10 Most Passionate Rock Songs About Peace

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Our 10 Best Songs About Peace In Rock Music presents a list of songs by musical artists that were, for the most part, written during the 1960s and early 1970s. For those who lived through the 1960s, one will remember a time of war, protests, and social and political movements that upended society. The world’s issues in the 1960s run far too deep to cover in a small article about peace songs. However, it is essential to note that these songs were written by musical artists trying to make a difference in the world. The songs still resonate deeply today as it seems we have all returned to many of the same issues we faced in the 1960s.

# 10 – Easy To Be Hard – Three Dog Night

We open up our 10 Most Passionate Rock Songs About Peace list with the 1967 song entitled “Easy To Be Hard.” The song was composed by Galt MacDermot, James Rado, and Gerome Ragni. It was written for the Broadway Musical Hair in 1967. Three Dog Night recorded the song for their second studio album, Suitable for Framing. The album was released in 1969. The song was a hit on the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number four. There is also a beautiful version of the song released in the film version of Hair, released in 19790, sung by Cheryl Barnes.

# 9 – People Get Ready

The classic song “People Get Ready” was composed by Curtis Mayfield. It first became a hit in 1965 when it was recorded by the group The Impressions. Since then, it has been covered by scores of artists looking to spread the message of the song about the fight for freedom and peace. One of our favorite versions of the song was done by Jeff Beck and Rod Stewart, who placed their interpretation of Mayfield’s song on Beck’s 1985 album Flash. Two brilliant musicians performing one of the most spiritual songs ever written made for a moment on vinyl to be celebrated forever.

# 8 – Who’ll Stop the Rain – Creedence Clearwater Revival

In the number eight spot on our 10 Most Passionate Rock Songs About Peace list, we present the song entitled “Who’ll Stop the Rain.” There are many different interpretations of this song as Fogerty has been asked many times about the lyrics. Like all great songwriters, he seems to want the song to speak for itself. I have always believed it to be a cry for ending the Vietnam War. That’s why it’s on this list.

# 7 – I’d Love To Change The World – Ten Years After

In the number seven position on our 10 Most Passionate Rock Songs About Peace list is the classic Ten Years After song entitled “I’d Love To Change The Word.” It’s probably one of the most honest songs about peace ever written. It’s also one of the most rocking. Alvin Lee really lights it up on this track. The song was released on the album entitled A Space in Time. The album was released in 1971.

# 6 – Masters Of War – Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan’s “Masters Of War” is a violent song written about peace. Its a song that had to be written. It’s not as hopeful and spiritual of a song such as “Blowing In The Wind.” No, “Masters of War” goes after those with the power to send so many young people to die. It’s a song that had to be written and stands as one of the most important pieces of Dylan’s career.

# 5 – One – U2

At the halfway point on our 10 Most Passionate Rock Songs About Peace list is one of the only songs on this list not written in the 1960s or early 1970s. Bono defined the song as being about the understanding that people in the world have many conflicting issues, but in the end, in order for all of us to survive, we must come together as one.

# 4 – “Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)” – George Harrison

At the number four spot on our 10 Most Passionate Rock Songs About Peace list, it is the first of two songs written by former members of the Beatles. We would have loved to put the Beatles “All You Need Is Love” song on the list, but we felt that we wanted to keep room for these songs by Lennon and this wonderful peace song by George.

# 3 – What The World Needs Now – Jackie DeSannon

During the Summer of 2020, I remember sitting down at my piano and playing this song as an escape from all the madness I was watching on the news channels. I just coudn’t take it anymore. This song gave me an escape. It was the same for millions in the 1960s. It was written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David.

# 2 – Imagine – John Lennon

Just off the top spot on our 10 Most Passionate Rock Songs About Peace list, we celebrate the song “Imagine.” We couldn’t put together a list like this and not include John Lennon’s most significant song he composed as a solo artist. The song was originally released in 1971.

# 1 – Age Of Aquarius/ Let The Sunshine In

We close out our 10 Most Passionate Rock Songs About Peace list with the song iconic recording of “Age Of Aquarius/ Let The Sunshine In.” This was the opening and closing number of the Briady Play and 1979 movie Hair. If you have never seen the movie, this will move you dearly. It’s the ultimate song of peace and the price that many have paid fighting for it, and the pain that many have endured because of war and ignorance.