Absolutely Nothing

In 1970, I was 23 years old, and wearing a military uniform for the US Navy assigned to communications and naval intelligence units both domestic and overseas. 

It was a difficult time for me and my comrades because we were for all intents and purposes despised by most Americans who did not believe in this war or any type of American aggression for that matter.

But, we did our jobs and we did it well and many of my comrades never returned home and many of my comrades returned home defeated mentally and physically crippled and virtually ignored by their families and friends.

But, we survived and moved on just as those did from WWII and Korea.

I doubt that I will ever pick up another weapon and attempt to kill another human being regardless of their looks or religious beliefs, values, morals, integrity, or type of government.

However, I will always remember as best as I can, the lyrics of the song printed below... These lyrics are just as timeless as the inspirational quotes that are posted on this social media forum. And, we would be wise to follow them well into our future.

WAR (1970) by Edwin Starr

War, huh yeah
What is it good for?
Absolutely nothing, oh hoh, oh
War huh yeah
What is it good for?
Absolutely nothing, say it again y'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 off to fight and lose their lives
I said
War, huh good God y'all
What is it good for?
Absolutely nothing, just say it again
War whoa Lord
What is it good for?
Absolutely nothing, listen to me
War, it ain't nothin' but a heartbreak
War, friend only to the undertaker
Oh war, is an enemy to all mankind
The thought of war blows my mind
War has caused unrest within the younger generation
Induction, then destruction who wants to die
War, good God, y'all
What is it good for?
Absolutely nothing, say it, say it, say it
War, uh huh, yeah, huh
What is it good for?
Absolutely nothing, listen to me
War, it ain't nothin' but a heartbreaker
War, it's got one friend that's the undertaker
Oh, war has shattered many young man's dreams
Made him disabled bitter and mean
Life is much too short and precious to spend fighting wars these days
War can't give life it can only take it away, ooh
War, huh, good God y'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 nothin' but a heartbreaker
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
War, huh, good God y'all
What is it good for?
You tell 'em, say it, say it, say it, say it
War, good Lord, huh
What is it good for?
Stand up and shout it, nothing
War, it ain't nothin' but a heartbreaker

Songwriters
Strong, Barrett / Whitfield, Norman J.
Published by
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Edwin Starr (January 21, 1942 – April 2, 2003) was an American soul music singer. Starr is famous for his Norman Whitfield-produced Motown singles of the 1970s, most notably the number one hit "War".

Starr was born in Tennessee and raised in Ohio, and later lived in Detroit while singing for Motown Records. Besides "War", Starr's songs "25 Miles" and "Stop the War Now" were also major successes in the 1960s. Starr's career shifted to the United Kingdom in the 1970s, where he continued to produce music, and lived until his death.