- Rhythm 'n Role Newsletter
- Posts
- The Timeless Connection Between War and Music
The Timeless Connection Between War and Music
Exploring the Powerful Role of Music in Times of Conflict
Mo-Zed Dupree
April 22, 2025
MaurosArt
A little bit of history here folks. This one is about music during war, and no, there was no break dancing during these conflicts. It is interesting, though, looking back into time, that during these kinetic environments, there was a time and place for music in and around the ‘theater of war. Music, throughout the ages, has played a significant role, being a powerful tool in communication, building and keeping morale, and expression, from ancient battlefields to today’s conflicts. In this article we’re going to take a brief look into the relationship between music and war, highlighting its diverse effect and impact on soldiers on the field, civilians in the hot mix, and the ‘whole of society.
Historical Context
Since ancient times, music has been in play during wars, and varied, from culture to culture. From drums, cymbals, horns, and other types of wind instruments. Most of the time they were used for communication to signal troops, spur coordinated movements or charges, and boost troop morale. During the military campaigns of the Roman Empire, the bugle was used to issue commands and rally legends of soldiers. The bugle, a great example and still used today in the military, though in a different compacity.
Music as a Booster for Morale
Because of music’s powerful ability to ‘uplift spirits’, it has played a significant role behind the lines as well, as on the front lines. Looking back to World War I and World War II, some songs became anthems for civilians and soldiers alike. Songs like “We’ll Meet Again” and “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary” and so many other great tunes. Songs like these provided hope, comfort, and pined as a reminder of better times to come, and hopeful reunions to follow.
“The enduring bond between war and music is marked by its profound complexity”
Music as Protest and Expression
The era of the Vietnam War brought about music that became a powerful medium in expression and protest during a highly volatile and politically charged environment with the conflict in Southeast Asia. Protest songs surged and took center stage with artists like Marvin Gaye, John Lennon, Bob Dylan, and Joan Baez, leading the counterculture to voice their strong opposition to America’s participation in the Vietnam War and to advocate for peace. The anti-war movement with it rallying cries used music as a powerful tool to spread the message with songs like “What’s Going On”, “Give Peace a Chance”, and “Blowin’ in the Wind”.
War and Music’s Cultural Impact
The influence of war upon music has had a profound impact and effect on genres and cultures alike. The devastating effects of the American Civil War (1861-1865), where brother fought against brother, has inspired countless folk songs poignantly reflecting on those experiences and the sentiments of those affected by the conflict. Even the Balkan Wars during the 1990s, in similar fashion, created poignant songs, seizing the pain and resilience of the peoples and cultures affected in the region.
Modern-Day Reflections
The realities of war in contemporary times are expressed through music, grappling with great anguish, the complexities and the impact of war on our society. Artists like Bruce Springsteen and Green Day have conveyed these themes of conflict and aftermath in their music. “Born in the U.S.A.” and “21 Guns” are great examples of how modern musicians express the ugly realities of war and the aftermath in its wake.
In Conclusion
The enduring bond between war and music is marked by its profound complexity. With the power to inspire, provoke, and comfort, music can enhance human experiences during times of war. With the challenges we face in the global realm of things, all politics aside, music plays an important role expressing our collective emotions. And music’s ability to bolster our aspirations will forever remain essential.
Did You Know?
Journey, formed in 1973 by Neal Schon, was originally called Golden Gate Rhythm Section. Journey has sold more than 70 million albums.
How To Succeed as an Artist Manager
How to Succeed as an Artist Manager is a comprehensive guide for anyone who wants to pursue a career in artist management. Get the book!
“Music is the divine way to tell beautiful, poetic things to the heart.”
AI music invasion doubles on Deezer: 20,000 bot-created tracks now uploaded each DAY to streaming platform
France-headquartered music streaming service Deezer has revealed that approximately 18% of all tracks now being uploaded to its platform are fully generated by artificial intelligence.
Tyler Childers and Chris Stapleton to Co-Headline Healing Appalachia, as the Recovery-Focused Fest Moves to the Stars’ Home State, Kentucky (EXCLUSIVE)
Healing Appalachia, which bills itself as “the largest recovery-based music festival,” is moving to eastern Kentucky this September after five years of gathering in West Virginia. Making the move with the fest is its co-founder and perennial headliner, Tyler Childers, joined this year by a co-headliner, Chris Stapleton, who’ll be making his Healing Appalachia debut with the 2025 edition.
Pope Francis Cause of Death Revealed
Pope Francis died from a stroke and a heart issue.
Spotify CEO Daniel Ek continues share sale streak, cashing out another $28.2M
Spotify CEO Daniel Ek sold another $28.2 million worth of company shares this week, extending a selling pattern that has netted him more than three-quarters of a billion dollars since mid-2023.
If Anthropic Succeeds, a Nation of Benevolent AI Geniuses Could Be Born
The brother goes on vision quests. The sister is a former English major. Together, they defected from OpenAI, started Anthropic, and built (they say) AI’s most upstanding citizen, Claude.
Dave Grohl and Cynthia Erivo Join Dudamel and the LA Phil for Coachella Weekend 2 Performance
As promised, Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Phil had surprise guests in store for the second of their two Coachella 2025 performances. Instead of the LL Cool J medley that closed out the symphony’s set on weekend 1, Saturday night’s show climaxed with Dave Grohl fronting the symphony for two Foo Fighters songs, followed by actor-singer Cynthia Erivo serenading the desert masses.
Universal warns Drake ‘be careful what you wish for’ as rapper updates complaint to target Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl show
Universal Music Group has issued a warning to Drake following the rapper’s decision to amend his defamation lawsuit with new claims targeting Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show performance.
Kendrick Lamar & SZA Lead Hot 100 for Ninth Week, Teddy Swims Makes History in Top 10
"Luther" extends its domination, while "Lose Control" logs a record-breaking 58th week in the top 10.
'I got major doubt from the movie guys': Julie Taymor on turning The Lion King into the most successful musical ever
Disney's stage version of their hit film is an unmatched global phenomenon. Twenty-seven years on from its premiere, its director discusses why it was a big risk that paid off 10 billion-fold.
John McAfee Fled to Belize, but He Couldn't Escape Himself
On November 12, 2012, Belizean police announced that they were seeking John McAfee for questioning in connection with the murder of his neighbor. This is his story.
Justin Bieber’s fans double down on claims singer ‘needs help’ after worrying behaviour at Coachella
Justin Bieber fans have doubled down on concerns for his wellbeing as video emerges of the singer appearing disoriented at Coachella.
Thailand Rings in New Year With Drone and CCTV-Powered Robot Cop
Although it may have chilling technology like 360-degree AI cameras, the police robot's full potential is unknown.
US music star Jelly Roll confesses to accidentally ‘doing a poo’ on stage
US musician Jelly Roll, who had one of the biggest songs in Australia last year, has confessed to having an accident mid-song.
Take The R ’n R Music Quiz!
Answers will be revealed in the next issue of Rhythm ‘n Role. Good luck!
1. Who is the guitarist for the band The Smashing Pumpkins?
A) The Edge B) Jimmy Page C) Eric Clapton D) Billy Corgan E) Pete Townshend
2. Which guitarist is famous for his work with the band U2?
A) The Edge B) Pete Townshend C) Eric Clapton D) Jeff Beck E) Andy Summers
3. Who is the guitarist for the band Radiohead?
A) Doug Dillard B) Aaron Dessner C) Jeff Beck D) Greg Sage E) Jonny Greenwood
4. Which guitarist is known for his work with the band The White Stripes?
A) Jack White B) Greg Sage C) Pete Townshend D) Jeff Beck E) Doug Dillard
5. Who is the guitarist for the band Foo Fighters?
A) John McGeoch B) David Williams C) Dave Grohl D) Pete Townshend E) Steve Jones
Answers to last R ’n R issues Music Quiz: 1c, 2e, 3d, 4a, 5a
If you want to improve your playing quickly, without years of practice or you want to play smokin’ solos with intense passion and total control then this is EXACTLY what you’ve been looking for. Click here.
Take The Plunge into Success with Our Music Industry Insights!
Unlock the secrets of the music world on our website and blog, where we hit all the right notes to guide you through the maze of the music industry. From the latest trends to timeless advice, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re an aspiring artist, a seasoned producer, or just a music aficionado, our ever-expanding treasure trove of articles and tips will help you find your beat. Tune into our resources and turn your passion into a profession!
Be sure to subscribe to our ‘Rhythm ‘n Role newsletter’ and also check out our homesite at MorganHausEntertainment.com.
Reply