Tag Archives: antiwar songs

A whole year of Peace Songs: Finale to “Peace Song of the Day” project

Susanna, The Duchess of Peace writes:

On July 9th of last year, I began a project to find, and blog about, a peace song for every day of the year. The Peace Song of the Day archive is: here.

The idea of the project was to create interesting content, to create a daily ritual of peace culture, to bring people to the blog, and to nurture some self-discipline in myself as a writer.

I believe I succeeded a little bit on the first three counts. Though, since there are many days with no peace song announced, I guess I failed on the self-discipline score. And, I failed even though I had some nurturing help from the Duke, who sometimes provided inspiration, and sometimes just wrote the post for me. My missed days have taught me that I cannot count on myself to be both creative and ambitious each day. So, my next daily project will involve less of a need for inspiration. Though, I hope it will still be fruitful to the peace community.

Other lessons learned: Continue reading A whole year of Peace Songs: Finale to “Peace Song of the Day” project

Do your job like a man: Peace Song for June 25th

The Great Mandala (Wheel of Life)” by Peter Yarrow is the Peace Song of the Day for June 25, 2012.

The lyrics are unusual for a peace song, because they use the discourse of the opposition. And, the song also includes sensitive reflections of male pride and self-defense mechanisms. A father, who has already lost one son to war, tells his other son, “So I told him that he’d better shut his mouth, and do his job like a man…”

I realized the power of this song, because it was praised by Richie Havens in the movie Peter, Paul and Mary – Carry It On – A Musical Legacy.

Continue reading Do your job like a man: Peace Song for June 25th

For children and adults who cherish peace: “Little Drops of Water” is Peace Song for 4/23/2012

(On 4/17/2013, we dedicated “Little Drops of Water” as a song of healing and peace to the Boston Marathon community.)

Little Drops of Water” is the Peace Song of the Day for April 23, 2012. It is a traditional song from England. I first discovered this song in the collection, Singing Bee!, compiled by Jane Hart.

I could not resist making my own verse for this song which clearly states the need for “peace”. Below my video are other versions and resources for the “Little Drops of Water” song.



Lyrics and more about this song…
Continue reading For children and adults who cherish peace: “Little Drops of Water” is Peace Song for 4/23/2012

When the war is over: Peace Song for 3/25/2102

Steve Earle‘s song, “Steve’s Hammer (for Pete)“, is the Peace Song of the Day for March 25th. As the title hints at, this song is dedicated to Pete Seeger. The song is from Earle’s album, Washington Square Serenade.

“Steve’s Hammer” tells about the day when the war is over, and there isn’t any hunger and pain, so all of us peace and justice activists can finally take a bring and sing a silvery tune. In other words, the song embodies why it is called “The Struggle”.
Continue reading When the war is over: Peace Song for 3/25/2102

Do soldiers dream of peace? Peace Song for 3/16/2012

“Lay Down Your Arms” by Doron Levinson is the Peace Song of the Day for 3/16/2012. This song is about an appeal to God. Though, it could be written or expressed as a meditation, or a wish sent out to the universe. Some of the images are profound and beautiful.

Continue reading Do soldiers dream of peace? Peace Song for 3/16/2012

Ain’t it everybody’s sun?: Peace Song for 3/13/2012

Simple Song of Freedom by Bobby Darin is the Peace Song of the Day for March 13th.

It is a beautiful, sunny afternoon on Long Island. So, I wanted to share a song with some joy in it. Check out these lines: “But speaking one to one, ain’t it everybody’s sun / To wake to in the morning when we rise?”

Continue reading Ain’t it everybody’s sun?: Peace Song for 3/13/2012