Identify songs from your browser. Download the Shazam Extension

OVERVIEW

LYRICS

Music Video

Credits

PERFORMING ARTISTS
Edwin Starr
Edwin Starr
Vocals
Freddie Gorman
Freddie Gorman
Background Vocals
Walter Gaines
Walter Gaines
Background Vocals
Hank Dixon
Hank Dixon
Background Vocals
C.P. Spencer
C.P. Spencer
Background Vocals
Joe Harris
Joe Harris
Background Vocals
Billie Rae Calvin
Billie Rae Calvin
Background Vocals
Brenda Joyce Evans
Brenda Joyce Evans
Background Vocals
The Funk Brothers
The Funk Brothers
All Instruments
COMPOSITION & LYRICS
Norman Whitfield
Norman Whitfield
Songwriter
Barrett Strong
Barrett Strong
Songwriter
PRODUCTION & ENGINEERING
Norman Whitfield
Norman Whitfield
Producer

Lyrics

[Chorus]
War
Huh
Yeah
What is it good for?
Absolutely
Nothing
Uh-huh, uh-huh
War
Huh
Yeah
What is it good for?
Absolutely
Nothing
Say it again, y'all
War
Huh (Huh!)
Look out!
What is it good for?
Absolutely
Nothing
Listen to me
[Verse 1]
Oh, war I despise
'Cause it means destruction of innocent lives
War means tears to thousands of mothers' eyes
When their sons go to fight and lose their lives
[Chorus]
I said, war, huh
Good God, y'all
What is it good for?
Absolutely
Nothing
Good! Say it again!
War, huh
Whoa-oh Lord!
What is it good for?
Absolutely
Nothing
Listen to me
War
It ain't nothing but a heartbreak
War
Friend only to the undertaker
[Verse 2]
Oh, war is an enemy to all mankind
The thought of war blows my mind
War has caused unrest within the younger generation
Induction, then destruction
Who wants to die?
[Chorus]
Oh, war
Good God, y'all (Huh!)
What is it good for?
Absolutely
Nothing
Say it, say it, say it
War
Uh-huh, yeah (Huh!)
Ugh!
What is it good for?
Absolutely
Nothing
Listen to me
War
It ain't nothing but a heartbreaker
War
It's got one friend, that's the undertaker
[Verse 3]
Oh, war has shattered many a young man's dreams
Made him disabled, bitter and mean
Life is much too short and precious
To spend fighting wars each day
War can't give life
It can only take it away
[Chorus]
Oh, war
Huh!
Good God, ya'll
What is it good for?
Absolutely
Nothing
Say it again
War, huh
Whoa-oh Lord!
What is it good for?
Aw, absolutely
Nothing
Listen to me
[Refrain]
War
It ain't nothing but a heartbreaker
War
Friend only to the undertaker
Woo!
[Bridge]
Peace, love and understanding
Tell me, is there no place for them today?
They say we must fight to keep our freedom
But Lord knows there's got to be a better way
[Chorus]
Oh, war
God, ya'll! (Huh!)
What is it good for?
You tell 'em
Say it, say it, say it, say it (Nothin'!)
War
Good God now! (Huh!)
Huh
What is it good for?
Stand up and shout it
Nothing!
Written by: Norman Whitfield

Shazam Footer

Select language:

Company

Legal

Google Play Store
Apple App Store
Chrome Web Store
Galaxy Store

Follow Us

© Copyright 2025 Apple Inc. and its affiliates | Supplier Responsibility
instagramSharePathic_arrow_out