As violence continues to rage in the Mideast, we have plenty of anti-war songs from which to chose this week’s Sharp Notes Monday selection – a sad irony that illustrates just how devastating war has been throughout history.
Our choice is a song that sends a simple but powerful message in its title and in its lyrics: “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding?”
Written in 1974 by Nick Lowe, the song became a hit when Elvis Costello and the Attractions covered it. Over the years, it has become an anthem of sorts as other artists covered it in live shows and in recordings.
As Hilary Saunders wrote in Paste last year, “Its greatest triumph… rests with its timelessness and continued relevance, as newer bands continue to cover this song, often citing Costello’s version as the source of inspiration.”
Sadly, the timelessness and relevance she mentions remains with us today.
As part of our “Sharp Notes, Sharp Thoughts” music and social media project, we share a song every Monday to start your week.
View previous Sharp Notes Monday selections.
Categories: Jandoli Institute, Music and Social Justice, Sharp Notes Monday, Sharp Notes Sharp Thoughts
Jandoli Institute 
Leave a comment