[2026] Anti-war songs in Western music. Songs that wish for peace.
As of 2026, there is still no sign of a resolution to the situation in Ukraine, and since October 2023, armed clashes between Israel and Gaza have broken out, plunging the world into continued turmoil.
More recently, new fighting engulfing the entire Middle East has intensified, with the United States and Israel carrying out large-scale airstrikes on military and political targets inside Iran.
In this article, we’ve compiled a selection of overseas anti-war songs that will move listeners emotionally—precisely the kind of music we want you to hear in times like these—spanning different eras and genres.
Please listen while checking the parallel translations and such—the messages each artist has imbued in their work, from heartfelt wishes for peace to, at times, stern denunciations of those in power.
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[2026] Anti-war songs in Western music: Songs wishing for peace (51–60)
Heal The WorldMichael Jackson
Michael Jackson, the King of Pop who consistently called for peace.
At his memorial service after he passed away, Stevie Wonder deliberately referred to him as a “lovable fool.” Michael Jackson had his share of troubles, but I believe his heart was always pure.
One of his works themed around anti-war and peace is “Heal The World.” Rather than outright rejecting war, its lyrics depict the state of the human heart, which speaks volumes about his character.
OneMetallica
Metallica, a heavy metal band immensely popular in Japan as well, has produced numerous masterpieces, some of which carry an anti-war theme.
Among them, I’d like to highlight “One.” This song was modeled after the protagonist of the film “Johnny Got His Gun,” and, following the film’s storyline, it portrays an anti-war message.
Although it’s an anti-war song based on a work of fiction, its content is just as serious as anti-war songs focused on current events.
Be sure to check it out.
WatergunRemo Forrer
Remo Forrer’s “Watergun,” by the Swiss singer, delivers an anti-war message where the innocence of the past intersects with harsh reality.
Performed as Switzerland’s entry in Eurovision 2023, the song reminds listeners of the importance of peace and resonates with those who offer heartfelt prayers amid conflicts around the world.
The piercing cry, “We don’t wanna be soldiers,” captures the authentic voice of the younger generation, and its superb melody and lyrics, which say no to all conflicts worldwide, are something we Japanese can also relate to.
The Longest DayIron Maiden
A song themed around the Normandy landings of World War II is included on A Matter of Life and Death, the album released in August 2006 by Iron Maiden, the pinnacle of British heavy metal.
Marked by heavy guitar riffs and powerful vocals, the track vividly depicts the horrific scenes of the battlefield and the anguish of the soldiers, delivering a strong message about the inhumanity and sacrifices of war.
Its epic seven-and-a-half-minute structure fully showcases the band’s technical mastery, making it a recommended listen not only for heavy metal fans but also for those interested in history.
Nobody Wins A WarRaheem DeVaughn
Raheem DeVaughn is an American singer-songwriter who delivers music rooted in R&B and soul.
His 2010 album The Love & War MasterPeace includes the track Nobody Wins A War.
It carries a simple yet powerful message: “At the end of war, there are no winners.” His heartfelt vocals and rich harmonies convey a strong desire to see war come to an end.
With its repeated phrases, the song speaks to people while expressing a wish for peace.
