Some of the saddest and most powerful songs in America are based on the wars that we have fought in and those serving this country. I have compiled a list of the top ten war songs that are dedicated to our troops. Once again, a huge salute and never enough thanks can be given for the services provided by the brave men and women that serve us every day.
1. "Fortunate Son" by Creedence Clearwater Revival.
This song was written out in protest to the Vietnam War, which was fought by the children of people who could not afford to bypass the draft. Unfortunately, this war resulted in the loss of many American lives and to this day affects veterans all around the country. I stand with Vietnam Vets and salute you all.
2. "American Soldier" by Toby Keith.
This song is probably the most relatable to anyone that stands to serve this country and display the largest amount of patriotism there is to offer. Although they don't want to lose their lives and leave their families to protect us all, these are the people that understand that "freedom don't come free" and are willing to pay the price so the rest of us don't have to. A huge thank you to all of our troops in all divisions of the military.
3. "Dress Blues" by Zac Brown Band.
If you have read my Memorial Day article, this is the song that I had referenced when saying thank you to the troops that had died for us. This song is enough to bring anyone to tears, especially if you have a more personal connection to someone who is resting in their dress blues. May all those that served us and lost their lives be remembered and honored and God bless their families.
4. "Masters of War" by Bob Dylan.
Bob Dylan's song is talking about how all those that support the war are the ones that are not willing to fight for it. It is not the typical anti-war protest song but rather one that targets the people who wanted the war in the first place and deems them responsible for the bloodshed and lost lives.
5. "For Whom the Bell Tolls" by Metallica.
Not just a Metallica song, but also a novel by Ernest Hemingway about war in general and what soldiers do day to day. I personally cannot think of a better genre of music to describe the actions that take place while at war other than metal because of the almost violent nature of the music itself. The loud music and all the instruments going on at once just seem to be a perfect fit for such a situation, as sad as it also may be.
6. "War Pigs" by Black Sabbath.
This song talks about a person's desire to destroy and kill things. In the case of war, this is to destroy and kill the enemy no matter who that may seem to be. This song talks about all the destruction caused by war and also why so many deaths occur.
7. "One" by Metallica.
This song talks about things that happen to soldiers and the things they may endure during and after war. Injuries do occur and sometimes they are really, really terrible. Loss of limbs, inability to eat on their own, and even PTSD are all unfortunate scars left behind after serving for some. Watching their closest friends lose their lives right in front of their face, or even taking the life of someone else, can be too much for some to handle. And for those that do survive horrific accidents, many wish they didn't. For all of our veterans that have lost parts of their body or their sanity, just know that there are truly people out there who care about you.
8. "If You're Reading This" by Tim McGraw.
This is probably one of the saddest songs about a soldier losing his life. Family members being handed a letter about losing a loved one while away at war is their worst nightmare. This song captures the soldier's perspective on it, mentioning the things he will not be there for and what he hopes for his wife to do. He knows he is going up to Heaven and wants to see her know that he is OK
9. "Arlington" by Trace Adkins.
Arlington Cemetary is open 365 days a year and is where many soldiers lay in their final resting place. The song is about a young man that had died at war and is now in his final resting place at Arlington alongside many others that had lost their lives serving overseas. Making it to Arlington is an honor and where we should be saluting those who gave their lives for the stars and stripes.
10. "8th of November" by Big & Rich.
November 8, 1965 was the day of Operation Hump during the Vietnam War. This song is written to tell the story of a soldier who would watch many of his friends lose their lives that day. The song was released in 2006, about 41 years after this event. The story continues in the song to discuss the hardships faced by the man many years later, dealing with PTSD and having flashbacks to the horrific events that unfolded that night.
