Soundtrack of My Life

"War" by Edwin Starr

Entry number 21.

"War" by Edwin Starr

War, huh, yeah
What is it good for?
Absolutely nothing, uh-huh, uh-huh

War, huh, yeah
What is it good for?
Absolutely nothing, say it again, y'all

Oh war, I despise
'Cause it means destruction of innocent lives
War means tears to thousands of mothers' eyes
When their sons go off to fight and lose their lives

I said, war, huh, good god, y'all
What is it good for?
Absolutely nothing, say it again

War, it ain't nothing but a heartbreak
War, friend only to the undertaker

Oh, war, is an enemy to all mankind
The thought of war blows my mind
War has caused unrest within the younger generation
Induction then destruction, who wants to die?

Oh, war, huh, good god, y'all
What is it good for?
Absolutely nothing, say it, say it, say it

War, huh, uh-huh, yeah, uh
What is it good for?
Absolutely nothing, listen to me

War, it ain't nothing but a heartbreaker
War, it got one friend, that's the undertaker

Oh, war has shattered many a young man's dreams
Made him disabled, bitter and mean
Life is much too short and precious to spend fighting wars these days
War can't give life, it can only take it away

Oh, war, huh, good god, y'all
What is it good for?
Absolutely nothing, say it again

War, it ain't nothing but a heartbreaker
War, friend only to the undertaker

Peace, love and understanding, tell me
Is there no place for them today?
They say we must fight to keep our freedom
But lord knows there's got to be a better way

Oh, war, huh, good god, y'all
What is it good for?
You tell me, (nothing) say it, say it, say it, say it

War, huh, good god, yeah, huh
What is it good for?
Stand up and shout it
(nothing)

The only song that felt appropriate for the current moment. A timeless song with a powerful message that still rings true today. As I write this, Russia is moving in on Kyiv, the capitol of Ukraine. They have been attacking residential areas, hospitals, schools, shops, etc. Tens of thousands of Ukrainians have fled the country, and even more are left behind in Ukraine, taking shelter overnight in basements and subways as make-shift bomb shelters. To be clear, there is no reason for this war besides a pure power grab by Putin.

I don't normally talk about politics on here, but we are watching history unfold. The consequences of this attack will be far reaching, in Europe and here in the U.S. This conflict has created a refugee crisis that is only just beginning, with an estimated millions of Ukrainians expected to flee into other countries. Economically, much the world depends on Russia for energy and gas. It's not a coincidence that this war is being waged in the middle of winter, when dependence on that energy for heating and gas is highest. Time will only tell what happens next. We are one move away from the NATO alliance getting involved (including the U.S.), potentially leading to another World War. This time, with nuclear options on the table.

"War can't give life, it can only take it away."

I can only hope those making the big decisions right now will keep the immortal words of Edwin Starr in mind.

Anni