Blowin' In The Wind

By Josh Tyrangiel Sunday, Mar. 16, 2003
    • It may not exactly be the 1960s, but when it comes to opinions on a possible war in Iraq, the music world is playing true to form. Folk singers and rappers are weighing in, predictably, with a chorus of pro-peace songs, while at least one country crooner is primed to search and destroy. Here's a roundup of the war tunes in the air.

    JOHN MELLENCAMP
    To Washington
    Available at: Mellencamp.com

    Sample lyric: "What is the thought process to take a human's life?/What would be the reason to think that this is right?"

    Review: Spare folk arrangement fits the simple, evocative lyrics

    BILLY BRAGG
    The Price of Oil
    Available at: Billybragg.co.uk

    Sample lyric: "If it's freeing the Iraqi people you're after/Then why have we waited so long?"

    Review: A slow, Guthrie-esque delivery makes the history lesson palatable

    BEASTIE BOYS
    In a World Gone Mad
    Available at: Beastieboys.com

    Sample lyric: "We need health care more than going to war/You think it's democracy they're fighting for?"

    Review: With overexplicit lyrics and an unmelodic backing track, it's the Super Bowl Shuffle of antiwar songs

    CLINT BLACK
    I Raq and Roll
    Available at: Clintblack.com

    Sample lyric: "It might be a smart bomb; they find stupid people too/If you stand with the likes of Saddam, one just might find you."

    Review: Belligerence that makes you long for the subtlety of Toby Keith