In 2004 Eric Clapton held a three day festival in Dallas, Texas, called The… Read Full Bio ↴In 2004 Eric Clapton held a three day festival in Dallas, Texas, called The Crossroads Guitar Festival, which featured J.J. Cale. This gave Clapton the opportunity to ask Cale to produce an album for him. The two started working together and eventually decided to record together. A number of high profile musicians also agreed to work on the album, including Billy Preston, Pino Palladino, Derek Trucks, Taj Mahal, John Mayer, and Doyle Bramhall II.

The 14 track CD, entitled the Road to Escondido, was produced and recorded by the duo in August 2005 in California. The resulting music defies being labeled into any one category, but instead finds influence across the spectrum of blues, rock, country and folk. A hybrid sound that is unique musically, while still bearing the signature styles of Cale and Clapton recognized by fans around the world. The songs are warm and rich, with deep flowing rhythms, yet use an economy of words to express much.

When The War Is Over
J.J. Cale & Eric Clapton Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

When this war is over
It will be a better day
When this war is over
It will be a better day
But it won't bring back
Those poor boys in their graves

Ain't no sense in no action

Killing people all the time
Ain't no sense in no action
Killing people all the time
When it happens on the street
We call that crime

Man, he can't get along
He just won't agree
Who's right and who's wrong
Don't matter you see
All we know is killing
Ain't the way to go

Gotta get a plan
And change our ways you know

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of J.J. Cale and Eric Clapton's song When the War is Over speak of hope for a better future, indicating the end of violence and war. The first verse identifies this better future as a time when war no longer consumes and destroys lives. The second verse addresses the issue of violence and crime, emphasizing the pointlessness of all forms of violence, whether they are state-sanctioned or street crimes. The concluding verse expresses a desire to find a solution to the problem of human conflict, arguing that killing is not the answer, and that alternative measures should be developed to build a better society.

The song is a critique of war and violence, and serves as a call for people to work toward peace and non-violent solutions to problems. The lyrics show the senselessness of war and killing, attempting to persuade listeners to consider the consequences of their actions.

Line by Line Meaning

When this war is over
Once the violence and conflict cease

It will be a better day
The future will be brighter and more hopeful

When this war is over
After the fighting has ended

It will be a better day
Things will improve and become more positive

But it won't bring back
However, this will not resurrect

Those poor boys in their graves
The young soldiers who have died and been buried

Ain't no sense in no action
There is no logical reason to engage in aggression

Killing people all the time
The constant taking of lives

Ain't no sense in no action
It is nonsensical to engage in conflict

Killing people all the time
The continuous violent acts taking place

When it happens on the street
When it occurs within our own communities