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John Lennon - 'Imagine' (1971) -

Perhaps the most well-known song about peace of all time, John Lennon invites us to imagine what a world looks like where people live as one.

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Marvin Gaye - 'What's Going On' (1971) -

The song is written from the perspective of a Vietnam veteran returning to his home country to witness hatred, suffering, and injustice, leading him to wonder what's going on?

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Black Eyed Peas - 'Where Is the Love?' (2003) -

The song that launched the Black Eyed Peas into the stratosphere was written in response to the American invasion of Iraq in 2003.

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Bob Marley and the Wailers - 'One Love' (1977) -

Inspired by John Lennon's 'Imagine,' Bob Marley set out to write a song that captured the unity of the human race. It became a rallying cry for understanding and hope.

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Plastic Ono Band – 'Give Peace a Chance' (1969) -

'Give Peace a Chance' became an anthem of the American anti-war movement during the 1970s, as well as the people's anthem and slogan for the Northern Ireland peace process.

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U2 - 'One' (1991) -

While the song 'One' speaks about disunity that has arisen in a relationship, it also reminds us that we only have "one life, with each other, sisters, brothers." The song tells us in order to rebuild, we have to let go of the past.

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Green Day - 'Holiday' (2004) -

Disillusionment with the political climate, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and conservative politics inspired Green Day's rebellious wake-up song 'Holiday.'

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The Beatles - 'All You Need Is Love' (1967) -

'All You Need Is Love' resonated for people across countries and cultures. The simple message debuted at the height of the "Summer of Love," and became synonymous with the anti-war movement of the time.

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Jackie DeShannon - 'What the World Needs Now Is Love' (1965) -

DeShannon's 1965 song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, and the message remains as relevant as ever.

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Bob Dylan - 'Blowin' in the Wind' (1963) -

'Blowin' in the Wind' failed to chart on its release, yet went on to become a defining track of the 1960s. It's a song about war, peace, and the intangibility of the solution to it all.

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2Pac feat. Talent - 'Changes' (1998) -

"And still I see no changes, can't a brother get a little peace? There's war in the streets and war in the Middle East," Tupac Shakur lamented.

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Patti Smith - 'People Have the Power' (1988) -

Written by Patti Smith and her late partner Fred "Sonic" Smith, 'People Have the Power' is one of the most powerful protest songs of all time.

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The Eagles - 'I Wish You Peace' (1975) -

A song about love, friendship, and goodwill, 'I Wish You Peace' has a simple yet profound message. The song is a reminder that even in dark moments, there are people in your life who care about you and wish you peace.

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George Harrison - 'Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)' (1973) -

George Harrison was perhaps the most idealistic Beatle. He wrote 'Give Me Love' after the Fab Four had broken up and he was diving into Hindu spirituality.

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Lenny Kravitz - 'We Want Peace' (2004) -

The purpose of 'We Want Peace' was to motivate people to protest the invasion of Iraq. Lenny Kravitz encourages people to come together and join the revolution.

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Michael Jackson - 'Heal the World' (1991) -

'Heal the World' is a song about coming together to create a better world through love, kindness, and empathy. Michael Jackson was reportedly inspired to write the song while touring in Africa.

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Paul McCartney - 'Pipes of Peace' (1983) -

Paul McCartney advocates for peace in this song, where he talks about imagining a world for the children of tomorrow. He encourages adults to demonstrate peace through their own actions and example.

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Alicia Keys - 'We Are Here' (2014) -

Alicia Keys' song is a call to action, urging individuals to come together. She reminds people we are all connected, and emphasizes the importance of embracing diversity, empathy, and compassion.

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Bruce Springsteen - 'Land of Hope and Dreams' (2001) -

Springsteen's song emphasizes the need for coming together and community. It offers hope for the future, if people stick together and see their diversity as a strength.

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Elvis Costello and the Attractions - '(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding' (2008) -

Originally written by Nick Lowe, the cover of this song by Elvis Costello and the Attractions received critical acclaim and became an anthem for perseverance in troubled times.

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Bob Marley - 'No More Trouble' (1978) -

This Bob Marley song is a rallying cry for peace and equality. It calls for an end to discrimination, violence, and socio-political unrest.

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Grateful Dead and Bob Dylan - 'Man of Peace' (1983) -

The complexities of power, corruption, and the struggle for justice are examined in this song. Bob Dylan depicts a character who plays the peacemaker, but in reality sows the seeds of discord and turmoil.

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Cat Stevens - 'Peace Train' (1971) -

Breaking free from the hatred and division in the world, to take a harmonious journey into peace, is the message at the heart of this song by Cat Stevens.

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Arcade Fire feat. Mavis Staples – 'I Give You Power' (2017) -

"It’s never been more important that we stick together & take care of each other," the band said in a tweet on release of their song 'I Give You Power,' in 2017.

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Matisyahu – 'One Day' (2009) -

'One Day' is a song of hope for an end to violence, and a prayer for a new era of peace and understanding. Matisyahu explains "it is an anthem of hope with a big beat."

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Anti-Flag – '911 For Peace' (2002) -

The song advocates for peace and tolerance between people and calls for a stop to the senseless killing that has become common in the world.

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The Housemartins - 'Caravan of Love' (1986) -

British indie band The Housemartins released their cover of Isley-Jasper-Isley's song in 1986. This a capella version went to the top of UK charts during the season of goodwill and it's unsurprising, given its call for unity.

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Morrissey - 'World Peace Is None of Your Business' (2014) -

Morrissey's 2014 track is an angry shout for empathy for those caught in the cross fire of conflict in regions from Egypt to Ukraine, and is just as relevant today.

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O'Jays - 'Love Train' (1972) -

The O'Jays song is a timeless call for peace and unity. The central message of 'Love Train' is that if we all pull together, we can make things better for everyone.

Sources: (Music Grotto) (uDiscoverMusic)

See also: Anti-war songs and other records about war

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