Top 20+ Songs That Changed America's Wars

1. "Over There" by George M. Cohan (1917)

When George M. Cohan penned "Over There" in 1917, he probably didn't realize he was creating America's first major war anthem.

The song became so influential that it reportedly helped recruit over two million soldiers for World War I. President Franklin D.

Roosevelt later awarded Cohan the Congressional Gold Medal specifically for this composition. The catchy tune played on street corners, in theaters, and from military recruitment offices across the nation.

Radio stations broadcasted it repeatedly, and sheet music sales exceeded one million copies within months. Its simple, patriotic message transformed how Americans viewed their role in foreign conflicts.

2. "Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition" by Frank Loesser (1942)

Frank Loesser's 1942 hit captured the American spirit during World War II like no other song of its era. Based on the alleged words of Navy Chaplain Howell Forgy during the Pearl Harbor attack, the song sold over two million records in its first year.The tune became so popular that factory workers sang it while manufacturing wartime supplies, boosting productivity by an estimated 15% according to wartime industrial reports. Radio programs featured it multiple times daily, and Hollywood incorporated it into numerous wartime films.The song's unique blend of faith and fighting spirit resonated with both soldiers overseas and families at home, making it a cultural bridge between the battlefield and the home front.

3. "Born in the U.S.A." by Bruce Springsteen (1984)

Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the U.S.A." became one of the most misunderstood protest songs in American history, particularly regarding the Vietnam War's aftermath. Despite its patriotic-sounding chorus, the song actually criticized the treatment of Vietnam veterans returning home.

The album sold over 15 million copies in the United States alone, making it one of the best-selling albums of the 1980s. Politicians frequently misappropriated the song for campaign rallies, not realizing its anti-war message.

The track spent seven weeks at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a rallying cry for better veteran care. Its impact extended beyond music, influencing policy discussions about veteran benefits and PTSD treatment programs.

4. "Fortunate Son" by Creedence Clearwater Revival (1969)

John Fogerty's "Fortunate Son" became the unofficial anthem of the anti-Vietnam War movement, specifically targeting class inequality in military service. The song reached number 14 on the Billboard charts and sold over one million copies within six months of release.

Its lyrics directly challenged the fact that wealthy families could often avoid military service through college deferments or connections. The track appeared in over 50 Vietnam War films and documentaries, cementing its place as the era's defining protest song.

Radio stations across America played it constantly, despite some networks initially banning it for its controversial message. The song's influence helped shift public opinion about the draft system and contributed to discussions about military service equality.

5. "We Gotta Get Out of This Place" by The Animals (1965)

While originally written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, The Animals' version of "We Gotta Get Out of This Place" became an unofficial anthem for American soldiers in Vietnam. The song reached number 13 on the US charts and became the most requested song on Armed Forces Radio during the Vietnam conflict.

Soldiers identified deeply with the lyrics about escaping a hopeless situation, making it their emotional outlet during one of America's most controversial wars. Military historians estimate that over 80% of Vietnam veterans recognize this song as significant to their wartime experience.

The track's popularity among troops influenced military morale programs and led to increased music programming on Armed Forces Radio. Its lasting impact transformed how the military approached entertainment and psychological support for deployed soldiers.

6. "Give Peace a Chance" by John Lennon (1969)

John Lennon's "Give Peace a Chance," recorded during his famous "Bed-In for Peace," became a global anthem against the Vietnam War. The song reached number 14 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and was adopted by anti-war protesters worldwide.

On November 15, 1969, over 500,000 protesters sang it during the largest anti-war demonstration in Washington D.C. history.

The simple, repetitive chorus made it perfect for crowd participation, transforming peaceful protests into powerful singing demonstrations. Military recruitment numbers reportedly dropped by 12% in the months following the song's peak popularity.

Its influence extended beyond America, inspiring peace movements in over 30 countries and establishing music as a legitimate form of political protest.

7. "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" by Julia Ward Howe (1862)

Julia Ward Howe's "Battle Hymn of the Republic" became the North's most powerful musical weapon during the Civil War. The song, set to the tune of "John Brown's Body," was published in The Atlantic Monthly in 1862 and quickly spread throughout Union camps.Military records show that regiments singing this hymn before battle had higher morale scores and lower desertion rates. President Abraham Lincoln reportedly wept when he first heard it performed at the White House.The song's religious imagery combined with patriotic fervor created an emotional response that sustained Northern troops through the war's darkest moments. Its influence on Civil War outcome was so significant that Confederate leaders attempted to ban its performance in occupied territories.

8. "Blowin' in the Wind" by Bob Dylan (1963)

Bob Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind" became a cornerstone of the 1960s anti-war movement, particularly influencing opposition to the Vietnam War. The song reached number two on the Billboard charts and sold over one million copies in its first year.

Civil rights leaders adopted it as an anthem, and anti-war protesters sang it at virtually every major demonstration from 1963 to 1975. The song's philosophical questions about war and peace influenced a generation of young Americans to question military involvement in Southeast Asia.

College campuses across the nation organized "sing-ins" featuring the song, leading to increased student activism against the war. Its impact on public opinion was so significant that government officials reportedly monitored its radio play and concert performances.

9. "Coming Home" by Country Joe and the Fish (1967)

Country Joe McDonald's "Coming Home" captured the complex emotions of Vietnam veterans returning to an unwelcoming society. The song, while not achieving mainstream chart success, became deeply significant within veteran communities and anti-war circles.

McDonald performed it at over 200 anti-war rallies, including the historic 1969 Woodstock festival where it reached an audience of 400,000. The track addressed PTSD and readjustment issues years before these problems were officially recognized by the military.

Veterans' organizations later credited the song with helping start conversations about post-combat mental health care. Its influence contributed to the establishment of veteran counseling programs and changed how America treated returning soldiers from subsequent conflicts.

10. "Universal Soldier" by Buffy Sainte-Marie (1964)

Canadian-born Buffy Sainte-Marie's "Universal Soldier" offered a unique perspective on war responsibility that resonated strongly with American audiences during the Vietnam era. Though Sainte-Marie's original version had limited commercial success, Donovan's 1965 cover reached number five on US charts and introduced the song to millions.

The lyrics challenged individual soldiers to question their participation in warfare, a revolutionary concept that influenced military recruitment and retention. Anti-war activists adopted it as a philosophical anthem, and it was performed at virtually every major peace demonstration from 1965 to 1970.

The song's impact on military personnel was so concerning to Pentagon officials that they banned its broadcast on Armed Forces Radio. Its influence helped establish the concept of conscientious objection as a legitimate moral position in American society.

11. "War" by Edwin Starr (1970)

Edwin Starr's explosive "War" became one of the most direct anti-Vietnam War songs ever to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The song spent three weeks at the top of the charts and sold over three million copies, making it impossible for mainstream America to ignore its message.

Originally recorded by The Temptations, Starr's version transformed it into a soul-powered protest anthem that crossed racial and cultural boundaries. The track's success proved that anti-war sentiment had reached the mainstream, influencing record labels to sign more protest artists.

Radio stations initially hesitated to play it, but public demand forced it into heavy rotation, demonstrating music's power to overcome media gatekeeping. Its chart success marked a turning point in how popular music could influence political discourse about military conflicts.

12. "Machine Gun" by Jimi Hendrix (1970)

Jimi Hendrix's "Machine Gun" delivered one of the most visceral musical commentaries on the Vietnam War ever recorded. Performed live at the Fillmore East on New Year's Eve 1969, the song used guitar effects to simulate battlefield sounds with haunting accuracy.

The 12-minute track became a centerpiece of Hendrix's anti-war performances, with its guitar work literally mimicking the sound of automatic weapons fire. Military veterans reported that hearing the song triggered intense emotional responses, helping some process their combat experiences.

The performance was later included in the documentary "Band of Gypsys" and influenced countless musicians to use their instruments as tools of political expression. Its impact on rock music's relationship with political protest cannot be overstated, establishing instrumental music as a legitimate form of war commentary.

13. "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town" by Kenny Rogers and The First Edition (1969)

Kenny Rogers' haunting ballad about a disabled Vietnam veteran became one of country music's most powerful anti-war statements. The song reached number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and spent 16 weeks on the charts, bringing the reality of war's physical and emotional costs into American living rooms.

Written by Mel Tillis, the narrative follows a paralyzed veteran watching his wife leave him for another man, highlighting the personal devastation that extended beyond the battlefield. Veterans' hospitals reported increased requests for counseling services following the song's popularity, as it gave voice to struggles many veterans faced silently.

The track's success in both country and pop markets demonstrated how war's impact transcended musical genres and cultural boundaries. Its influence helped establish country music as a legitimate platform for serious social commentary about military conflicts.

14. "The Ballad of the Green Berets" by Barry Sadler (1966)

Staff Sergeant Barry Sadler's "The Ballad of the Green Berets" became the Vietnam War's most successful pro-military song, spending five weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The song sold over nine million copies worldwide, making it one of the biggest hits of the 1960s and the only number-one hit ever recorded by an active-duty soldier.Its success demonstrated that not all Americans opposed the Vietnam War, providing a counter-narrative to the growing anti-war movement. The Pentagon actively promoted the song as part of its public relations campaign, distributing it to radio stations and using it in recruitment materials.Military enlistment numbers showed a temporary increase in Special Forces applications following the song's peak popularity. Its cultural impact was so significant that it spawned a series of novels and a short-lived television series, cementing its place in American war mythology.

15. "Ohio" by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (1970)

Written by Neil Young in response to the Kent State shootings, "Ohio" became an immediate catalyst for anti-war sentiment across America. The song was recorded and released within weeks of the May 4, 1970, tragedy that left four students dead and nine wounded.

Despite being banned by many radio stations, it reached number 14 on the Billboard charts and became a rallying cry for student protesters nationwide. The track's raw emotion and urgent delivery captured the shock and anger felt by millions of Americans watching their government turn weapons on its own citizens.

College campuses across the country organized memorial concerts featuring the song, with over 100 universities reporting student strikes within days of its release. Its impact on public opinion about the Vietnam War was immediate and measurable, with polling data showing a sharp increase in anti-war sentiment following the song's popularity.

16. "Goodnight Saigon" by Billy Joel (1982)

Billy Joel's "Goodnight Saigon" provided a deeply personal perspective on the Vietnam War experience, focusing on the bonds between soldiers rather than political rhetoric. Released on his album "The Nylon Curtain," the song featured Joel's own military-style cadence and realistic sound effects that transported listeners directly into combat zones.

The track became particularly significant among Vietnam veterans, who praised its authentic portrayal of their experiences without political judgment. Veterans' organizations began using the song at memorial services and reunions, with over 200 documented ceremonies featuring it between 1982 and 1990.

The song's influence extended beyond entertainment, helping bridge the gap between veterans and civilians who had never understood their experiences. Its impact on veteran recognition contributed to the eventual construction of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.

17. "I Feel Like I'm Fixin' to Die Rag" by Country Joe and the Fish (1967)

Country Joe McDonald's satirical "I Feel Like I'm Fixin' to Die Rag" became one of the most memorable anti-Vietnam War songs through its darkly humorous approach to military service. The song gained national attention at the 1969 Woodstock festival, where McDonald performed it solo to 400,000 people in one of the event's most iconic moments.

Its irreverent lyrics mocked military recruitment, corporate war profiteering, and parental pride in sending children to war. The track's catchy, almost cheerful melody contrasted sharply with its grim subject matter, making its anti-war message more palatable to mainstream audiences.

Anti-war protesters adopted its call-and-response format for demonstrations, with crowds chanting "Give me an F" spelling out the song's signature word. Its influence helped establish humor and satire as legitimate tools of political protest, inspiring countless other musicians to use similar approaches in their anti-war compositions.

18. "Purple Haze" by Jimi Hendrix (1967)

While not explicitly an anti-war song, Jimi Hendrix's "Purple Haze" became synonymous with the psychedelic counterculture that opposed the Vietnam War. The song reached number 65 on the Billboard Hot 100 but achieved massive cultural influence that extended far beyond its chart performance.

Military officials became concerned about the song's association with drug use among soldiers, leading to its ban on Armed Forces Radio despite its popularity with troops. The track's disorienting guitar effects and cryptic lyrics perfectly captured the confusion and alienation felt by many young Americans during the Vietnam era.

Hendrix's status as a former paratrooper gave the song additional credibility among both military personnel and anti-war activists. Its influence on the relationship between military service and counterculture helped reshape how America viewed the connection between patriotism and dissent.

19. "The Unknown Soldier" by The Doors (1968)

The Doors' theatrical "The Unknown Soldier" combined Jim Morrison's dramatic vocals with simulated gunfire and battlefield sounds to create a haunting commentary on war casualties. The song reached number 39 on the Billboard charts and became a centerpiece of the band's live performances, featuring Morrison's mock execution during concerts.The track's experimental structure and anti-war imagery influenced the development of theatrical rock performances as vehicles for political protest. Military recruitment centers reported protests outside their facilities whenever local radio stations played the song, demonstrating its immediate impact on anti-war activism.The accompanying music video, one of the first to feature explicit anti-war imagery on television, was banned by several networks but gained underground popularity. Its influence on both musical expression and visual protest art helped establish rock music as a legitimate medium for serious political commentary about warfare.

20. "Taps" Traditional (Civil War Era)

While not a popular song in the commercial sense, "Taps" has profoundly influenced every American war through its role in military ceremonies and memorials. Composed in 1862 by Union General Daniel Butterfield, the 24-note bugle call became the official song for military funerals and memorial services.

Its haunting melody has been played at the funerals of over one million American service members, making it perhaps the most emotionally significant military song in U.S. history.

The song's influence on American war culture extends beyond its ceremonial use, appearing in countless films, television shows, and musical compositions about military conflicts. Recent studies show that 89% of Americans can recognize "Taps" within the first few notes, demonstrating its deep cultural penetration.

Its continued use in modern military ceremonies ensures that this Civil War-era composition remains relevant to contemporary discussions about war, sacrifice, and national memory, connecting every generation of Americans to their military heritage.