MaurosArt
A little bit of history here folks. This one is about music during war, and no, there was no break dancing during these conflicts. It is interesting, though, looking back into time, that during these kinetic environments, there was a time and place for music in and around the ‘theater of war. Music, throughout the ages, has played a significant role, being a powerful tool in communication, building and keeping morale, and expression, from ancient battlefields to today’s conflicts. In this article we’re going to take a brief look into the relationship between music and war, highlighting its diverse effect and impact on soldiers on the field, civilians in the hot mix, and the ‘whole of society.
Since ancient times, music has been in play during wars, and varied, from culture to culture. From drums, cymbals, horns, and other types of wind instruments. Most of the time they were used for communication to signal troops, spur coordinated movements or charges, and boost troop morale. During the military campaigns of the Roman Empire, the bugle was used to issue commands and rally legends of soldiers. The bugle, a great example and still used today in the military, though in a different compacity.
Because of music’s powerful ability to ‘uplift spirits’, it has played a significant role behind the lines as well, as on the front lines. Looking back to World War I and World War II, some songs became anthems for civilians and soldiers alike. Songs like “We’ll Meet Again” and “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary” and so many other great tunes. Songs like these provided hope, comfort, and pined as a reminder of better times to come, and hopeful reunions to follow.
“The enduring bond between war and music is marked by its profound complexity”
The era of the Vietnam War brought about music that became a powerful medium in expression and protest during a highly volatile and politically charged environment with the conflict in Southeast Asia. Protest songs surged and took center stage with artists like Marvin Gaye, John Lennon, Bob Dylan, and Joan Baez, leading the counterculture to voice their strong opposition to America’s participation in the Vietnam War and to advocate for peace. The anti-war movement with it rallying cries used music as a powerful tool to spread the message with songs like “What’s Going On”, “Give Peace a Chance”, and “Blowin’ in the Wind”.
The influence of war upon music has had a profound impact and effect on genres and cultures alike. The devastating effects of the American Civil War (1861-1865), where brother fought against brother, has inspired countless folk songs poignantly reflecting on those experiences and the sentiments of those affected by the conflict. Even the Balkan Wars during the 1990s, in similar fashion, created poignant songs, seizing the pain and resilience of the peoples and cultures affected in the region.
The realities of war in contemporary times are expressed through music, grappling with great anguish, the complexities and the impact of war on our society. Artists like Bruce Springsteen and Green Day have conveyed these themes of conflict and aftermath in their music. “Born in the U.S.A.” and “21 Guns” are great examples of how modern musicians express the ugly realities of war and the aftermath in its wake.
The enduring bond between war and music is marked by its profound complexity. With the power to inspire, provoke, and comfort, music can enhance human experiences during times of war. With the challenges we face in the global realm of things, all politics aside, music plays an important role expressing our collective emotions. And music’s ability to bolster our aspirations will forever remain essential.
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