[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 (21–30)
Dance On GasolineMåneskin
Gasoline used as fuel for weapons.
If it’s going to be used to kill people, then we’ll dance on it—so goes the song Dance On Gasoline.
It’s a track by the Italian rock band Måneskin, released in April 2022, written for the Stand Up For Ukraine campaign in support of Ukraine.
They also performed it at Coachella, the major music festival held in the United States.
Regarding how the song came about, the members of Måneskin said that when the invasion of Ukraine began, they felt that conveying unity through music was what they should do.
With a gritty rock sound only they can deliver, the song expresses anger toward war and a strong resolve not to yield to it.
What’s Going OnMarvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye’s classic “What’s Going On.” It’s a historic track that dramatically reshaped the course of later R&B, while also embodying Black music with an anti-war theme.
It’s said he was inspired to write the song after hearing stories from his brother, who had returned from the Vietnam War.
At the time, racism against Black people was more intense than it is today.
It was an era shortly after the recognition of civil rights, when various social issues were in the spotlight, and many Americans likely found support and solace in this song.
[2026] Anti-war songs in Western music: Songs that wish for peace (31–40)
What If There Were No Sides At AllBryan Adams
Rock singer Bryan Adams, who enjoys enduring popularity in Japan.
Released in May 2023, this work is an anti-war song imbued with a universal message against conflicts around the world.
It’s a ballad marked by an acoustic sound, carrying a heartfelt plea for peace.
Intended to encourage dialogue from governments, the piece is a socially conscious song characteristic of Adams, a native of Canada.
Although Adams shot to global stardom with his 1984 album Reckless, nearly 40 years later his commitment to advocating for world peace remains unchanged.
Hammer To FallQueen
This is a song released in 1984 by Queen, one of the greatest rock bands to come out of the UK.
It was written and composed by guitarist Brian May, and when it was released as a single, it became a smash hit.
It’s a catchy track featuring a characteristically Queen-like dynamic guitar riff and tight rhythm, with Freddie Mercury’s soaring vocals and gorgeous choral work standing out.
Yet the lyrics actually take nuclear war as their theme.
The word “mushroom cloud” even appears outright, and since the song was released in the middle of the Cold War, its lyrics—full of the kind of irony and political satire so typical of the British—prompt all sorts of reflection precisely because of the era.
May’s message is likely not a simple one, but given that today’s world can feel as if we’ve slipped back into Cold War times, I encourage you to listen to this song while thinking about how we ought to live now.
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.
Hero Of WarRise Against
Rise Against is a band that enjoys immense popularity in the rock genre known as melodic hardcore.
They are known for having many songs with strong messages.
Among their works, one I especially recommend that centers on themes of anti-war and peace is Hero Of War.
While this song addresses the theme of anti-war, it portrays a soldier not as a victim of war, but as a perpetrator.
The lyrics, which realistically depict the frailty and coldness of the human heart, will prompt us to reexamine the way we live.
Walk On (Ukraine)U2
U2’s latest album, Songs Of Surrender, was released in March 2023.
It’s a collection of particularly important songs from their long career, and Walk On (Ukraine) is one of the standout tracks included.
This song has always been sung when misfortune strikes the world; in fact, U2 offered it after the Great East Japan Earthquake as well.
This version has been arranged in response to the Russia–Ukraine war.
A song that has supported so many people will surely be a source of strength for those suffering in the war.