The War Song

Culture Club

About The War Song

"The War Song" is a 1984 song by the British band Culture Club which features background vocals by Clare Torry. It was the lead single from the band's third album Waking Up with the House on Fire. The song became the group's seventh top-five hit on the UK Singles Chart, peaking at number two. In the U. S. the single peaked at #17 on the Billboard Hot 100 and hit the top ten in many countries including Canada (#7), Ireland (#1), Italy (#3) and Australia (#2). While very popular at the time, it was not appreciated by some music critics for some weakness in the lyrics and less original arrangements. The song was assisted by a popular music video, directed by Russell Mulcahy, which features hundreds of children dressed as skeletons. Lead singer Boy George is shown with his new flame-red hair, and also employs four wigs in black, white, yellow and blue. The video cost more than £100,000 to make. In many countries, the single was released with a B-Side consisting of a native-language version (Spanish, French, Japanese or German) of the song. It was available in two different extended versions, a first in Culture Club discography. Its 7" picture disc was shelved, and the only remaining copies are very rare. 


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War, war is stupid and people are stupid
And love means nothing in some strange quarters
War, war is stupid and people are stupid
And I heard them banging on hearts and fingers
War

People fill the world with narrow confidence
Like a child at birth, a man with no defence
What's mine's my own, I won't give it to you
No matter what you say, no matter what you do

Now we're fighting in our hearts
Fighting in the streets
Won't somebody help me? 

War, war is stupid and people are stupid
And love means nothing in some strange quarters
War, war is stupid and people are stupid
And I heard them banging on hearts and fingers
War

Man is far behind in the search of something new
Like a philistine, we're burning witches too
This world of hate must be designed for you
It matters what you say, it matters what you do

Now we're fighting in our hearts
Fighting in the streets
Won't somebody help me? 

War, war is stupid and people are stupid
And love means nothing in some strange quarters
War, war is stupid and people are stupid
And I heard them banging on hearts and fingers
War, war war

After the bird has flown
He walked ten thousand miles back home
You can't do that to me, no, you can't do that to me
You can't do that to me, no, you can't do that to me

War, war

In this heart of mine, I'll find a place for you
For black or white, for grown-up children too

Now we're fighting in our hearts
Fighting in the streets
Won't somebody help me? 

War, war is stupid and people are stupid
And love means nothing in some strange quarters
War, war is stupid and people are stupid
And I heard them banging on hearts and fingers

No more war 
Say no more war 
Say war
I said woah, said no more war, said no more war, said woah
Said no more war, I said no more war
Senso hant-ai
Senso hant-ai
Say no more war
Say no more, no more war, said no more war
Said no more war, said no more war, oh

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Culture Club

Culture Club is an English pop band that was part of the 1980s New Romantic movement. The original band comprised Boy George (lead vocals), Mikey Craig (bass guitar), Roy Hay (guitar and keyboards) and Jon Moss (drums and percussion). Their second album, Colour by Numbers, has sold more than 10 million copies worldwide, and they had several international hits with songs such as "Church of the Poison Mind", "Karma Chameleon" and "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me". Boy George's androgynous style of dressing caught the attention of the public and the media. more »

3 fans

Written by: George O'Dowd, Jonathan Moss, Michael Craig, Roy Ernest Hay

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Background
"The War Song" is a 1984 single by British band Culture Club. It was featured in their album "Waking Up with the House on Fire."
Chart Performance
It reached #2 in the UK singles charts. Despite being less successful in the US where it reached only #17 on the Billboard Hot 100, it topped the charts in many other countries.
Primary Message
The song is a protest against war, with lyrics like "War, war is stupid, and people are stupid". It signals Culture Club's attempt at creating politically aware music, different from their previous romantic and light-hearted releases.
Music Video
The music video involves the band members, including lead singer Boy George, dressed as war victims and soldiers, highlighting the suffering caused by wars.
Critiques
Upon its release, the song was widely criticized for its simplistic and trivialized depiction of war. Despite this, it has been recognized as a memorable 80's anti-war song.
Band Vocalist 'Boy George'
Notably, the song was written by Boy George who's known for his soulful voice and androgynous style. His unique image played a major role in the popularity of Culture Club.
Popularity in Australia
"The War Song" was highly popular in Australia, where it reached #1 on the country's Singles Chart.
Lyric Controversy
The song's lyrics were considered controversial by many, leading to debates about whether pop music could or should be used to make serious political statements.
Later Releases
Despite the mixed reception, the song was included in numerous later compilations of Culture Club's work, indicating its lasting impact on the band's image.
Live Performances
Culture Club often performs "The War Song" on their reunion tours, showing its continued relevance and popularity among fans.

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    The War Song

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1984

    Billboard #17


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