1. WAR were a popul… Read Full Bio ↴There are at least nine artists with this name:
1. WAR were a popular funk group of the '70s. They mixed soul, jazz, blues, reggae, Latin and rock influences in their music. They had a very recognizable sound, due to their mix of harmonica, horns, guitar, bass, percussion, and vocals. WAR was initially formed in 1969 from a band called Nightshift to jam while Eric Burdon free-associated lyrics. They released two albums under Burdon's name, the first of which contained the hit Spill the Wine. Burdon left the group in 1971, and WAR had several major hits through the early to mid 1970s.
2. A Swedish black metal band that was formed by members of few bands including Dark Funeral, Hypocrisy and Ophthalamia. They released two albums and then changed their name to Total War. The compilation "We Are... Total War" (2001) consists of their two releases on one disc. (Check more on WAR (Swe))
3. A Polish black metal band, formed in 1993 and since split up. The band has released 4 albums and refuses to publish photographs of the members since their demo days. Lyrical themes include War, Misanthropy, Hatred and Anti-christianity.
4. Rumbling lo-fi synth/post-punk from Posh Isolation. Features Elias Rønnenfelt from Iceage and Loke Rahbek from Sexdrome.
5. An Italian thrash metal band.
6. A dark ambient/electronic band who released one album, Obedience, in 2002.
7. An unsigned American MC.
8. Jeremy
9. War is an alias of French drum and bass producer Samy Ponsar.
Why Can\'t We Be Friends
War Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh
La, la, la, la, la, la
La, la, la, la, la, la
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
I seen ya around for a long long time
I really remember you when you drank my wine
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
I'd seen ya walking down in Chinatown
I called ya but you could not look around
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
I pay my money to the welfare line
I see ya standing in it every time
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
The color of your skin don't matter to me
As long as we can live in harmony
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
I'd kinda' like to be the president
So I could show you how your money's spent
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Sometimes I don't speak right
But yet I know what I'm talking about
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
I know you're working for the CIA
They wouldn't have you in the mafia
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
The song “Why Can’t We Be Friends” by War was released in 1975 and became a hit, peaking at number six on the Billboard Hot 100. This song is a social commentary on the ongoing struggles of race relations and inequality that existed then, and still exist now. The lyrics are repetitive, catchy, and easy to sing along with, but the message is significant.
The song begins with a repeating chorus, ‘Why can’t we be friends’ that sets the tone for the rest of the song. The singer talks about seeing the person he’s addressing around for a long time and even remembers when the person drank his wine. Thus, it makes the audience assume that they have known each other for some time. The verses then go on to talk about other instances when the singer saw this person around but was unable to connect with them due to various reasons.
The chorus is then repeated again, and the singer talks about how the color of the person's skin doesn't matter to them and that as long they can live in harmony, it's all good. He then expresses the desire to be the president and lift people out of poverty. The song ends with a repetition of the chorus, emphasizing the need for people to come together and be friends despite their differences.
Overall, “Why Can’t We Be Friends” is sung in a happy, upbeat tone, but the lyrics delve deep into serious issues that plague society. The song’s message is universal and timeless, and the catchy nature of the tune makes it a memorable and iconic song.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Repeating "Oh" four times.
La, la, la, la, la, la
Repeating "La" six times.
Why can't we be friends
Questioning why it's difficult for people to be friends.
I seen ya around for a long long time
Noticing the other person's presence for a while.
I really remember you when you drank my wine
Recalling a specific memory of the other person drinking the singer's wine, suggesting they've spent time together before.
I'd seen ya walking down in Chinatown
Observing the other person walking in a specific location.
I called ya but you could not look around
Trying to get the other person's attention but they didn't respond.
I pay my money to the welfare line
Clearing up that the singer is on welfare.
I see ya standing in it every time
Seeing the other person in the same welfare line as the singer, possibly indicating they are in a similar financial situation.
The color of your skin don't matter to me
Stating that skin color is not important in forming friendships.
As long as we can live in harmony
Expressing a willingness to coexist peacefully despite differences.
I'd kinda' like to be the president
Musing about the possibility of becoming the president, which could potentially allow for change and equality.
So I could show you how your money's spent
Implying that the current distribution of wealth and resources is wasteful and could be improved under different leadership.
Sometimes I don't speak right
Acknowledging struggles with verbal communication.
But yet I know what I'm talking about
Asserting that despite communication difficulties, the singer still knows the content of their thoughts and ideas.
I know you're working for the CIA
Introducing an unexpected and potentially controversial element (the other person's job) into the song lyrics.
They wouldn't have you in the mafia
Suggesting that the other person doesn't fit into harmful or illegal organizations.
Why can't we be friends
Repeating the song's central question 12 more times, reinforcing the message.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CHARLES MILLER, GERALD GOLDSTEIN, HAROLD BROWN, HOWARD SCOTT, LEE LEVITIN, LONNIE JORDAN, MORRIS DICKERSON, THOMAS ALLEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@catherinegilles6408
Song by War:
“ Why can’t we be friends ?
Why can’t we be friends?
I seen you around for a long, long time
I remembered you when you drank my wine
Why can’t we be friends?
Why can’t we be friends? “❤😊
@Ludwig_Perpenhente
I really like how a song "Why Can't We Be Friends?" was made by a band named "War"
@Soundtracks92
Lmao ikr? 🤣
@user-tm5st6zt7g
When The War is about to end, this always happens, Bro
@kindlyhelpmereachto40kwith12
Exactly I realized that when I just started the vid lmao 😂
@saraaaobey4798
Mmm&
@WinifredOdriscoll
Typically sound.
@jasp9661
One of the greatest songs about peace and anti-racism ever made. WAR is for the kids 👌🏼
@mrsnuffleupagus9014
It's not about anti-racism. It is just anti racism.
@davihomem7342
Maybe the last phrase wasnt the best usage of words
@ArtemTarkovskiy
War for kids , wtf you saying?