Pop Songs for Peace

Cheyenne Johnson
2 minutes ago
3 min read

A picture of someone holding a tiny world in their hands.

Photo credits: Vecteezy

As the world continues to descend into chaos and political unrest, it's important to find ways to escape and dream of a better tomorrow. Artists have continuously used their music to express their discontent with the state of the world and share their hopes for peace, giving us a release from the tensions that have been spreading globally as well as hope that one day we will all be united instead of at each other's throats. Whether you're feeling exhausted from the violence and hatred we constantly see or if you're craving some kind of inner peace from personal turmoil, here's our list of "Pop Songs for Peace."

1. Imagine - John Lennon

An infamous song that remains well-loved to this day, John Lennon's "Imagine" is a thoughtful, mesmerizing ballad that dares us to dream of a world that isn't ruled by hate or greed. The lyrics of the song were mostly written by Lennon's wife, Yoko Ono, and dives into thought provoking questions about what it might be like to live without the motivations leaders and people typically kill and die for. One of the most successful moments of his solo career, the track challenges listeners to imagine truly living in peace, even if that means some would have to give up things like power or material possessions.

2. Heal The World - Michael Jackson

Dripping with anti-war sentiments, Michael Jackson's "Heal The World" is another fitting anthem for this list and the state of the world. The track is a tender plea encouraging people to make a better world for everyone free of violence and hate. A song that remains relevant to this day, "Heal The World" resonates deeply with the state of the world, letting us imagine and escape into Jackson's vision for peace as global tensions continue to rise.

3. What's Going On - Marvin Gaye

Inspired after the Four Tops' Renaldo "Obie" Benson witnessed police brutality towards anti-war protesters, Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On" has been a timeless anthem encouraging peace since its release in 1971. The track is a soulful cry against injustice, war, and violence, and remains relevant to this day as people around the world navigate the chaos and political unrest that has been erupting.

4. We Are The World - USA for Africa

Written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, "We Are The World" is a charity single recorded in 1985 by the supergroup USA for Africa. The track is an appeal to human compassion and empathy, encouraging listeners to share peace and love with everyone. Sung by a plethora of icons, "We Are The World" featured the likes of Stevie Wonder, Steve Perry, Tina Turner, Billy Joel, Diana Ross, Cyndi Lauper, Michael Jackson, and Lionel Richie among several others.

5. Where Is The Love? - The Black Eyed Peas

Initially an outlet for post-9/11 anxiety, The Black Eyed Peas' "Where Is The Love?" became a versatile anthem for peace as it takes a stand against issues like pollution, gang crime, US government hypocrisy, racism, war, and terrorism. It encourages listeners to take note of all the injustices happening in the world and question where all the love has gone. Though the song was released in 2003, it holds relevance today as the world struggles with similar challenges and craves a peace that seems too distant.

6. Waiting On The World To Change - John Mayer

Sadly, John Mayer is still waiting for the world to change for the better, something he expressed in his 2006 mainstream pop-rock hit, "Waiting On The World To Change." The track's lyrics explore the passive attitudes toward improving our world conditions through striving for things like global peace or pushing back against harmful politics, shedding light on how helpless average citizens often feel against the powers running the show. Though the upbeat song seems bleak sometimes lyrically, it's an inspiring track nonetheless as it encourages us to wish and hope for better times.

7. Peace - Taylor Swift

From her eighth studio album, Folklore, Taylor Swift's "Peace" focuses more on the journey to finding inner peace when facing personal turmoil. Though it's a different take on the idea of peace from other songs in this list, it's still important to have songs to listen to that inspire a sense of calm and finding self-love throughout any kind of turbulent time in life, whether it's something felt globally or personally.

What are some of your go-to songs when needing to escape the chaos of the world? Are there any in this list you listen to when thinking about peace? Let us know on our socials!

Written By Cheyenne Johnson