Bruce Springsteen - War

Music video by Bruce Springsteen performing War. (C) 1986 Bruce Springsteen

[@fredstuckmann]

A Viet Nam vet myself, I lost my buddy to this war back in 2006 due to complications from injuries sustained in that war. He was like a brother to me. He told me shortly before he died, that "War is not the answer!" RIP Jerry and thanks Bruce for taking Edwin's song and giving it even more meaning than before. The last bit of video will tear your heart out, if one can still feel something other than hatred.

[@MarkGrago]

Thank you for your service, Mr. Stuckmann!

[@aquabuddha8022]

hey Fred this is Spence from London, sorry to hear about your friend, I will chant for you and him, you both will be in my thoughts.....

[@voteskynyrd]

Fred Stuckmann Thank you for your service, I lost my dad three weeks ago to bladder cancer caused by agent orange, yet the VA refuses to acknowledge the fact that agent orange causes bladder cancer.

[@braydonschram4917]

Fred Stuckmann thank. You for your time in the military

[@rejm1161]

War is so stupid.. it make me mad and sad as hell. The Vietnam war really was a disgusting war. At least you're back from hell, Fred. Peace.

[@tristanperez211]

I don't think I've ever seen so much emotion put into a song holy shit

[@nishanthsurendran7721]

Tristan Perez Well, it's Bruce Springsteen.

[@jasonlefler3456]

I think this is a similar emotional explosion. Wait for the post-guitar solo verbal salvo from Bono... kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqnadX5pa8SFe6M

[@1alwaysdreaming785]

Hear the original by Edwin starr

[@sallyann7809]

I agree!

[@kasperchristensen8416]

It's not for nothing he's called The Boss.

[@clarkvaughan]

This song changed the course of my life. I was 18 and directionless when I heard it. The beginning of this song really grabbed me, and scared me. I thought, "maybe the Armed Forces isn't for me." They recruited heavily at my High School, and told great stories about never seeing combat, free this, that, seeing the world. I recognized it later as 'hard sell' tactics. Say anything to get this child to sign. I think about this song often.

[@sparkleinyoureyes8259]

Springsteen killed it !! One of the best cover song ever !! The end of this video is so profound when you don't see the young man sitting with who appears to be his father at the table anymore !! Very sad !! RIP Clearance Clemons !!

[@jkat5768]

I don't blame him. He probably doesn't want to hear about war anymore than his old man.

[@bashess4913]

IF HE KILLED IT, I FINGS HET LET THE OTHERSIDE LIV

[@drifterman319]

The song was not written about the Vietnam War. It was written about social unrest and violence in the cities in '60s.

[@AlbertaRose94]

@@drifterman319 According to The Temptations, Edwin Starr, and Bruce Springsteen, it was. That's three different groups who have done this song, and all of them have said it's about the Vietnam war.

[@AlbertaRose94]

@@jkat5768 He didn't walk away. The implication is the son was drafted and killed.

[@Brandon210-q4n]

You can tell he really believes every single word of this song.

[@vibekeschneidermann689]

Brandon Korner He has the text taped to his left arm.

[@marcusaurelius7039]

This video didnt age well now that Bruce shills for the war criminal called Obama. Obama who started 6 wars or military actions compared to Trump's zero wars.

[@tomdeters735]

@@marcusaurelius7039 unfortunately he gets no credit for it...He was a peace and prosperity prez

[@rylanjonesiscool1285]

@@marcusaurelius7039 exactly what I was thinking

[@ACCH-cm9ou]

Of course he does... Cause he s always been a proud American, ashamed and angry with the capitalist and Terrorist Politics the US Government has always had towards the entire World

[@SB-zf5ug]

One of the most important and meaningful songs of all time. The emotion in the way bruce delivers is so powerful and still relevant today. I wish for peace in the Ukraine!

[@kathybramley5609]

Credit due Edwin Starr! kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKW9emWXgbZsidk

[@CrackerJohn100]

Lets have a fking rock show in Kyiv, like Monsters Of Rock 1990 in Moscow.

[@85tyrell]

@@kathybramley5609 his was wayyyyy better

[@andybilakshow260]

@@CrackerJohn100 great idea. Every time a was is about to break out, break out the jam session. That'll fix their little red wagon 😁😇🥰😍😎👍

[@geemoneymaker8738]

Edwin Starr was hey genius for this song and especially at that time in 1969 when he made it,

[@amapolaTexas]

For me my war was/is the civil war of former Yugoslavia in the 90s, in which I had lost contact with all of my friends in that country in a matter of 2 weeks. I know they were all wiped out literally. I don't want anyone to share how it feels to lose all the guys and gals who had been certainly alive & kicking all gone for their fathers' crimes... I'm so proud of Boss singing this song regardless of which war. War killed part of me & I still got to live with it. Absolutely.

[@rojava1619]

I’m so sorry for your great loss I pray for the healing of your heart

[@ismetabuzimkic7588]

Es tut mir tief in meinem Herzen so viel Leid da ich auch meine Schulfreunde und Verwandten im Jugoslawischen Krieg verloren habe.

[@ConstanceCamus]

I was there.

[@CloudtheLastSoldier]

"Only the dead have seen the end of war." - Plato

[@ShikataGaNai100]

Wow, I knew I liked The Dead for a good reason. I'll ask Phil if that is true the next time I see him.

[@eippi1186]

.

[@edsaloru1]

Wow

[@SELAHPAUSE]

I absolutely love this version of war by bruce

[@alessandronarcisi67]

@@SELAHPAUSE la guerra è la cosa più stupida e brutta che possono fare gli uomini mai più guerre nel mondo!

[@drdickvagesq]

I remember seeing this video when it came out in 1985. I love being old enough to have enjoyed Bruce way back then.

[@StephenDelchot-wb4zp]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@coolcat6303]

As for me... I think this is one of the coolest & best covers of all time.

[@peteynum1]

Totally agree, along with Disturbed Sound of Silence!!

[@lesleystorey3917]

Pete- H which ones yours

[@lesleystorey3917]

Pete- H by simon and garfunckle ?

[@danielwaldron2635]

It's not often that I like the cover better than the original, but this is definitely one of those rare occasions. This version is just awesome

[@TuckerPiper]

@@danielwaldron2635 no way Edwin Starr did way better

[@karlaallingham5103]

This song came out when I was in high school...yeah I'm old...first time I saw the video on MTV (yes kiddies, believe it or not the "M" in MTV once stood for "music") Bruce's monologue at the beginning gave me chills. It still does. Almost 20 years later, everything he said is still sadly, horribly true. Nothing's changed.

[@karlaallingham5103]

Should read "Almost 30 years later..." The ol' memory is going, I guess....

[@robzamites3441]

Katy D marry me.

[@chrysalissartorious5777]

Now, imagine if after singing this he went straight into 'Eve of Destruction'?

[@j3nny3lf]

First heard this on Live 75-85, and that monologue just flattened me. Now I have two sons of draftable age, should they bring that back. Fuck war. "War can't give life, it can only take it away".

[@kathybramley5609]

It was a Motown song released in the sixties first time around - written by the prolific duo Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong & first recorded by the Temptations though the record label wouldn't let the Temptations release it as it was deemed too political for the group so Edwin Starr took it on. I really like his version too. And a lot of the music you deem as not musical enough too.

[@cindyinnew]

Gut wrenching and goosebumps all in one emotion.

[@socrates6870]

A powerful video with a lot of expression...the scene at the table sums up the Vietnam War period without a comment...one evening the father sits down with his son watching the war news CBS and on the second day he watches the son fighting for his survival on the same tv...I think it was the reason why conscription was stopped in 1975...

[@Yadudeboibro]

Bruce goes so damn hard, you know he's definitely meaning every word he's singing. Props

[@75deathstrike]

Wow! What passion! I'm surprised The Boss doesn't have an aneurysm every time he performs this. Amazing!

[@fionagrant2023]

😂😅😂😅😂

[@gideondingle9363]

I remember when that song first came out.It still means something today.The best line in the song is war does not give life,it only takes away.How sad.How true.🇺🇲

[@alessandronarcisi67]

I primi a pagare sono sempre gli innocenti come donne bambini,anziani, gente inerme Oliver Stone grande regista della guerra in Vietnam nel manifesto scrisse LA PRIMA VITTIMA DELLA GUERRA È L INNOCENZA Oliver Stone è un ex reduce del Vietnam la guerra non andrebbe mai vissuta è un orrore!

[@steve3231]

i wish he would release this song 2 day 2024 with all the shit that's going on, come on Bruce do it .

[@gideondingle9363]

Or anybody or any rock group should record a new version of this song.

[@dirtysouthtv2209]

If you're going to do a cover--knock it out of the stratosphere like this! Damn. I had no idea Bruce got down like THAT.

[@RobertJamesChinneryH]

yeah but he didn't get to Vietnam like THAT

[@austinlucas4333]

He got drafted, but failed physical

[@natethebluesman]

@@RobertJamesChinneryH and that was a good thing

[@graceswanson3735]

This song and this man have the message that never changes - war, what is it good for?

[@bossleonie7658]

Discovered this version today off the 75-85 album. I was riding my bike and had the music too loud and I nearly jumped off my bike when he started singing. WAR!

[@jingjangism]

This video says so much but the pricture of father and son together in the beginning and the father left alone in the end is best and most powerful imagine I ever saw. I love it and share Bruce's opinion.

[@justinb6456]

Bruce somehow keeps the song very much the same as the original and makes it his own simultaneously. Passion that isn’t seen in music any longer

[@martinschnelle3077]

Nothing against the Boss. But you don't listen to current music, do you?

[@MiguelPerescorpio1982]

This lyrics will be ALWAYS precious!

[@marksamuelsen2750]

I’m a 69 yo disabled vet and my friends and I sat at my mothers house to watch the draft lottery on TV. I can’t remember what the other guys numbers were but mine was 7. Lucky 7. No. Within 2 weeks I was at Ft. Hamilton in Brooklyn getting my physical. Shitty day . 1A. WAR is never good. Go in ✌️ Peace. Living in an old motorhome trying to save up $$ to go North in the summer to get away from the heat & humidity then south in the Fall to find warmth. My body doesn’t work right anymore since prostate cancer surgery. Temperature extremes really fucks me up. No male members of family going back 3 generations ever had prostate cancer and I got it at 48.HHhhmmm. I wonder. WAR ...only in death you can escape it.

[@fredstuckmann]

I am so sorry to read this, I hope that you are still with us to read my long overdue answer. I wish you peace sir and thank you for putting yourself at risk for us all. Peace Brother.

[@FER-oc9my]

The emotion in Bruce's voice and his body language is so sincere that give me chills every time I watch this song. I love it!

[@leerome20]

Still as relevant today as it was 40 years ago. Thoughts and prayers go out to Ukraine 🇺🇦 🙏

[@musicsansnotes]

Some surrounding countries are helping the refugees with food and shelter. 💖

[@niels1755]

Politics...

[@woody1851]

A war which never should have happend. The EU and Nato had all tools in their hand to avoid this war. War its never accaptable - but its also never accaptable not to avoid war when you can do it. The only way to get this under control - help the victems BUT do not take a position, stay neutral. This story has more than just one side.

[@thethirdman9493]

@@woody1851 , you sound like your giving putin a free pass on his mad war

[@woody1851]

@@thethirdman9493 Bullshit. War is never acceptable - but it would have been VERY easy to avoid this. If you don't know why - than you should teach yourself in history of the Ukraine and the Nato-east extension.

[@MusicSupremes]

...that song....that artist..one of the best maybe the best version of this song..

[@gailwisher]

Every one needs to memorize and sing this song . War what is it good for .......absolutely nothing, Get out of Syria and Iraq

[@RobertJamesChinneryH]

we did-now they're all over here in Canada-good move-give me war anyday.

[@connorsrockincollection2248]

John wayne and sometimes the toppling of a regime-Saddam-creates a vacuum and the creation of a worse foe: ISIS.

[@johndicksonkaraoke2554]

I sing this song at Karaoke 🎤

[@johndicksonkaraoke2554]

Recommended Book 📖 to Read WAR IS A RACKET by Smedley Butler.

[@hastytkd5768]

And Afghanistan.

[@patmcpee]

I searched and searched for the version that I had seen ‘live,’ with no luck. (Even found some live versions where he had Edwin Starr doing the song with him!). It had included his spoken word intro like here, but he had added some poignant parts that were surprising, moving and chilling. And the opening picture of the video here is a picture of the narration that he did for the intro to the show that I saw. Sad that this song has to be ‘ever present’ and relevant in any and all eras. So anyway, in mine, he’s talking about coming home late one night. His father asks “Where you been, son?” A dejected young Bruce tells his Dad “Well, I went down to the recruiter’s office to enlist, Dad.” His father, shocked, said “Well, why would you do that?” Bruce starts explaining it to him, and gets to the part where he has to show his shame and tell his father that he was rejected or denied (for some health thing I think). Then his father says something that shocked Bruce and made his jaw drop. He said “Good!” Then the story ties into the narration here- of “next time, they’re gonna be looking to you to decide. But in 1985, blind faith in your leaders or in anything will get you KILLED. What I’m talking about here is WAR! Huh! Yeah…” During his intro (which had that solo flanged guitar picking out on one chord), which was quite lengthy, you could hear a pin drop. That is, until the band kicked in!

[@DorriWilliams]

It was the live version of The River. Very powerful. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZiWdZ-bjdeHY9E

[@RickyD.03]

That father story is also included in the live version of The River from this same album, Live 1975-85.

[@Nick_CF]

man everytime i have ever watched this i get chills at the end scene of the dad alone with the coverage of the war on staring at where his son used to be

[@user-sk4zt6jm2h]

Was a kid and did not think much of this song when it originally aired. Pulled up this oldie (thank you for having this available) and feel as time passes, the song resonates more than ever for me. Love the 100% the Boss puts into this song; awesome.

[@tristanperez211]

last year I was part of a volunteer group for a veterans hospital. I was talking to a WWII and I still remember his words when we were leaving. "I pray that there is never a world war 3 for you"

[@Rubberducky365]

Tristan Perez a good prayer

[@olivergarnham6197]

Tristan Perez even tho there's a creeper as ur picture

[@brandonczachorwski6777]

Tristan Perez sadly my friend trump just started it and its not going to be pretty

[@kirstinetermansen7234]

Tristan Perez It's not 3 war its nature can't handel billions food, car fires and billions to feed The sea arise and chemicals, atom get out of control in heavy storms

[@ericunderwood6728]

And HE meant it! My Father was a combat Infantry man....his words..." Nobody and I mean NOBODY in their right Godamn would ever WANT to go to WAR".... BLESSINGS FROM CALIFORNIA

[@wendy4189]

He is clearly THE BOSS, no doubt about it. damn good.

[@isidrorsantos3773]

I was 19 when this song came out. The world is a troubled place. It happened during my grandfather's time. It happened during my father's time. Now it's happening during my time. Will this gets passed on to my children's children?

[@punxsutawneybarney]

"Always the old who send us to the war always the young who fall. Tell us what you won with a saber and a gun Tell us--was it worth it all?" Phil Ochs

[@tammygordon8699]

Rich will start a war but poor will fight it because of the rich. Rich people never dead in a war since ww2

[@keefriff99]

I LOVE this song...amazing version. Those '80s fashion choices really crack me up though.

[@sorcha123]

I love this version and the feeling Bruce puts into it. Amazing to think that everything he said is still relevant nowadays, guess we haven't advanced as much as we thought we have in the last 30 years.

[@rjjcms1]

Some hard lessons have been learned,I suppose.

[@SanjayGupta-zq2qm]

Brilliant and relevant song Timeless

[@kaybicaku923]

This song says it all ❤

[@OuroborosGD]

"Blind faith in your leaders or in anything will get you killed" - Bruce *Read it and understand it*

[@rineric3214]

I never saw this before! This is Bruce's greatest moment! I hope this gets lots of views! Timely message! We have Bruce's money to thank for the success of organic agriculture. He invested in the future!

[@terrybgoode]

Nothing ever changes. Fortunately neither do the goosebumps.

[@Kellergirl]

This song still rings true today, in 2021.

[@nikaproust]

Hubris and egomaniac type of leaders pave the way to stumbling states (like a man doubting his own virility), yes, they win for a while not for long, then, the process of rebuilding is on but after countless sacrifices ... Respect from an educated French lady, I Love this song ... and Bruce Springsteen.

[@franciscoj.figueroarivera8337]

No one better than "The Boss" to give such a powerful rendition of one of the greatest "soul" hits of all time.

[@SimoHudsonBerto]

This is music , This is rock... THIS IS BOSS!

[@bradleyhovious3240]

Sadly this song will always be relevant.

[@AlbertaRose94]

Since 1986 what has always got to me is the beginning when he talks about don't have blind faith, and the end, with only the father at the table.

[@DaveWollenberg]

The Boss hit #8 in Billboard, 12-27-86. God bless ya, for postin' it. Thanx! Have a great week!

[@Vinc1i]

Unique + Epic + The Boss = The Boss Bruce Springsteen !

[@Christophe5871]

Beautiful song, thank you Mr. Springsteen, you're really THE BOSS!

[@Jaycee03YC]

What passion. He really means it.

[@rushrush1209]

Very powerful video. How the father was watching TV news with his son about war. Then later, the father is looking at the empty chair in front of him.

[@AlbertaRose94]

My son, born 2002 said "Mom, I'm just like the kids in the 60's, I'm growing up hearing about war." I found myself flashbacking to the 70's when the Vietnam vets were being treated like crap and the draft dodgers were returning to America or attempting to become permanent Canadian citizens. I remember turning 18 the year this song was released and my mom's hatred of that opening monologue . She'd do her best to talk over it, make noise or even say "You've had enough of MuchMusic, time to turn off the TV" if they announced a Bruce Springsteen video was coming up.

[@richardawatterson1526]

If I had to choose who sings this song better it would of course be Bruce so much power in his voice

[@deirdrestewart4394]

Powerful song !!with a *CLEAR* MESSAGE*

[@thomasvercetti421]

This is just kick-ass music, hands down.

[@ysmaelrr]

Es que deja las entrañas en el escenario.... que pocos cantantes hay ahora asi. El ministro del Rock

[@RBS_]

....devastating....coming back to this now, as an Adult, Bruce's take on the Edwin Starr 1970 tune, has more anguish, disillusionment, & betrayal, of someone who 'served' for someone, and has paid for it, emotionally....The Father at the end of the video, looking at the empty chair his Son sat in (&, may never come back to), is telling, in it's simplicity....a VERY damning Song, MUCH moreso, than "Born In The USA"..... (5:07)

[@TusjMan]

"MY GOD HE SINGS WITH TRUE PASSION"... Absolutely Chills from head to toe... JEEEEZZEE BRUCE... (I bow down in the dust for you Man..)

[@silkebecker4347]

This Song is more important than ever if you see what happens now in the ukraine

[@johnflanagan7653]

Powerful - and having seen Bruce (live) singing this I can tell you it is so, so emotional.

[@Tigerpuffer]

I watched this performance first on the Anthology tape when I was maybe six or seven years old, my parents got me into Springsteen and bought me the tape, and I never knew what Bruce was talking about. I'm not eighteen, I'm into punk rock and politics and the planet and things like that but coming back to this, this song and Bruce's monologue, it's incredibly relevant even almost thirty years to the day. The world hasnt changed much, which is unfortunate. But luckily, Springsteen has stayed the same.

[@SELAHPAUSE]

I absolutely love the cover of this song

[@alannelson3536]

The last part gets me, i was a medic with med evac, still gets me after 47 yrs.

[@ryansvloggingit5492]

I remember my dad had Bruce Springsteen box set and that song was one of them it blew me away especially the impact drum parts crank it in your car with a goid system it sounds like your at the concert

[@tonybarrett703]

I came back in 70 and didn't know why people hated me, spit on me and woke up in 2000. D.C.and the people of D.C are the enemy. This song says it all.

[@tomdeters735]

Welcome Home, brother, you are a hero!

[@IanlorenZlistActor]

ONE of the BEST Covers of all Time

[@stevenhodgson834]

Check out his version of "Stayin' Alive" too!

[@IanlorenZlistActor]

@@stevenhodgson834 word? ...ok

[@adambanks990]

The passion and angst are off the charts

[@thebigeasyyy]

im not even sure this classifies as singing but i wouldnt have it any other way. goosebumps every time.

[@Tterfwrx]

When asked about underrated guitar players, one of the names I usually say is "Nils Lofgren." I'd like to think a recording like this backs me up on that one.

[@peanut2046]

As a young teen when the song came in 69 or so, I remember meeting a couple of young guys up here in Canada that came here.My heart was broken for them having to leave their families and life so they could stay safe. This song always reminded me that wars really don’t accomplish much other than destroy families. My heart now at my age 65 still feels the same . We must stand now with Ukraine!

[@pisceansith6915]

"war can't give life, it can only take it away".....how a single sentence can mean so much, but does anyone listen!!!!!

[@javierst7474]

So powerful song and version !!

[@LV_FUD80]

Seeing the image of the "Dustoff" bird landing while the father stares at the empty chair always hits me pretty hard.

[@KaristaSwiss]

Its nice to hear Bruce talking about RELEVANT things :) like War and 41 shots :)

[@analevy4034]

Relevant today, year 2022.

[@peterfalahee]

Brilliant version

[@doyleperkins4916]

"WAR IS THE ENEMY OF ALL MANKIND" PLAGUE IS NOT TOO FAR BEHIND..."LIFE IS TOO PRECIOUS..."

[@victorian.mccormick6298]

My son was a Combat Medic in M.E War! He is not the same person any more!

[@earlewilliams79]

What a great song real music 🎶 I love it

[@TheAceJustice]

This is a great song to begin with and Bruce does really well on vocals, but Nils Lofgren and that solo are really set this recording on fire.

[@EPBF1]

This is Edwin Starr original song from 1969 RIP Edwin Starr 1942-2003 Nothing beats the Original Give Credit where credit due Edwin Starr is the creator of this powerful meaningful song.This is a great cover but always important give credit to the original writer & singer

[@MjKestrel]

A song that touches your soul in those Special Places 🙏✴️ from MJK Wales. great to see 🎸 Nils Lofgren in this video too 🙏✴️

[@user-ev3gw2cc3q]

Bruce Springsteenカッコいい♡この歌テンポがいいね！

[@Fakename70]

Still just as intense a performance 28 years on.

[@radiodj1520]

I Love This Bruce Springsteen 1986 Music Video, "War (Live)," Which Became A Top 5 Rock Hit In America, And A Top 10 Hit In America.

[@litzievirginia]

Bruce for President

[@Gatesuka]

Pure poetic musical power.

[@rushgush]

if every soldier in this world put down their arms and went home, there would be no wars....

[@t814]

zedrick zedwick Most soldiers are at home or have been temporarily invited to another country. It's Americans that need to go home. Without stealing anything from other people's homes.

[@kanemura93]

This was awesome, I had goose bumps when he started singing!

[@naldanomavo405]

Springteen live- 75-85'. 1985? Springsteen was aleady a legend and eternal. To pre-Gen X he was a warning from the past of times to come. I had barely started my life. I lived a summer before to 'Born In the USA' before I ever knew there was a Nebraska. Or The River. 86'. I thought I was dumb to have dropped all my coin on a live album set. Here we are today. And Bruce...is Bruce.

[@paradoxward2533]

Bruce pours his whole self into this one....,

[@MrPeterbrock]

Powerful

[@giacintolauretani9621]

Absolutely awesome fantastic great unique amazing fabulous fantastic talent beautiful voice

[@wow4real142]

Best remake ever!!!

[@toddjgreenwald]

Here in 2022.

[@brandy8512]

William Argyle purple heart...68-69 loving memory!

[@MrSevillian]

Fabulous interpretation by Springsteen.

[@dandixon4034]

Do it again, war is to no end,love and Christ is the only answer

[@BenPocock-wp3wm]

When is it ever going to end? It isn't. Mankind is not made that way. 😢 Love to all ❤