Top Ten Greatest War Songs

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?

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 for anyone to help him. His vocals on "darkness imprisoning me... left me with life in hell" are very haunting and finally give 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.

I'm so glad this song is on here. As someone with many family members who are veterans or are currently serving, I can't properly put into words how much this song speaks to me. I can't begin to imagine how it impacts 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, without whining. Veterans of wars (mostly Vietnam) 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 most of their songs, do some research!

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

I was stationed on a destroyer when 9/11 happened. When they let us go home for an hour to get our gear for immediate deployment, a radio station played this song three times in a row. While listening to this song, there were no cars, only military jets circling the area.

The haunting voice of Layne Staley and the heavy guitar of Jerry Cantrell create a chilling melody that accurately describes the daily horror of war (the Vietnam War in this case) and the consequences it can have on 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's vocals on a war song are just perfect. This song is really underrated. It should be a classic war song. It's too bad so few people know of Alice in Chains. Way better than the other songs on top.

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.

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, drums, and charisma - everything is so good. Masterpiece!

Generals gather in their masses!

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 wartime.

Great and very expressive song detailing the horrific effects of war.

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

A 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!

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

Very good song. Misunderstood and misinterpreted by many people. It is 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.

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

One of the most underrated songs of all time!

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 of their best songs! It 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.

This song is what got me into heavier metal than what I was already listening to. It's pure awesome. Back in the front is all I'm saying.

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

This song is so underrated. Try playing it on Guitar Hero. So much fun.

This is a great song and a favorite in my family as the crowner of the most epic Guitar Hero player! So great, yet so impossible to play...

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

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 to be at #1.

Okay. This should be at least in the top 3.