Edwin Starr was a soul singer from Detroit, Michigan.
This song was written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, and first recorded by the Temptations. But the Temptations' label, Motown, did not want to release the track as a single because they feared its anti-war stance would anger conservative audiences. Edwin Starr, a young soul singer whose previous label had just been acquired by Motown, heard about the controversy surrounding the song and offered to record and release it as a single under his own name. Starr's recording would go on to become a number 1 hit on the Billboard charts, and is now considered his signature song.
War, huh, yeah What is it good for Absolutely nothing War, huh, yeah What is it good for Absolutely nothing Say it again, why'all War, huh, good god What is it good for Absolutely nothing, listen to me 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 I said, war, huh good god, why'all What is it good for Absolutely nothing say it again War, whoa, lord What is it good for Absolutely nothing, listen to me (War) it ain't nothing but a heart-breaker (War) friend only to the undertaker Oh, war it's an enemy to all mankind The point of war blows my mind War has caused unrest Within the younger generation Induction then destruction Who wants to die, ah, war-huh, good god why'all What is it good for Absolutely nothing Say it, say it, say it War, huh What is it good for Absolutely nothing listen to me (War) it ain't nothing but a heart breaker (War) it's got one friend that's the undertaker Oh, war, has shattered many a young mans dreams Made him disabled, bitter and mean Life is much to short and precious To spend fighting wars these days War can't give life It can only take it away Oh, war, huh good god why'all What is it good for Absolutely nothing say it again (War) whoa, lord What is it good for Absolutely nothing listen to me (War) it ain't nothing but a heart breaker (War) friend only to the undertaker 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 Oh, war, huh good god why'all What is it good for you tell me Say it, say it, say it, say it (War) huh good god why'all What is it good for Stand up and shout it nothing