War Crimes
The Specials Lyrics


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Bombs to settle arguments, the order of the boot
Can you hear them crying in the rubble of Beirut?

I can still see people dying, now who takes the blame?
the numbers are different, the crime is still the same

From the graves of Belsen where the innocent were burned
To the genocide in Beirut, Israel was nothing learned?

I can still hear people crying, now who takes the blame?
The numbers are different, the crime is still the same

Bombs to settle arguments, the order of the boot
From the graves of Belsen, to the ruins of Beirut





I can still see people dying, now who takes the blame?
The numbers are different, the crime is still the same

Overall Meaning

The Special A.K.A.'s song "War Crimes" highlights the devastating effects of war, which are often felt most keenly by innocent civilians. The lyrics suggest that bombs and violence are often used as the first resort, rather than the last, when nations have disagreements. The song also notes the cycle of violence and questions the value of violence in bringing lasting peace. The first lines, "Bombs to settle arguments, the order of the boot," propose that violence is used to quickly and forcefully end conflicts. However, this violence has long-lasting effects and causes tremendous harm to the innocent.


The lyrics, "Can you hear them crying in the rubble of Beirut" and "I can still see people dying, now who takes the blame?" point out the suffering of people who are caught in the crossfire. The song also makes the comparison between the genocide in Beirut and the atrocities committed during the Holocaust in Belsen, suggesting that large-scale violence and loss of life are still occurring, even in the modern era. Ultimately, the song is a call for people to question the value of violence and to face the consequences of wartime atrocities, even when they are conducted in the name of justice or national interest.


Line by Line Meaning

Bombs to settle arguments, the order of the boot
Bombing as a solution to resolve conflicts and exert power.


Can you hear them crying in the rubble of Beirut?
Acknowledgement of the innocent victims of the war in Beirut.


I can still see people dying, now who takes the blame?
Questioning the accountability of those responsible for the ongoing violence and destruction.


the numbers are different, the crime is still the same
Highlighting the similarity between various acts of violence and their unacceptable nature regardless of circumstances or context.


From the graves of Belsen where the innocent were burned
Referencing the atrocities committed during the Holocaust at Belsen concentration camp and the loss of innocent lives.


To the genocide in Beirut, Israel was nothing learned?
Criticism of the perpetuation of violence and destruction despite the lessons of past atrocities and the continuing disregard for innocent lives.


From the graves of Belsen, to the ruins of Beirut
Connecting the suffering of different groups of people across different periods of time and locations.


The numbers are different, the crime is still the same
Re-emphasizing the unacceptable and inhumane nature of any act of violence and disregard for human life.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JERRY DAMMERS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

A. Champagne

Let's try and push this to the top of the streaming charts for its 40th anniversary. ✌️ 🇵🇸 #WarCrimesSpecialAKA

Tanisza T

This song became my private anthem long ago. When I was adolescent it gave me a kick of very strong inner political awarness. In addition to the perfect tune. In the eighties of the 20th century it was impossible to hear that kind of music in my country. The iron curtain was working in Poland. Only one radio presenter once a month gave us the chance to listen to ska, reggae and earlier, punk music which he brought form the UK. The Specials have been  a living legend. And here`s to You, the Specials!

A. Champagne

Let's try to get this on top of the streaming charts. BBC refused to play in back in '83.
🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸

Clive Smith

This record was full of singles!!!🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

The Bionic Rats

one of my favorite specials songs, the numbers are different the crime is still the same...

ktwoa

Just wonderful. And almost 40 years on, Rhoda Dakar is still a hero to me!

Steve Lynn

This is still such a brilliant poignant song :)

Geoffrey Coulson

Just bought this album( CD) in 2020 ..sorry for being 36 yrs late but it was worth it.

Jasmina Ravnjak

👍🤓❤👍

Luminous Quintessence

Amazing composition. RIP Brad

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