War

The Temptations

About War

"War" is a counterculture era soul song written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong for the Motown label in 1969. Whitfield first produced the song – an obvious anti-Vietnam War statement – with The Temptations as the original vocalists. After Motown began receiving repeated requests to release "War" as a single, Whitfield re-recorded the song with Edwin Starr as the vocalist, with the label deciding to withhold the Temptations' version from single release so as not to alienate their more conservative fans. Starr's version of "War" was a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1970, and is not only the most successful and well-known record of his career, but it is also one of the most popular protest songs ever recorded. It was one of 161 songs on the no-play list issued by Clear Channel following the events of September 11, 2001. 


Year:
1970
3:11
570 
#3

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!

Oh no-there's got to be a better way 
Say it again 
There's got to be a better way-yeah 
What is it good for? (war)

Man has a sense for the discovery of beauty
How rich is the world for one who makes you for us to show
Beauty must have power over man, war

After the end of the war I want to devote myself
To my thoughts for five to ten years and to writing them down
War has caused unrest among the younger generation
Induction then destruction, who wants to die?
Wars come and go what remains are only the values of culture

Then of course there is revolutionary love
Love of comrades fighting for the people and love of people
Not an abstract people but people one meets and works with
When Che Guevara taught of love being
At the center of revolutionary endeavor, he meant both

For people like Che or George Jackson or Malcolm X
Love was the prime mover of their struggle
That love cost them their lives, love coupled with a man's pride
Love coupled with a man's pride
Give it to you on top, now

War, I despise 'cause it means destruction of innocent lives
War, means tears to thousands of mothers how
When their sons go off to fight and lose their lives

I said, war, good god, now, what is it good for?
Absolutely, nothing
Say it again, war, what is it good for?
Absolutely, nothing, listen to me
War, it ain't nothing but a heart breaker
War, friend only to the undertaker, war

(War, war, war, war)
War, what is it good for?
Absolutely nothing
Say it, war, good god now, what is it good for?
Absolutely nothing, say it, (war)

Oh no, there's got to be a better way
Say it again, there's got to be a better way
Yeah, what is it good for?
War, what is it good for?

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


The Temptations

The Temptations are an American vocal group known for their success in the 60s and 70s at Motown Records. The group's repertoire has included, during its five-decade career, R&B, doo-wop, funk, disco, soul, and adult contemporary music. Known for their recognizable choreography, distinct harmonies, and flashy onstage suits, the Temptations have been said to be as influential to soul as The Beatles are to pop and rock. more »

12 fans

Written by: Norman Whitfield, Barrett Strong

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


15 facts about this song

Song Origin
"War" is a song produced by the Motown label, originally written by Barrett Strong and Norman Whitfield for The Temptations.
Initial Release
The first version of "War" was recorded by The Temptations in 1970 as part of their "Psychedelic Shack" album.
Second Version
Edwin Starr later recorded the song in that same year, and it became one of his most successful singles.
Original Lyrics
The song's lyrics, penned by Strong and Whitfield, speak directly about the Vietnam war – protesting against it and highlighting its senselessness.
Chart Position
Edwin Starr's version hit number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 in the summer of 1970, providing a soundtrack to the anti-Vietnam war sentiment of the era.
Sociopolitical Impact
"War" is widely noted for its overt sociopolitical commentary, something that was not common for Motown records. It's one of the few songs from the Motown catalog known for political activism.
Edwin Starr's Version
Starr's rendition of "War" was more intense than the original Temptations' version. The emotional performance made the song a standout during protests and demonstrations against the Vietnam war.
Grammy Nomination
The song was nominated for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male at the 13th Annual Grammy Awards in 1971.
Notable Covers
Bruce Springsteen has often covered "War" during his live performances, which further helped popularize the song.
Song Legacy
"War" is widely recognized as one of the most powerful protest songs ever recorded, and remains relevant in popular culture today.
Influence
This song has been sampled by various artists throughout the years, including Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony and The Fall Out Bo
Addressing Controversy
The controversial subject matter of "War" made some Motown executives reluctant to release it as a single initially.
Impact on Starr's Career
"War" was a turning point in Edwin Starr's career, as it moved his repertoire away from romantic ballads towards more politically-charged material.
Enduring Appeal
Even half a century after its initial release, "War" continues to be played on radio and used in movies, testifying to its enduring appeal and timeless message.
Legacy of Writers
The writing team of Barrett Strong and Norman Whitfield produced many other iconic songs for the Motown label, but "War" remains one of their most incendiary and enduring contributions.

Discuss the War Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "War Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/400071/The+Temptations/War>.

    Missing lyrics by The Temptations?

    Know any other songs by The Temptations? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    War

    67,498
    660     14

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    "You're So Vain" refers to three men, one of them is...
    A Al Pacino
    B Warren Beatty
    C Martin Sheen
    D Chuck Norris

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Don't miss The Temptations's

    Upcoming Events

    »
    The Temptations tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!