough. Cat Stevens’ amazing voice is at its absolute best in decrying hate while proclaiming positivity and hopefulness with the “peace train sounding louder.”
11. “What’s Going On,” Marvin Gaye (1971) – “We don’t need to escalate, you see, war is not the answer; for only love can conquer hate; you know we’ve got to find a way to bring some lovin’ here today.” Has any voice said it more compellingly than Marvin Gaye?
12. “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding” (1974) – Of course, Elvis Costello’s “Oliver’s Army” would probably fit here, too, but there is nothing more robust or rocking than Elvis spitting out Nick Lowe’s masterful lyrics in demanding to know, yes, where is the harmony and who are the trusted in “the darkness of insanity.”
12 SONGS ABOUT SOLDIERS, WAR & PEACE: Local Spins Memorial Day Playlist on Spotify
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