Top Ten Greatest War Songs

The Top Ten
1 Civil War - Guns N' Roses

This song is so boss. The first time I listened to it I was changed.

In my opinion the best war song, and also one of the best of all time!

What's so civil about war anyway?

2 One - Metallica

There is more to this song than meets the eye. The machine gun riffs represent machine guns, meaning the character is having vivid flashbacks of the war. The final solo represents morse code, being the only way to for anyone to help him. His vocals on "darkness imprisOning me... Left me with life in HELL" is very haunting and finally gives you a taste of the agony that he is in. This is without a doubt the greatest song ever made, hence the name "One. " Hero of war and the other Metallica songs are still awesome and amazing, but nothing can compare.

3 Hero of War - Rise Against

I'm so glad this song is on here. As someone with many family members as veterans or are currently serving, I can't properly put into words how much this song speaks to me. And I can't begin to imagine how it does to people serving in the military...awesome song

This song is incredible. Tim's vocals are impeccable, and the meaning blows my mind. Such an emotional song, with out whining. Veterans of wars (mostly nam) tend to break out crying when listening to this song.

The only heroes of war are those that sacrificed for their fellow soldiers, don't ever compare this song to that. This song is meant for politics, not patriots. As is their most of their songs, do some research!

4 For Whom the Bell Tolls - Metallica

A song about 5 soldiers defending a hill against an oozing army during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) and based on a book of the same name written by Ernest Hemingway, it basically gives you a first person perspective of warfare. The intro, which is over 2 minutes long, is also badass.

I was stationed to a destroyer when 911 happened. When they let us go home for an hour to get our gear for immediate deployment a radio station play this song 3 times in a row. Listening to this song there were no cars, only military jets circling the area.

5 Rooster - Alice In Chains

The haunting voice of Layne Staley, the heavy guitar of Jerry Cantrell, the chilling melody of this song describe with accuracy (as well as shown in the clip) the daily horror of war (the Vietnam War in this case), and the consequences that it can have on the soldiers. Truly one of the best war songs - if not one of the best rock songs - of all time.

Man, that song gives me chills, Layne vocals on a war song are just perfect, this song is really underrated, should be a classic war song, too bad so few people now of Alice in Chains, way better than the other songs on top.

6 Immigrant Song - Led Zeppelin

Epic Song about vikings going to war... Can't get much more awesome than that

I love the intro to this song!
One of my favorites by Led Zeppelin

7 War Pigs - Black Sabbath

War Pigs ties with Die Young as one of my favorite Black Sabbath songs. Plus it has a great melody and choice of words.

The Lyrics, guitar riff, the drums and the charisma everything is so good. Masterpiece!

Generals gathers in their masses!

8 Sunday Bloody Sunday - U2

Talks about violence in Ireland, actually, also known as The Troubles.

Well, true to the album title, it depicts both lyrically and musically the horrors of waritme.

Great and very expressive songs detailing the horrific affects of war

9 The Trooper - Iron Maiden

Not only the greatest war song, but easily in the top 10 greatest song ever as well.

Song about the failed Charge of the Light Brigade in the Battle of Balaclava (1854).

You'll take my life but I'll take yours too!

10 Khe Sanh - Cold Chisel

It's edgy and the lyrics contain a real underlying truth.

The Contenders
11 Zombie - The Cranberries

Not about America? Not going to make it into the top 5. And I'm American. Sad that true artistry, including the music video for this song, are not recognized by youth today.

Very good song...
Misunderstood and misinterpreted by many people
But a song against all wars in general and against the pain of the innocent!

Perfect song describing war propagators as zombies which is very true, they are mindless killing machines.

12 Warriors of the World United - Manowar
13 The Longest Day - Iron Maiden
14 M.I.A. - Avenged Sevenfold

Rivals Metallica's war songs. One of the greatest solos you'll ever hear. The ending is so powerful and moving

15 In the Army Now - Status Quo

One of the most underrated songs of all time!

16 Brothers in Arms - Dire Straits

Okay really this is probably the greatest song about war ever written, if you haven't heard it do yourself a favor and give it a listen. This, Fortunate Son, and The Gunner's Dream should be in the top five at least.

41st?! What?! This is definitely the best!

Dire Straits rocks! And this song is one on their best songs! Truly describes the trials and tribulations of a soldier. Great guitar solo, too. Epic song, please vote for it!

Beautiful lyrics and guitar playing, very delicate.

17 Blood of Heroes - Megadeth
18 Glory to the Brave - Hammerfall
19 Disposable Heroes - Metallica

This song is what got me into heavier metal than what I was already listening to, and it's pure awesome. Back inthe front is all I'm saying

Not only fast and badass, but also a meaningful anti-war song. Definitely one of the best on MoP.

This song is so underrated. try playing on guitar hero so much fun

20 Through the Fire and Flames - Dragonforce

This is a great song, and formidable in my family as the Crowner of the Most Epic Guitar Hero Player! So great, yet so impossible to play... ;-(

21 Mama - My Chemical Romance

The greatest song from a soldiers perspective. Probably the best ever written! Listen to it and you'll agree that it deserves to be ranked higher.

22 Holy Wars... The Punishment Due - Megadeth
23 Fortunate Son - Creedence Clearwater Revival

I'm shocked to see this so low. It's not my favorite (War Pigs would be #1 for me), but I really expected it at #1.

Ok.. This should be at least at top3.

24 Aces High - Iron Maiden
25 Gears of War - Megadeth
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