MovementfortheAbolitionofWarSONGSWITHANATTITUDEABOUTWARANDINJUSTICEAlistofrecommendedsongswithdiscographycompiledbyTonyKempsterandSueGilmurrayforuseineducationandcampaigningINTRODUCTIONSongsexpressingamessageaboutpeaceandjusticehavealwaysplayedapartinprotestandcampaigning,beingperformedatdemonstrationsandwitnesses.Manyhaveenteredthepopularmusicgenreparticularlywhenwrittenorperformedbywellknownartists,andsomehavebecomestandards.Since
such songsoftenchallenge the waycivilsocietiesarerunand
theconductofinternational relations oftenputting forward more just
and humane alternatives they can be valuable tools in education,
particularly inCitizenship. The best songs spring from deeply held
convictions and express viewpoints vividly. They can
beinspiringorprovocative a spur to the search forinformation
anencouragementfor people to grapplewith
socialandpoliticalquestionsandalsofuntolistentoandperform.ThelisthasbeencompiledprimarilyasanaidtoteachersandeducationalistsinvolvedwithKeyStages3and4oftheNationalCurriculum,butwehopeitwillalsobeofinteresttoanyonewishingtofindoutmoreaboutsongsforpeaceandjustice.Somesongsrelevanttoyoungerchildrenhavebeenincludedandalsoafewexceptionalsongscoveringwidersocialissues.Ifusersofthislistwouldlikemoreassistanceinfindingsongsoradviceabouttheiruse,theyaremostwelcometocontact
either of us. It may also be possible to organise visits to schools
or arrange for singers to perform
atdemonstrationsandconferences.WealsorunworkshopsatoccasionalconferencesforteachersorganisedbythePeaceEducationNetwork(seetheMovementfortheAbolitionofWarwebsitefordates).TonyKempster:01908510642
[email protected]:01353668495
s.m.gilmurray@apu.ac.ukSTRUCTUREOFTHELISTThelistisessentiallyanannotateddiscographyorganisedinalphabeticalorderbythetitleofthesong.Thisgivesthe
names of the singersongwriter (as appropriate), a brief outline of
the content of the song and the album
onwhichitisperformed.Songbookswhichincludethewordsandmusicand/orguitarchordsforsomeofthesongsarealsolisted.Butfirstasanaidtotheuser,somerecommendedsongsrelatingtoparticularissuesarelisted.(Thesesongsarealsoincludedinthediscographywhereotherdetailsaregiven.)Theissuesareasfollows.A.
Thenatureofviolence.B. Waranditscauses.C.
Theimpactofwaronordinarypeopleslives.D. Aboutthesoldiers.E.
Abouttheconscientiousobjectorsandantiwaractivists.F.
Militarismandtheinternationalarmstrade.G. Terrorism.H.
Alternativestowarandmilitaryconflict.I.
ReconciliationafterconflictJ.
Songstofiretheheartandencouragepeacemaking.THEISSUESA.THENATUREOFVIOLENCE.Wheredoesitcomefrom?Isit
intrinsictohumannature?Howdoesitaffectusemotionally?Thefollowingsongsillustratetheanswers.
**Highlyrecommended*Recommended.FragilebySting*A valuable song
which refers to our vulnerability in the face of violence. It can
be used effectively to
stimulatediscussiononthepersonalimpactofconflctandterrorism.MonstersbyLeonRosselson*AsongaboutthepsychologyofPresidentGeorgeW.Bushandthosewhouseforcetosolvedisputes.OutoftheclearblueskybyJohnLester**Thissongbeginsbyreferringtopersonalanger(sayingthatIdidntknowthatIsowedtheseedsofmyangerandthat
there was always a battle for my ways). It goes on to relate this
to the anger that can lead to acts ofinternational terrorism like
the attack on the Twin Towers in New York by Al Qaeda. An excellent
stimulus
todiscussionsaboutinternationalterrorism.StillinthenightbyJimBoyes*Ahardhittinglookatviolenceofdifferenttypes,fromthefirestepinthetrenchesoftheFirstWorldWartotheKopinthefootballstadium(eyeinguptheopposition)tothebarroombrawlareyoulookingatme?.ThegoodinmeisdeadbyMartynJoseph**AnuncompromisingandchallengingmessageaboutayoungrefugeewaitingataborderandlookingforhisfamilyafterethniccleansingintheformerYugoslavia.Heknowsthathisbrotherhasbeenkilledandwantsvengeance:sopassmethatrevolverthereandaskmewhatIdread,thatthegoodinmeisdead.B.
WAR AND ITS CAUSES. What iswar? What are the causes ofwar and who
is responsible?
Whatweaponsareinvolvedtoday?Thefollowingsongsillustratetheanswers.
**Highlyrecommended*Recommended.AttheElbebyFredSmall*AttheendofWorldWarIIUSandRussiansoldiers,advancingintoGermany,metascomradesattheElbeyetthetwoarmiesweresoontoturntheirgunstowardseachotherastheColdWarbegan.FaslanebySueGilmurray**The
menace of the Trident nuclear missiles, housed at the naval base at
Faslane, is contrasted with the
scenicbeautyofthatregionofSouthernScotland.ShoottheenemydownbySueGilmurray**Much
of what childrenare taught in our culture undermines peaceby
suggesting that success shouldbe wonbyruthless destruction of the
opposition, usually as retributive justice. This song questions
this, especially
whenappliedtoourfellowhumanbeings.Italsoacknowledgestheexcitementthatcanmakeviolenceattractive.ScarecrowbyJohnTams**War
not only takes lives throughdirectkilling but also because it
destroys resources and the fabric of society
bywhichpeoplelive.Butwhodeservestheblameforallthis?WarlordsbyFredSmall**Manywarsariseasgrowingpopulationscompetefornaturalresources.Thissongspeaksoffightingandkillingforthewaterandtheoilweneedbutwealsoneedloveandthisbringsthereductioadabsurdum:Wecannotkillforlove.C.THEIMPACTOFWARONORDINARYPEOPLESLIVES.Whatdoeshistorytellusabouttheresultsofwar?Cantheybesuccessfulintheiroutcomes?Whobenefitsandwhosuffers(fortheinnocentsandtherefugees)?Thefollowingsongsillustratetheanswers.
**Highlyrecommended*Recommended.CranesoverHiroshimabyFredSmall**AvaluablesongtouseatandaroundtheanniversaryofthebombingofHiroshimaandNagasaki.SadakoSasakiwasa
child in Hiroshimawho survivedtheatombombblastbut
died10yearslaterfrom leukaemia. Following aJapanese tradition that
holds that folding a thousand origami cranes will bring good
health, she begins
makingpapercranes.OnthebaseofherstatueintheHiroshimaPeaceParkisthisinscription:Thisisourcry.Thisisourprayer.Peaceintheworld,wordsthatformthechorusofthissong.DisadvantagebySueGilmurray**AlookatIraq,reflectingonhoweventhedecentandwellmeaningcanbecorruptedbythenatureofwar,leaders,soldiersandciviliansalike.KidsbySueGilmurray**Sierra
Leone and Palestine are recent conflicts which have made use of
children as combatants.
Meanwhile,childreninarmsexportingcountriessuchasBritainandtheUScanenjoyfictionalviolenceasentertainment.Thisisahardhittingsongwhichdrawsthecontrasts.Nomansland(orThegreenfieldsofFrance)byEricBogle**Thisisoneofthebestknownantiwarsongs.TonyBlaironcesaiditwashisfavouritefolksong.IttellsthestoryofatravellervisitingaFirstWorldWarcemeteryandtalkingtooneofthoseburiedthere.Itspeculatesabouthowhisdeathaffectedhis
wifeandendsby pointingoutthatthesoldiers (your) death wasinvain
because thewar hassincehappenedagainandagain.RefugeeByEricBogle
*WrittentomarkUNRefugeeWeek, this songsspeaksofJoseph,
aneightyearoldliving in adusty
transitcamp,theonlyhomeheseverknown.RosemaryssisterbyHuwWilliams*AtalerecountingthedeathofRosemaryssisterintheLondonblitzandhowitaffectedherlife.ThedaybeforethewarbyRobbJohnson**A
song written about the run up to the first Gulf War. It talks about
Emily, a sixyear old in Britain just
afterChristmas,andaskswhatpeoplewouldbedoinginBaghdadatthesametime.ThelastploughsharebyJohnConolly*Anapocalyptic
vision of where the spiral of violence might lead if we do nothing
to prevent conflict, with the lastploughshare beaten into swords.
This is a good discussionstarter on human nature, as it shows how
theadventurousspiritwhichhasledtoourgreatestachievementsmayalsobepotentiallydisastrous.D.
ABOUT THE SOLDIERS. How do soldiers feel about war? How does it
affect their lives,
especiallychildsoldiers?Thefollowingsongsillustratetheanswers.
**Highlyrecommended*RecommendedFirsttimeatawarbySiKahn*AyoungAmericansoldierinjuredinhisfirstcombatwritestohismother.Hiswordsmaintainanaivecheerfulness:weareinvitedtobecomeangryonhisbehalf.HigherformofwarbySueGilmurray**A
bomberpilot, asinrecentconflictsin Serbiaand
Iraq,caninflictenormousdamagefrom
theairwithoutseeingthebloodshedorsoilinghisownhands.Inonesenseheisabovethehorrors,buthisawarenessofthisbringsitsownsenseofguilt.HowwillIeverbesimpleagainbyRichardThompson*Alittlegirlplaysinawardamagedcity.Thesoldierwhoseesheryearnsforherinnocence,butisawarethatwarhascorruptedhim.RichmanswarbySteveEarle**A
good song which relates to three people: two US soldiers, one
serving in Irag, the other in Afghanistan and asuicide bomber from
the Gaza Strip. It describes their backrounds and how they found
themselves in
theseparticularroles.Therefrainis:Justanotherpoorboyoftofightarichmanswar.E.
ABOUT THE CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS AND ANTIWAR ACTIVISTS. What makes
people refusearmy enlistment or, if in the army, refuse to fight in
some places or circumstances? How are
theytreatedandwhatdotheyfeel?Thefollowingsongsillustratetheanswers.
**Highlyrecommended*RecommendedBalladofVicWilliamsbyRobbJohnson
**PrivateVicWilliams,aBritishsoldierwhorefusedtofightinthe1990/91GulfWar,ispossiblyBritainsmostrecentconscientiousobjector.Thesongisbasedonhisownaccountofwhatmadehimrebel.Lockthemaway!TheyleadthewaybySueGilmurray*IsraelsoccupationofPalestinehasledmanysoldiersandreserviststorefusemilitaryduties.Thesongdescribesfiveyoungmenwhowereimprisonedforthis,andconsiderstheirmotivesandtheimpacttheymayhave.TheoneswhosaidnobySueGilmurray**Thisisasongaboutallthoseconscientiousobjectorswho,overtheyears,haverefusedtofightinwars.Itisnowsung
regularly at the ceremony that takes place in Tavistock Square,
London on International
ConscientiousObjectorsDay,May15th,tocommemorateandtakeinspirationfromallwhohavesufferedfortherighttorefusetokill.WithmyhammerbyShannonSmy**ThetruestoryoftheWartonFourwomenwhodamagedaBritishhawkjetaircrafttopreventitfrombeingsoldtoIndonesiaandusedagainstciviliansinEastTimor.Thejurywhoheardthempleadtheircauseacquittedthem.F.MILITARISATIONANDTHEINTERNATIONALARMSTRADE.Whataretheeffectsofmilitarisation?Whatpartdoestheinternationalarmstradeplayinwar?Howisthearmstradejustified?Whobenefitsfromarmssales?Thefollowingsongsillustratetheanswers.
**Highlyrecommended*RecommendedDefencebySueGilmurray*Defence is a
reasonable idea,but it hasbeen used as an excuse for an armsrace
that threatensus all. As
thechorussays:Theycallitalldefence:theylie.LivesinthebalancebyJacksonBrowne**Anexcellent
antiarms trade song tellinghow western countries encourage conflict
by selling arms to
developingcountries,wheredesperationdrivesoppressedpeopletoviolence.Weareremindedhowgovernmentsdefendthecommercialinterestsofarmsexportcompanies,andusethemediatosellusourwars.Mastersofwar
byBobDylan**Written in the1960s,this is a
hardanduncompromisingcriticism of the people responsible for war
and the
armstrade,whoreaptheprofits,butonlyriskotherpeopleslives.SpaceforpeacebySueGilmurray*This
is an extended play on the meaning of the word space, outer, inner
and personal. It warns against
themilitarisationofspacewhichtheUSsNationalMissileDefencewouldbring.WarmachinerollsroundbySueGilmurray**This
is a denunciation of how the arms industry involves workers at home
in the deaths of innocent people
faraway.Nowoftensungatdemonstrations.Whereisthelove?byTheBlackeyedPeas**Thiswasahitsinglein2003.Itaskswhatiswrongwiththeworldandsetsoutmanyoftheproblemsincludingwar,thearmstradeandinjustice.Thesongwasusedinthevideo/DVD,abouttheinternationalarmstrade,producedbychildrenatTheRoyalDocksCommunitySchool,Londonin2004.Thevideo/DVD,whichwasentitledWhereisthelove?,canbeobtainedfromtheCampaignAgainstArmsTrade(02072810297
www.caat.org.uk).G.TERRORISM.Whatarethecausesofterrorism?Howshouldthethreatenedcountriesrespondtoit?Thefollowingsongsillustratetheanswers.
**Highlyrecommended*RecommendedOutoftheclearblueskybyJohnLester**Thissongbeginsbyreferingtopersonalanger(sayingthatIdidntknowthatIsowedtheseedsofmyangerandthat
there was always a battle for my ways). It goes on to relate this
to the anger that can lead to acts ofinternational terrorism like
the attack on the Twin Towers in New York by Al Qaeda. An excellent
stimulus
todiscussionsaboutinternationalterrorism.RichmanswarbySteveEarle**A
good songwhich relatesto threepeople: twoUS soldiers,oneservingin
Irag,theothertryingto find AlQaedaterrorists in Afghanistananda
suicidebomber from theGaza Strip. It describes their backrounds and
how
theyfoundthemselvesintheseparticularroles.Therefrainis:Justanotherpoorboyoftofightarichmanswar.TherisingbyBruceSpringsteen*AsongaboutafiremanworkingtosavepeopletrappedintheTwinTowersdisasterinNewYorkon11.9.WaronterrorbySueGilmurray*President
Bushs response to September 11this the startingpoint for a claim
that fighting terror with terror iscounterproductive.H.
ALTERNATIVESTOWARANDMILITARYCONFLICT. Whatare
thenonviolentalternatives
forsettlinginternationaldisputes?Towhatextentaretheyused?Aretheysuccessful?Canwarbeoutlawed?Thefollowingsongsillustratetheanswers.
**Highlyrecommended*RecommendedThetideturnsbySueGilmurray*Isitrealistictohopethatwarcanbeoutlawed?Slaverywasoncealmostuniversallyaccepted,butisnowrejectedbysocietieswhichconsiderthemselvescivilised.Whyshouldwarnotgothesameway?BetweenthewarsbyBillyBragg*A
song extolling the workingclass virtues of hard work and
moderation, and contrasting them with
aggressivepatriotismandmilitarism.LastnightIhadthestrangestdreambyEdMcCurdy**Asimpleandchildlikevisionofthewholeworldrenouncingwarfare.Is
it
intendedassuch,oristheredeliberateironyincallingthelayingdownofarmsthestrangestdream?MusicofhealingbyTommySands**Anexcellentandmuchsungsongaboutreconciliation.ThemusicreferredtointhetitleistheIrishlament,andthisinspirational
song tells us that only by reconciliation the learning of each
others songs can we overcomeviolence. The hearts a wonder, stronger
than the guns that thunder, even though were torn asunder, love
willcomeagain.I. RECONCILIATION AFTER CONFLICT. How do we reconcile
people whose lives are or have
beenaffectedbymilitaryconflict?Howsuccessfulhavethevariousmethodsbeen?Thefollowingsongsillustratetheanswers.
**Highlyrecommended*RecommendedHillsofAyalonbyFredSmall**Anexcellentsongtostiimulatediscussionbecauseitrefersdirectlytoyoungpeople.ThereisinIsraelasettlementcalledOasisofPeace(inHebrew,NeveShalom,andinArabic,WahatAlSalam)whereJewsandArabsliveandworktogetherand
lead Youth EncounterWorkshopswhereJewishand Arab
youngpeoplecanlearnmore abouteach other. This song is based on an
actual dialogue at one of these workshops. For further details go
tohttp://nswas.com.MusicofhealingbyTommySands**Anexcellentandmuchsungsongaboutreconciliation.ThemusicreferredtointhetitleistheIrishlament,andthisinspirational
song tells us that only by reconciliation the learning of each
others songs can we overcomeviolence. The hearts a wonder, stronger
than the guns that thunder, even though were torn asunder, love
willcomeagain.TeachmethewayofpeacebySueGilmurray*Thisisaprayer,butaddressedtoourfellowhumansatleastasmuchastoGod.Itexpressestheconvictionthatpeace
and love are not weak or passive, but can and should be strong and
vibrant. Each verse ends
andgenerousalways.J.SONGSTOFIRETHEHEARTANDENCOURAGEPEACEMAKINGThefollowingsongsillustratetheanswers.
**Highlyrecommended*RecommendedFiringoftheheartbySueGilmurray*Thefiringoftheheart(toworkforpeace)iscontrastedwiththefiringofthegunsImaginebyJohnLennon*Dismissed
by some as naively utopian, this is nonetheless one of the worlds
favourite songs: a vision of
peacethroughbrotherhoodandsharing.NotinournamebyJamesFrost**Set
against the background of the 15thFebruary 2003 demonstration
organised by the Stop the War
Coalition,whenanestimatedtwomillionpeoplemarchedinLondonagainsttheIraqWar,thisanthemsimplystandsagainstthewarbysayingNotinourname.ItalsoreferstothedemonstrationsinotherEuropeancapitals.PeaceisbyFredSmall**Singing
togetherisat theheart of folkmusic: themoment when we
stopplayingperformerandaudience
andbecomeacommunity,andeachofusisremindedofthepowerwithinusandaroundus.
Peaceisisaverygoodsingalongsongaboutprotestandsuitableforallages.PeacewillcomebyTomPaxton
**AsimplesongcombiningrealismMyownlifeisallIcanhopetocontrolwithoptimismPeacewillcome:letitbeginwithme.(Somethinginside)sostrongbyLabiSiffre**Not
specifically about physical violence but this song connects the
personal and the political. It was originallywritten about
Apartheid in SouthAfrica. In recent years it has beenadopted in
anumber of contexts where it
isimportantforustoholdontoourrightsandourdeeplyheldconvictions.UnitybyJohnTams**Asongaffirmingthestrengthgainedbypeoplecampaigningtogether.DISCOGRAPHYTheissuesaddressedbydifferentsongsareindicatedbylettersAtoJasabove.AllthefineyoungmenbyEricBogle.SungbyEricBogleonTheEricBogleSongbookvolume2(CDTRAX051).ThesoldiersofbothWorldWarsweretoldthattheirfightingwouldbeameanstoultimatepeace.Thissongclaimsthattheyweredeceived,anddeathwastheonlypeacetheyfound.(D).AndthebandplayedWaltzingMatildabyEricBogle.SungbyhimonNowImeasy(CMCD004).An
Australian soldier disabled at Gallipoli in World War I tells the
story of his terrible experience, and wonders whether
itservedanypurpose.(BandD).ArmstraderbyRaisedVoices(1).The
songpresents four pictures of lives wreckedby various weapons of
war, and follows eachoneby imagininghow
thearmssalesmanhadpresentedhis lethal product asadesirable
purchase.Itwaswritten byandfor membersof
theRaisedVoiceschoir.(F)ArrowsbySueGilmurray(1).Except for their
colour, the muchloved Red Arrows display team fly the same Hawk
fighters which Britain has sold
torepressiveregimesincludingIndonesia.ThissongwaswrittentobesungatademonstrationattheFarnboroughAirShow,popularfamilyentertainmentandarmsfair.Itasksustofacetheissuehonestlyandisratherararityaprotestsongthatistunefulandwistful.(Achoralversionisavailable).(F).AttheElbebyFredSmall.
SungbyhimonIwillstandfast(FF70491).AttheendofWorldWarIIUSandRussiansoldiers,advancingintoGermany,metascomradesattheElbeyetthetwoarmiesweresoontoturntheirgunstowardseachotherastheColdWarbegan.(B).BalladofVicWilliamsbyRobbJohnson.SungbyhimonOvernight(IRR027).Private
Vic Williams, a British soldier who refused to fight in the 1990/91
Gulf War, is possibly Britains most
recentconscientiousobjector.Thesongisbasedonhisownaccountofwhatmadehimrebel.(D,E).BetweenthewarsbyBillyBraggA
song extolling the workingclass virtues of hardwork and moderation,
and contrasting them with aggressive patriotism
andmilitarism.(H)BrothersinarmsbyMarkKnopfler.SungbyhimonthevideoMarkKnopfler:anightinLondon(6391463).Apowerfulsongaboutthefriendshipsbetweensoldiersdevelopedthroughsharedbattleexperience.(D).CaughtinthecrossfirebyJohnMcCutcheon.SungbyhimonWaterfromanothertime(CD11555).Asongabouthowthelivesofinnocentpeoplelivinginareasofmilitaryconflictareaffectedbytheviolence.(C).CranesoverHiroshimabyFredSmall.SungbyhimonNolimit(RounderCD4018).Alsoon(3).AvaluablesongtouseatandaroundtheanniversaryofthebombingofHiroshimaandNagasaki.SadakoSasakiwasachildinHiroshimawhosurvivedtheatombombblastbutdied10yearslaterfromleukaemia.FollowingaJapanesetraditionthatholdsSourcesAlbums
which include the songsaregiven inbold type. Thesecanbeobtained
fromrecordshopsandlibraries.Thoseavailabledirectlysingersongwritersorpeaceorganisationsareasfollows.(1)
CDand/ordetailsavailablefromSueGilmurray,1WilfordDrive,[email protected]).(2)
CD available from the Anglican Pacifist Fellowship, 11 Weavers End,
Hanslope, MiltonKeynesMK197PA([email protected]).(3)
CDentitiledSingthemusicofhealingavailablefromtheMovementfortheAbolitionofWar,11VenetiaRoad,LondonN41EJ.ThesongsareperformedbyMadHattersandfriendsincludingSueGilmurrayandTonyKempster(www.abolishwar.freeuk.com).(4)
CD/detailsavailablefromJamesFrost,23PrimroseRoad,NorwichNR14AT([email protected]).thatfoldingathousandorigamicraneswillbringgoodhealth,shebeginsmakingpapercranes.OnthebaseofherstatueintheHiroshimaPeaceParkisthis
inscription:This isourcry.This
isourprayer.Peaceintheworld,wordsthatformthechorusofthissong.(C).DefencebySueGilmurray(1).Defenceisa
reasonableidea,butithasbeenusedasanexcusefor
anarmsracethatthreatensusall. As
thechorussays:Theycallitalldefence:theylie.(F)DisadvantagebySueGilmurray(1).AlookatIraq,reflectingonhoweventhedecentandwellmeaningcanbecorruptedbythenatureofwar,leaders,soldiersandciviliansalike.(C).FaslanebySueGilmurray(1).Sungbyheron(3).ThemenaceoftheTridentnuclearmissiles,housedatthenavalbaseatFaslane,
iscontrastedwiththescenicbeauty
ofthatregionofSouthernScotland.(B).FightingforpeacebySueGilmurray(1).Thereisanabsurdityinpursuingpeacebymakingwarwhichseemstoescapepeoplesnotice,sofamiliarhastheideabecome.Hereitissetoutinseveralways:fightingforpeace,lyingfortruth,killingforlifealldefactofailures.(A)FiringoftheheartbySueGilmurray.SungbyheronFinesthour(APFCD1)(2).Thefiringoftheheart(toworkforpeace)iscontrastedwiththefiringoftheguns(J).FirsttimeatawarbySiKahn.SungbyhimonNewWood(PH1168).Alsoon(3).A
young American soldier injured in his first combat writes to his
mother. His words maintain a naive cheerfulness: we
areinvitedtobecomeangryonhisbehalf.(D)FortuneofsoldiersbyJudyCollins.SungbyheronthealbumFiresofEden(ColumbiaCK46102)Arejectionofmilitarismandthearmstrade,lookingtothenextgenerationtomakethedreamofpeacecometrue.(H)FragilebySting.SungbyhimonThebestofSting19841994
(CD5403072).Avaluablesongwhichreferstoourvulnerabilityinthefaceofviolence.Itcanbeusedeffectivelytostimulatediscussiononthepersonalimpactofconflictandterrorism.(A)GivepeaceachancebyJohnLennon.Furtherinformationfromwww.lennonworld.com.ThisisasongthatwasmuchsunginthemassdemonstrationsagainsttheVietnamWarinWashington.(J).HigherformofwarbySueGilmurray(1).Alsosungbyheron(3).Abomberpilot,asinrecentconflictsinSerbiaandIraq,caninflictenormousdamagefromtheairwithoutseeingthebloodshedorsoilinghisownhands.Inonesenseheisabovethehorrors,buthisawarenessofthisbringsitsownsenseofguilt.(B,D)HillsofAyalonbyFredSmall.SungbyhimonIwillstandfast(FF70491).Anexcellentsongtostiimulatediscussionbecauseitrefersdirectlytoyoungpeople.ThereisinIsraelasettlementcalledOasisofPeace(inHebrew,NeveShalom,andinArabic,WahatAlSalam)whereJewsandArabsliveandworktogetherand
lead Youth EncounterWorkshopswhereJewishand Arab
youngpeoplecanlearnmore
abouteachother.Thissongisbasedonanactualdialogueatoneoftheseworkshops.(I).HonourtothesoldiersbySueGilmurray.SungbyheronFinesthour(APFCD1)(2).PromptedbyRemembranceDay,thisisanacknowledgementoftherespectduetothosewhofoughtforhonourablereasons,butarejectionofwaritself,whichbringssufferingtotheinnocent.(C,D)HowwillIeverbesimpleagainbyRichardThompson.OnMartinSimpson,BandofAngels(RHRCD96).Alittlegirlplaysinawardamagedcity.Thesoldierwhoseesheryearnsforherinnocence,butisawarethatwarhascorruptedhim.(D).IaintmarchinanymorebyPhilOchs.SungbyhimonPhilOchs:thereandnowliveinVancouver
(R270778).Aturningaway
songwhichrelatestheinvolvementofsoldiersfromtheAmericanWarofIndependencetoVietnamwiththetitlerefrain.(E).If
the war goes on by John Bell and Graham Maule. Words and music
available from Wild Goose Publications,
IonaCommunity.Furtherinformationfromwww.ionabooks.com.Thesongrelateswhatwillhappenifthewargoeson:thechildrendie,thetruthistakenhostage,thedailybreadisterror,thearmssalessoarandsoon.Thefinalversetalksoftheclosingofheavensdoorandaskswhetherwewilleverbeforgiven?(C).ImaginebyJohnLennon.Furtherinformationfromwww.lennonworld.com.Dismissed
by some as naively utopian, this is nonetheless one of the worlds
favourite songs: a vision of peace
throughbrotherhoodandsharing.(J)ItsjustasongbyLeonRosselson.SungbyhimonRaiseyourbanners:festivalofpoliticalsong(RYB2001)..Thiscelebratesthepleasureofsingingsongswhateverthemessage:Itsjustthesong,yousee
thesongsthething.(J).KevinCarterbyR.Simpson.
OnMartinSimpson,BandofAngels(RHRCD96).A powerful song about the
reporter who photographed a dying baby with a vulture standing by
in an African aid
centre(feedingcamp),aphotographthatreceivedwidepublicity.Hecommittedsuicidein1994.(A).KidsbySueGilmurray.SungbyheronThewayofpeaceCD(1).SierreLeoneandPalestinearerecentconflictswhichhavemadeuseofchildrenascombatants.Meanwhilechildreninarmsexportingcountriescanenjoyfictional
violenceasentertainment.This
isahardhittingsongwhichdrawsthecontrasts.(C,D).LastnightIhadthestrangestdreamby
EdMcCurdy.A simple and childlike vision of the whole world
renouncing warfare. Is it intended as such, or is there deliberate
irony
incallingthelayingdownofarmsthestrangestdream?(H)LivesinthebalancebyJacksonBrowne.SungbyhimonLivesinthebalance(AsylumRecords7559604572).An
excellent antiarms trade song telling how western countries
encourage conflict by selling arms to developing
countries,wheredesperationdrivesoppressedpeopletoviolence.Weareremindedhowgovernmentsdefendthecommercialinterestsofarmsexportcompanies,andusethemediatosellusourwars.(F,G).Lockthemaway!TheyleadthewaybySueGilmurray(1).Israels
occupationof Palestine has led many soldiersand reservists torefuse
military duties.The songdescribes five
youngmenwhowereimprisonedforthis,andconsiderstheirmotivesandtheimpacttheymayhave.(E).MalvinasbyDaveRogersSungbyRoyBaileyonRoyBailey:pastmasters(CFCD403).Alsoon(3).AdenunciationoftheFalklandswar,putintothewordsoftheyoungwidowofoneofthecasualties.(C,D)MastersofwarbyBobDylan.Furtherinformationfromwww.bobdylan.com.Writteninthe1960s,thisisahardanduncompromisingcriticismofthepeopleresponsibleforwarandthearmstrade,whoreaptheprofits,butonlyriskotherpeopleslives.(F).MercenariesbyLeonRosselson.Furtherinformationfromwww.leonrosselson.co.uk.Asongaboutfightingformoney.LeonRosselsonsaysMercenariesaredisapprovedofbecausetheykillformoneyandnotforgoodpatrioticreasons.Andyettheyaresimplysellingtheirskills
inthemarketplacethatsameaseveryoneelse.Therearesongswherethestoryneedstobetoldinthefirstpersontoavoidfingerpointingandtounderstandthenarratorspointofview.(D).MonstersbyLeonRosselson.SungbyhimonTurningsilenceintosong(CFCD009).AsongaboutthepsychologyofPresidentGeorgeW.Bushandthosewhouseforcetosolvedisputes.(A).MusicofhealingbyTommySandsandPeteSeeger.SungbythemonSarajevotoBelfast(AppleseedHDCD).Alsoon(3).Anexcellentandmuchsungsongaboutreconciliation.ThemusicreferredtointhetitleistheIrishlament,andthisinspirationalsong
tells us that only by reconciliation the learning of each others
songs can we overcome violence. Thehearts
awonder,strongerthanthegunsthatthunder,eventhoughweretornasunder,lovewillcomeagain.(H,IandJ).Nomansland(alsoknownasThegreenfieldsofFrance)byEricBogle.SungbyhimonEricBogle:byrequest(CDTRAX210)andonTheEricBoglesongbookvolume2(CDTRAX51).Alsoon(3).Thisisoneofthebestknownantiwarsongs.TonyBlaironcesaiditwashisfavouritefolksong.IttellsthestoryofatravellervisitingaFirstWorldWarcemeteryandtalkingtooneofthoseburiedthere.Itspeculatesabouthowhisdeathaffectedhiswifeandendsbypointingoutthatthesoldiers(your)deathwasinvainbecausethewarhassincehappenedagainandagain.(B,CandD).Nomas!
byJohnMcCutcheon.SungbyJohnMcCutcheonon
Signofthetimes(CD4017).ItwasintheUSAspoliticalandeconomicintereststosupportterrorismratherthandemocracyinElSalvador,sothatiswhattheydid.Thesongcondemnsthis,andcallsonthepeopleofbothcountriestodemandjustice.(C).Notinournameby
JamesFrost.SungbyhimonCD(4)above.Set against the background of the
15thFebruary 2003 demonstration organised by the Stop the War
Coalition, when
anestimatedtwomillionpeoplemarchedinLondonagainsttheIraqWar,thisanthemstandsagainstthewarbysayingNotinourname.ItalsoreferstothedemonstrationsinotherEuropeancapitals.(J).OutoftheclearblueskybyJohnLester.SungbyhimonPeacenotwar(2002compilation).This
songbeginsbyreferringtopersonalanger(sayingthatIdidntknowthatIsowedtheseedsofmyanger
andthattherewasalwaysabattleformyways).
ItgoesontorelatethistotheangerthatcanleadtoactsofinternationalterrorismliketheattackontheTwinTowers
inNew YorkbyAl Qaeda.Anexcellent stimulus to
discussionsaboutinternational terrorism.
(AandG).PaperpoppiesbyRobbJohnson.SungbyhimonThelackofjollyploughboy(RHYD5004).AgoodsongtobeusedatoraroundthetimeofRemembranceDay.ItstartswithWWI,goesontorefertoWWIIandtheholocaustandendswithreferencetothewaragainstIraq.(B).PeaceisbyFredSmall.SungbyhimonEverythingpossible(FF70625).Singingtogetherisat
theheartoffolkmusic:themomentwhenwe stopplayingperformer and
audience andbecomes
acommunity,andeachofusisremindedofthepowerwithinusandaroundus.
Peaceisisaverygoodsingalongsongaboutprotestandsuitableforallages.(J)PeacewillcomebyTomPaxton.Furtherinformationfromwww.tompaxton.com.Asimplesongcombiningrealism
MyownlifeisallIcanhopetocontrolwithoptimism
Peacewillcome:letitbeginwithme.(J)RefugeebyEricBogle.SungbyhimonMirrors(CDTRAX068).Writtentomark
UNRefugeeWeek,this songsspeaks of Joseph, aneightyear old living in
a dusty transitcamp, the onlyhomeheseverknown(C)Richmanswar
bySteveEarle. SungbyhimonTherevolutionstartsnow (RCD17023)A good
song which relates to three people: two US soldiers, one serving in
Irag, the other in Afghanistan and a suicidebomber from the
GazaStrip. It describes their backrounds and how they found
themselves in these particular roles.
Therefrainis:Justanotherpoorboyoftofightarichmanswar.(DandG).RosemaryssisterbyHuwWilliams.(3).AtalerecountingthedeathofRosemaryssisterintheLondonblitzandhowitaffectedherlife.(C).RumoursofwarbyBillyBragg.Furtherinformationfromwww.billybragg.co.uk.Thelikelihoodofwarcastsashadowoffearovereverydaylife,yetnooneseemsabletohaltthedrifttowardsit.(C)Scarecrow
(alsoreferredtoasThereaper/scarecrow/BattleoftheSommebyJohnTams.PerformedbyHomeServiceonWildlife(FledglingRecords3001).Warnotonlytakeslivesthroughdirectkillingbutalsobecauseitdestroysresourcesandthefabricofsocietybywhichpeoplelive.Butwhodeservestheblameforallthis?(B)SeasonofpeacebySiKhan.SungbyhimonIhaveseenfreedom(FF70578).Alsoon(3).TheseasonofChristmaspromptsthesingertorejectthedivisionswhichcausewars,andtocallonpeopletoworktogetherfortruepeaceonearth.(H,J)ShoottheenemydownbySueGilmurray.SungbyheronThewayofpeaceCD(1).Much
of what childrenare taught in our culture undermines peaceby
suggesting that success shouldbe wonbyruthless destruction of the
opposition, usually as retributive justice. This song questions
this, especially
whenappliedtoourfellowhumanbeings.Italsoacknowledgestheexcitementthatcanmakeviolenceattractive.(B).(Somethinginside)sostrongbyLabiSiffre(informationawaited).Not
specifically about physical violence but this song connects the
personal and the political. It was originally written
aboutApartheidinSouthAfrica.Inrecentyearsithasbeenadoptedinanumberofcontextswhereitisimportantforustoholdontoourrightsandourdeeplyheldconvictions.(J).SpaceforpeacebySueGilmurray(1).This
is anextendedplayonthemeaningofthewordspace,outer,
innerandpersonal.
ItwarnsagainstthemilitarisationofspacewhichtheUSsNationalMissileDefencewouldbring.(Achoralversionisavailable.)(F).Stillinthenight
byJimBoyes.SungbyhimonPasschaendaleSuite(NMCD10).Ahardhittinglookatviolenceofdifferenttypes,fromthefirestepinthetrenchesoftheFirstWorldWartotheKopinthefootballstadium(eyeinguptheopposition)tothebarroombrawlareyoulookingatme?.(A).StillisthememorygreeninmymindbyLeonRosselson.SungbyhimonRosselsongs(CFCD001).Facedwithaworlddevastatedbywar,thesingercallsuphisownmemoriesofthesights,soundsandfeelingsthatgavelifebeauty(C)Strangestdream#2bySueGilmurray(1).Alsoon(3).TakingEdMcCurdysLastnightIhadthestrangestdream(qv.)andturningitonitshead,thesingerdreamsofaworldwherewarispopular,andwakestofindthatitisso.(B,C)StreetsofSarajevobyRayHearne.SungbyRoyBaileyonBusinessasusual(CFCD400).Anangrycondemnationofethniccleansinganditsattendantevils,turningordinarypeopleintokillersinacitywherenooneissafe.(C,D)SuitsinthecitybySueGilmurray.SungbyheronFinesthour(APFCD1)(2).Anattackontherespectableandprosperousbusinessmenofthearmstrade,whoprofitfromthesufferingofothers.(F)TeachmethewayofpeacebySueGilmurray(1).This
is aprayer,butaddressedtoour fellowhumansat
leastasmuchastoGod.Itexpresses
theconvictionthatpeaceandlovearenotweakorpassive,butcanandshouldbestrongandvibrant.Eachverseendsandgenerousalways.(I).Thedaybeforethewarby
RobbJohnson. SungbyhimonOvernight (IRR027) andby Roy Bailey on
Whatyoudowithwhatyouvegot(CFCD399).AsongwrittenabouttherunuptothefirstGulfWar.IttalksaboutEmily,asixyearoldinBritainjustafterChristmas,andaskswhatpeoplewouldbedoinginBaghdadatthesametime.(C)ThegoodinmeisdeadbyMartynJoseph.SungbyhimonThunderandrainbows(PRDCD001).AnuncompromisingandchallengingmessageaboutayoungrefugeewaitingataborderandlookingforhisfamilyafterethniccleansingintheformerYugoslavia.Heknowsthathisbrotherhasbeenkilledandwantsvengeance:sopassmethatrevolverthereandaskmewhatIdread,thatthegoodinmeisdead.(AandC).ThelastploughsharebyJohnConolly.
PerformedonBandofHope:RhythmandReds(MFCD512).Anapocalyptic
visionofwhere the spiral of violencemightlead if
wedonothingtopreventconflict, withthe last
ploughsharebeatenintoswords.Thisisagooddiscussionstarteronhumannature,asitshowshowtheadventurousspiritwhichhasledtoourgreatestachievementsmayalsobepotentiallydisastrous.(B,C).TheoneswhosaidnobySueGilmurray(1).This
is a song about all those conscientious objectors who, over the
years, have refused to fight in wars. It is now
sungregularlyattheceremonythattakesplaceinTavistockSquare,LondononInternationalConscientiousObjectors,Day,
May15th,tocommemorateandtakeinspirationfromallwhohavesufferedfortherighttorefusetokill.(E).TherevolutionstartsnowbySteveEarle.SungbyhimonTherevolutionstartsnow
(RCD17023).Thetitlespeaksforitself.TherisingbyBruceSpringsteen.SungbyhimonTherising(COL5080002).AsongaboutafiremanworkingtosavepeopletrappedintheTwinTowersinNewYorkon9.11(G).ThetideturnsbySueGilmurray.SungbyheronThewayofpeaceCD(1).Alsoon(3).Isitrealistictohopethatwarcanbeoutlawed?Slaverywasoncealmostuniversallyaccepted,butisnowrejectedbysocietieswhichconsiderthemselvescivilised.Whyshouldwarnotgothesameway?(H).TillIgodownbyJacksonBrowne.
SungbyhimonLivesinthebalance(AsylumRecords7559604572).Thesingerresolvestoexposethedirtypoliticsbehindwar.(J).UnitybyJohnTams.SungbyhimonUnity(TSCD508).Asongaffirmingthestrengthgainedbypeoplecampaigningtogether.(J).WarmachinerollsroundbySueGilmurray.SungbyherFinesthour(APFCD1)(2).Thisisadenunciationofhowthearmsindustryinvolvesworkersathomeinthedeathsofinnocentpeoplefaraway.Nowoftensungatdemonstrations.(F).WaronterrorbySueGilmurray.(1)PresidentBushsresponsetoSeptember11thisthestartingpointforaclaimthatfightingterrorwithterroriscounterproductive.(G)WarlordsbyFredSmall.SungbyhimonJaguar(FF70570).Manywarsariseasgrowingpopulationscompetefornaturalresources.Thissongspeaksoffightingandkillingforthewaterandtheoilweneedbutwealsoneedloveandthisbringsthereductioadabsurdum:Wecannotkillforlove.(B).WhenthewindblowsbyEricBogle.SungbyhimonTheEricBoglesongbook,volume1(CDTRAX051)AchillingsonginspiredbyRaymondBriggssbookdepictingtheaftermathofnuclearwar.(C)Whereisthelove?byTheBlackeyedPeas.SungbythegrouponElephunk(A&MRecords06024988606377).Thiswasahitsinglein2003.Itaskswhatiswrongwiththeworldandsetsoutmanyoftheproblemsincudingwar,thearmstradeandinjustice.Thesongwasusedinthevideo,abouttheinternationalarms
trade,producedbychildrenatTheRoyalDocks Community School, Lonodn in
2004. The video, which was entitled Where is the love?, can be
obtained from theCampaignAgainstArmsTrade(02072810297
www.caat.org.uk).(F).WherestheenemybyLeonRosselson.SungbyhimonWherearetheelephants?(CFCD002).Alsoon(3).Withjoyousirreverence,thesingerfindsoutthattheenemieshewastoldtohateandfearareonlypeoplelikehimself,
andhisrealenemyisthecommanderwhotellshimtohateandfear.(B)WithGodonoursidebyBobDylan.Furtherinformationfromwww.bobdylan.com.Affectingatfirsttobelieveit,thesingereffectivelydemolishesthebeliefthatGodisalwaysonoursideinanygivenconflict.(B)WinterturnstospringbyRobbJohnson.SungbyhimonOvernight(IRR027).NotonlydoesitspeakofthePragueSpringbutalsohowthepoliticalsituationchangeswiththecycleofwar,repressionandrevolutionstartingwithWorldWarII.TherefraingoesYouhavetoknowthedifferencebetweentheroundaboutsandswings.Nomatterwhatthedistance,winterturnstospring(C)..WithmyhammerbyShannonSmy.PerformedbySeizetheDayonItsyourlife..itsourwords(WILDCD19801).ThetruestoryoftheWartonFour,
womenwhodamagedaBritishhawkjetaircrafttoprevent it
frombeingsoldtoIndonesiaandusedagainstciviliansinEastTimor.Thejurywhoheardthempleadtheircauseacquittedthem.(E)SONGSFORYOUNGCHILDRENEverythingpossibleby
FredSmall.SungbyhimontheCDEverythingpossible(FF70625).Thisisanexcellentsongtobesungtoyoungchildren.Ittalksofaparentsingingtoachildbeforegoingtosleep.Thechorusgoes:
You can beanybody you want tobe, you can love whomever youwill .
And the only measureof your words
anddeedswillbetheloveyouleavebehindwhenyouredone.(J)ThekingofthecastlebyColumSands.SungbyRoyBaileyonUpthewoodenhill(CFCD170201).This
isbasedonthechildrenssonggameaboutthekingandthedirtyrascal.Itisaboutjusticeandfairnessandendswiththelines:
Andotherssaythey fear thattherell alwaysbebangso,as
longassomeeatall,whileothersmustgohungryo.(B).ThepeacedragonbyFredSmall.
SungbyhimonFredSmallNoLimit(RounderCD4018).Thissongtellsofthepeacedragonthateatsmissilesandnuclearsubmarines.ThelastversegoesChildrenwaveandshouthellowhenitfliesoverhead.Itcallstopeople,Pleasedontfightbutthinkandtalkinstead.(I).SONGBOOKSTHATINCLUDESOMEOFTHESONGSABOVESongbooksbyparticularsingersEric
Bogle, 1996. Eric Bogle songs: book one. London, Wise Publications.
Includes And the band played
WaltzingMatildaandWhenthewindblows.Eric Bogle, 1996.
EricBoglesongs: booktwo. London,Wise Publications. IncludesAll
thefineyoung men,No
manslandThegreenfieldsofFrance,Refugee.BobDylan,1992.
BobDylan:greatesthits.NewYork,AmascoPublications.IncludesMastersofwar.SueGilmurray,1999.
Finesthour:songsforpeacemakers.
Ely,MightierPenMusic.IncludesWarmachineandFiringoftheheart.SiKahn,1990.
SiKahnsongbook.
Milwaukee,HalLeonardPublishingCo.IncludesFirsttimeatwarandothersongs.JohnMcCutcheon,1989.
Waterfromanothertime:musicfromJohnMcCutcheon.
Milwaukee,HalLeonardPublishingCo.IncludesCaughtinthecrossfire,Nomas!LeonRosselson,1992.
Bringingthenewsfromnowhere. London,FuseRecords.
Thisincludes125songswrittenduringthethreedecadestoabout1989,includingsongsreferredtointhesectionabove.LeonRosselson,2003.
Turningsilenceintosong.
London,FuseRecords.Thiscollectiongathersupsongswrittensince1989.ItincludesStillisthememoryclearinmymindandWherestheenemyPeggy
Seeger, 1998. ThePeggy Seegersongbook. New York,OakPublications.
All her songswritten over a
40yearperiod.ThebookhasasectiononnuclearweaponsincludingthechillingFourminutewarning.PeteSeeger,1993.
Wherehavealltheflowersgone:asingersstories,songs,seeds,robberies.
BethlehemPA,SingOut.Includesmostofhissongs.FredSmall,1986.
Breakingtheline.
Cambridge,Massachusetts,YellowMoonPress.IncludesAttheElbe,CranesoverHiroshimaandThepeacedragon.FredSmall,1994.
Promisesworthkeeping.
Cambridge,Massachusetts,YellowMoonPress.IncludesTheHillsofAyalon,WarlordsandPeaceis.TimWallis,2000.
Boldsongsforpeace.
AvailablefromtheCultureofPeaceCommittee,162HollowayRoad,LondonN78DD.Thebookcomprises18songs
includingyetanother
versionofLastnightIhadthestrangestdream,thisoneentitledLastnightIhadanotherdream..GeneralsongbooksthatincludepeacesongsPeter
Blood and Annie Patterson (editors), 1992. Rise up singing: the
group singing songbook.
Bethlehem,Pennsylvania.ASingOutPublication.This
includethewords,chordsandsourcesofsome1200songs. It
isanexcellentsourcebookforsongsforwhichpeopleknowthetunebutnotthewords.ThereisasectiononpeacesongsincludingIaintmarchinanymorebyPhilOchsJohnnyIhardlyknewyou(traditional)LastnightIhadthestrangestdreambyEdMcCurdyUniversalSoldierbyBuffySainteMarie.DavidGadsbyandJohnHoggarth(editors),Alleluya!:77songsforthinkingpeople.
Includedherearemanyofthepeacesongsweall
remember,forexample:BlowininthewindbyBobDylan Wherehaveall
theflowersgone?byPeteSeegerLettherebepeaceonearthbySyMillerandJillJackson.LastnightIhadthestrangestdreambyEdMcCurdy.SheffieldSocialistChoir,1999.
Withonevioice.
Sheffield,SheffieldSocialistChoir,Notreallyabookaboutwarandpeace,but
about protest. However, it does include some excellent settings of
Lives in the balance by Jackson Browne and
of(Somethinginside)sostrongbyLabiSiffri.Ajk/smg1.9.05
