Why can't we be friends
War Lyrics


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Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh

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?
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?
Why can't we be friends?
Why can't we be friends?

I seen you walking down in Chinatown
I call you 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 you 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 can 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?
I want to be your friend
Why can't we be friends?
I want to be your friend

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

Overall Meaning

The lyrics in War's song "Why Can't We Be Friends?" express a desire for unity and friendship despite differences in social status, race, and background. The repetition of the title line emphasizes the singer's frustration and confusion as to why people cannot simply get along. The verses highlight specific instances where the singer has encountered someone and wishes to be friends with them but cannot seem to break through the barriers that divide them. The line "The color of your skin don't matter to me, as long as we can live in harmony" further emphasizes the theme of unity, and the singer's willingness to overlook superficial differences in order to find common ground.


The song was released in 1975 during a time of great social and political upheaval, with tensions running high between different groups in American society. It was a time of civil rights movements, anti-war protests, and cultural shifts that challenged traditional norms. The song's message was powerful and resonated with many listeners who were eager to see a more tolerant and inclusive society. Despite its age, the song's message remains relevant today, as divisions in society continue to persist.


Line by Line Meaning

Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Expressing a feeling of excitement and enthusiasm


La, la, la, la, la, la
Filling the song with lively and upbeat sounds


Why can't we be friends?
Questioning the reason for the discord between individuals


I seen you around for a long, long time
Observing the presence of the other person in one's life for a considerable duration


I remembered you when you drank my wine
Recalling a shared experience and bonding over it


I seen you walking down in Chinatown
Spotting the other person in a certain location


I call you but you could not look around
Trying to grab the attention of the other person but unable to do so


I pay my money to the welfare line
Making a contribution to society by paying taxes


I see you standing in it every time
Noticing the other person in a similar situation


The color of your skin don't matter to me
Stating that skin color or ethnicity should not be a factor in determining friendship


As long as we can live in harmony
Emphasizing the importance of peaceful co-existence


I'd kinda like to be the president
Expressing a desire to be in a position of power and influence


So I can show you how your money's spent
Wishing to demonstrate how the government uses its funds


Sometimes I don't speak right
Recognizing that one may have communication difficulties


But yet I know what I'm talking about
Asserting that despite the communication issues, one's point of view is still valid


I know you're working for the CIA
Jokingly suggesting that the other person may be involved in intelligence work


They wouldn't have you in the mafia
Jokingly ruling out the possibility of the other person being part of an organized crime group


I want to be your friend
Expressing a genuine desire to establish a bond of friendship




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Charles Miller, Gerald Goldstein, Harold Brown, Howard Scott, Lee Levitin, Lonnie Jordan, Morris Dickerson, Thomas Allen

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@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? “❤😊



All comments from YouTube:

@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.

168 More Replies...

@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?

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