It’s the day after Veterans Day, but Local Spins feels that soldiers’ sacrifices shouldn’t be forgotten or reserved for a single day of the year. So, we’re revisiting a playlist of appropriate, enduring tracks.
A Soundtrack for Veterans Week: A diverse mix of remembrance and salutes.
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Sadly, global conflicts continue to flare up and dominate the landscape, which means the week surrounding Veterans Day serves as moving reminder of the tolls of war and the importance of honoring those who’ve served gallantly over the years.
So today, Local Spins revisits its ultimate Veterans Day playlist — songs of sacrifice, of war and pleas for peace that has made it one of our top playlist submissions of all-time.
Thanks a veteran, pray for an end to violence and play this soundtrack loud and often.
12 SONGS ABOUT SOLDIERS, WAR & PEACE: The Local Spins Playlist
1. “Born in the U.S.A.,” Bruce Springsteen (1984) – Although it’s often been misinterpreted, Bruce Springsteen’s anthem about a returning Vietnam War veteran still resonates strongly today — and serves as a call to action for all of us to recognize and provide comfort to our returning troops. It’s also the very definition of “anthemic.”
2. “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.
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.”
BONUS TRACK: “Carry Us Home,” Billy Strings (2026) – While this song might not technically revolve around the plight of soldiers, there are references to a stockade and a riderless horse, which often symbolizes a fallen warrior. And the imagery of the title alone seems appropriate for Veterans Week as we pay homage to fallen warriors who must be carried home.
12 SONGS ABOUT SOLDIERS, WAR & PEACE: The Local Spins Playlist on Spotify
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