60 Songs About Conflict (Pop, Rap & More)

Foundations of Music

60 Songs About Conflict (Pop, Rap & More)

I. Pop Songs About Conflict

1. We Didn’t Start the Fire by Billy Joel

Artist: Billy Joel
Album: Storm Front
Year: 1989

The song is a list of events, people, and things that have been in the news since Joel was born in 1949.

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2. Fortunate Son by Creedence Clearwater Revival

Artist: Creedence Clearwater Revival
Album: Willy and the Poor Boys
Year: 1969

The song is about rich kids who never have to work for anything and always get what they want. They never have to worry about money or the draft, unlike the poor kids who have to work hard and worry about being drafted into the Vietnam War.

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II. R&B Songs About Conflict

1. I Can’t Stand the Rain by Ann Peebles

Artist: Ann Peebles
Album: I Can’t Stand the Rain
Year: 1974

The song is about a woman who is fed up with her lover’s infidelity and she can’t stand the rain because it reminds her of him.

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2. War by Edwin Starr

Artist: Edwin Starr
Album: War & Peace
Year: 1970

The song is about the horrors of war and the need for peace. It was written in response to the Vietnam War.

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3. Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood by The Animals

Artist: The Animals
Album: Animal Tracks
Year: 1965

The song is about a person who is misunderstood by others and feels alone and isolated. The person pleads for understanding and for others not to judge them.

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4. I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye

Artist: Marvin Gaye
Album: In the Groove
Year: 1968

The song is about a man who is hearing rumors that his girlfriend is cheating on him. He is trying to figure out if the rumors are true, and if they are, he wants to know why she would do that to him.

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5. The Show Must Go On by Queen

Artist: Queen
Album:
Year: 1991

“The Show Must Go On” is a song by the British rock band Queen. It was released as a single in October 1991, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart, and is included on their album Innuendo. The song was written by lead singer Freddie Mercury, and is about the band’s resolve to continue performing despite the failing health of their lead singer.

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6. What’s Going On by Marvin Gaye

Artist: Marvin Gaye
Album: What’s Going On
Year: 1971

The song is about peace and love and the problems that come with them. Gaye is asking what’s going on with the world and why there is so much hate. He wonders why we can’t all just get along and live in peace.

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7. Try a Little Tenderness by Otis Redding

Artist: Otis Redding
Album: Complete & Unbelievable: The Otis Redding Dictionary of Soul
Year: 1966

The song is a ballad about a man who is trying to convince his lover to give their relationship another chance. He sings about how he is willing to change and be more tender and loving if she will just give him another chance.

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8. I’m So Tired of Being Alone by Al Green

Artist: Al Green
Album: Al Green Gets Next to You
Year: 1971

The song is about a man who is tired of being alone and wants to find someone to love. He is looking for someone to share his life with and to make him happy.

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III. Rock Songs About Conflict

1. Fortunate Son by Creedence Clearwater Revival

Artist: Creedence Clearwater Revival
Album: Willy and the Poor Boys
Year: 1969

The song is about rich kids who never have to work for anything and always get what they want. They never have to worry about money or the draft, unlike the poor kids who have to work hard and worry about being drafted into the Vietnam War.

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2. Imagine by John Lennon

Artist: John Lennon
Album:
Year: 1971

John Lennon’s “Imagine” is a song about peace and love. He imagines a world where there is no war or hate, and people are free to live their lives in peace and harmony.

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3. For What It’s Worth by Buffalo Springfield

Artist: Buffalo Springfield
Album: Buffalo Springfield
Year: 1966

The song is about the Vietnam War and the protests against it. It is also about the Generation Gap between the older and younger generations.

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4. We Can Work It Out by The Beatles

Artist: The Beatles
Album:
Year:

The song is about a couple having a fight and not being able to see eye to eye, but eventually realizing that they can work it out.

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5. Kickstart My Heart by Mötley Crüe

Artist: Mötley Crüe
Album: Dr. Feelgood
Year: 1989

This song is about a man who is trying to get over a heartbreak. He is trying to find a way to get his life back on track and he thinks that maybe if he could just find someone to kickstart his heart, he could get over his ex and move on.

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6. Ohio by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

Artist: Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
Album: 4 Way Street
Year: 1971

The song is a protest against the Kent State shootings, which occurred when the Ohio National Guard opened fire on a group of unarmed college students who were protesting the Vietnam War. The song was written by Neil Young, who was deeply affected by the event. The lyrics express the anger and sorrow felt by many Americans at the time. The song is still relevant today, as it speaks to the continued violence against unarmed civilians.

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7. Masters of War by Bob Dylan

Artist: Bob Dylan
Album: The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan
Year: 1963

The song is a protest against the United States government’s involvement in the Vietnam War. It criticizes the government’s hypocrisy in sending young men to fight and die in a war that it knows is unwinnable.

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8. The Times They Are A-Changin’ by Bob Dylan

Artist: Bob Dylan
Album: The Times They Are a-Changin’
Year: 1964

The song is about how the world is constantly changing and how people need to change with it. Dylan sings about how the old ways of doing things are no longer effective and how people need to adapt to the new ways. He also talks about how the future is always unknown and how people need to be prepared for it.

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9. The Battle of Evermore by Led Zeppelin

Artist: Led Zeppelin
Album: Led Zeppelin IV
Year: 1971

The song is about a battle between two opposing forces. The lyrics describe the battle as “a black night of death and fear”, with “the thunder of guns”, and “the screams of pain”.

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10. It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll) by AC/DC

Artist: AC/DC
Album:
Year:

The song is about the hard work and dedication required to achieve success in the music industry. It is also a tribute to the band’s influences, including Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry.

11. If I Die Tomorrow by Mötley Crüe

Artist: Mötley Crüe
Album: Greatest Hits
Year: 2009

The song is about a person who is living life to the fullest and not worrying about tomorrow. They are enjoying every moment and not worrying about what might happen in the future.

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12. Warrior by Jen Ledger

Artist: Jen Ledger
Album: Ledger
Year: 2018

The song is about a person who is fighting their internal demons and struggling to keep their head above water. The lyrics talk about how this person is a warrior who is fighting for their life and how they will never give up. The song is empowering and motivating, and it is a reminder that even when things are tough, we can all be warriors.

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IV. Country Songs About Conflict

1. The Times They Are A-Changin’ by Bob Dylan

Artist: Bob Dylan
Album: The Times They Are a-Changin’
Year: 1964

The song is about how the world is constantly changing and how people need to change with it. Dylan sings about how the old ways of doing things are no longer effective and how people need to adapt to the new ways. He also talks about how the future is always unknown and how people need to be prepared for it.

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2. I’m Gonna Be Somebody by Travis Tritt

Artist: Travis Tritt
Album: Country Club
Year: 1990

The song is about a man who is determined to be somebody and make something of himself. He is tired of being told that he is not good enough and is determined to prove everyone wrong. He is going to be somebody who is successful and respected.

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3. We’re Not Gonna Take It by Twisted Sister

Artist: Twisted Sister
Album: Stay Hungry
Year: 1984

The song is about a group of kids who are fed up with their school’s rules and decide to rebel. They start a revolution and eventually take over the school.

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4. I Ain’t Marching Anymore by Phil Ochs

Artist: Phil Ochs
Album: I Ain’t Marching Any More
Year: 1965

The song is an anti-war protest song written by Phil Ochs. It is about the Vietnam War and the anti-war movement. The song is critical of the government and the military, and it calls for an end to the war.

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5. The Fighting Side of Me by Merle Haggard

Artist: Merle Haggard
Album: The Fightin’ Side of Me
Year: 1970

The song is about a man who is tired of people complaining about their country and not doing anything to change it. He is sick of people who take advantage of the freedoms that they have and don’t appreciate them.

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6. I Ain’t As Good As I Once Was by Toby Keith

Artist: Toby Keith
Album: Honkytonk University
Year: 2005

The song is about a man who is reflecting on his life and how he isn’t as good as he used to be. He is looking back at his life and all of the things he has done, and how he isn’t as good as he used to be. He is regretful of some of the things he has done, and how he isn’t as good as he used to be.

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V. Christian Songs About Conflict

1. Counting Every Blessing by Rend Collective

Artist: Rend Collective
Album: Good News
Year: 2018

The song is about counting your blessings and being grateful for what you have, even when things are tough. It is a reminder that God is always with us and will never leave us.

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2. Lift My Life Up by Unspoken

Artist: Unspoken
Album: Unspoken
Year: 2014

The song is about lifting up one’s life and being grateful for what they have. It is a song of hope and encouragement.

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3. Shoulders by for KING & COUNTRY

Artist: for KING & COUNTRY
Album: Run Wild. Live Free. Love Strong.
Year: 2014

The song “Shoulders” by for KING & COUNTRY is a song about the strength that can be found in God. No matter what life throws our way, we can find comfort in knowing that God is always there for us. His love is unending, and He will never leave us alone. When we feel like we can’t go on, we can always find strength in His arms.

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4. Trust in You by Lauren Daigle

Artist: Lauren Daigle
Album: How Can It Be
Year: 2015

The song is about trusting in God even when things are tough. It is a reminder that God is always there for us and that we can always trust in Him.

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5. The Comeback by Danny Gokey

Artist: Danny Gokey
Album: Rise
Year: 2017

The song is about never giving up on your dreams and continuing to fight even when the odds seem insurmountable. It is an inspirational song that encourages listeners to never give up on themselves.

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6. The Struggle by Tenth Avenue North

Artist: Tenth Avenue North
Album: The Struggle
Year: 2012

The song is about a person who is struggling with their faith and how they feel like they are losing their way. The song is about how they are struggling to find their way back to God and how they feel like they are falling apart.

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7. Today is Beautiful by David Dunn

Artist: David Dunn
Album: Crystal Clear
Year: 2015

“Today is Beautiful” by David Dunn is a song about appreciating the little things in life. It is a song about looking on the bright side and enjoying the moment. The song is upbeat and positive, and it encourages listeners to appreciate the good things in their lives.

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8. Keep Walkin’ by TobyMac

Artist: TobyMac
Album: This Is Not a Test
Year: 2015

The song is about continuing to walk through life even when things are tough. It talks about how somebody might feel when they are going through a tough time and how they need to keep moving forward.

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9. Rise by Danny Gokey

Artist: Danny Gokey
Album: Rise
Year: 2017

The song is about overcoming obstacles and continuing to fight even when the odds seem insurmountable. It is about never giving up and always finding the strength to keep going. The song is inspirational and motivational, and it is sure to give listeners a boost of confidence and hope.

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10. CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS by ONWARD

Artist: ONWARD
Album:
Year:

The song is about Christians marching forward into battle, confident in their cause. They sing of how they will not be afraid, because God is on their side. They are determined to win, and they call on others to join them in the fight. The song is upbeat and inspiring, and it is sure to get listeners pumped up and ready to take on anything.

11. ARISE by Saint Michael’s Singers

Artist: Saint Michael’s Singers
Album: Crown Him!
Year: 2001

The song is about rising up and being strong in the face of adversity. It is about never giving up and always fighting for what is right. It is a call to arms for those who are struggling and a reminder that they are not alone.

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12. Battles by The Afters

Artist: The Afters
Album: Live On Forever
Year: 2016

The song is about two people in a relationship who are fighting and struggling. The song talks about how they are both trying to hold on, but they are both losing.

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13. Battle Cry by Audio Adrenaline

Artist: Audio Adrenaline
Album: Kings & Queens
Year: 2013

The song is about a person who is fighting for their life, and they are ready to give everything they have to win.

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14. O KING ETERNAL by LEAD ON

Artist: LEAD ON
Album:
Year:

This hymn is a call to worship God, the eternal King. It is a song of praise, declaring God’s power and majesty. The lyrics also call on believers to follow God and trust in His plan.

15. Fighting Over Me by Pillar

Artist: Pillar
Album: Confessions
Year: 2009

The song is about a couple who is fighting and the husband is trying to figure out what he did wrong. He is trying to make things right, but the wife is not interested.

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VI. Rap Songs About Conflict

1. Hit Em Up by Tupac Shakur

Artist: Tupac Shakur
Album: 2Pac Live
Year:

The song is about Tupac’s beef with the East Coast, specifically Biggie Smalls and Puff Daddy. He talks about how he’s going to kill them and how they’re fake.

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2. Police State by Dead Prez

Artist: Dead Prez
Album: Let’s Get Free
Year: 2000

The song is about the police state and how it is affecting the lives of people. It talks about how the police are constantly harassing and arresting people for no reason, and how they are using excessive force. It also talks about how the government is using the police to control the population, and how they are violating people’s civil liberties.

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3. Changes by Tupac Shakur

Artist: Tupac Shakur
Album:
Year:

“Changes” is a song by American rapper Tupac Shakur, which was recorded in 1992 and released as a single in 1998. The song addresses the issue of racism in America, and Shakur’s hope for a future where people of all races can live together in peace.

4. No Vaseline by Ice Cube

Artist: Ice Cube
Album: Death Certificate
Year: 1991

The song is a diss track aimed at N.W.A, and specifically at Dr. Dre and Eazy-E. It accuses them of selling out by signing with a major label, and claims that they would not have been successful without Ice Cube’s contributions.

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5. Sound of da Police by KRS-One

Artist: KRS-One
Album: Return of the Boom Bap
Year: 1993

The song is about police brutality and the various ways that it affects the black community. It also speaks to the larger issue of systemic racism in America and how it disproportionately impacts black people.

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6. Ether by Nas

Artist: Nas
Album: Stillmatic
Year: 2001

The song “Ether” by Nas is a diss track aimed at Jay-Z. In the song, Nas criticizes Jay-Z for being a sell-out and accuses him of biting his style. He also takes shots at Jay-Z’s marriage to Beyonce and his friendships with celebrities like Kanye West and Justin Timberlake.

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7. Fight The Power by Public Enemy

Artist: Public Enemy
Album: It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back
Year: 1988

The song is about fighting against discrimination and racism.

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8. Fuck Tha Police by N.W.A.

Artist: N.W.A.
Album: Straight Outta Compton
Year: 1988

The song is about police brutality and racism. The lyrics describe how the police treat minorities with disrespect and violence. The song also criticizes the government for not doing anything to stop police brutality.

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9. Beef by The Notorious B.I.G.

Artist: The Notorious B.I.G.
Album: Duets: The Final Chapter
Year:

The song is about the rapper’s beef with other rappers and how he is the best rapper out there.

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10. Georgia Bush by Lil Wayne

Artist: Lil Wayne
Album: Georgia… Bush
Year: 2014

The song is about a girl who is from Georgia and is in love with a guy from Louisiana. They are in a long distance relationship and she is missing him.

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11. Words I Never Said by Lupe Fiasco

Artist: Lupe Fiasco
Album: Lasers
Year: 2011

The song is about Lupe Fiasco’s regrets and things he wishes he had said. He talks about how he wishes he could have told his father that he loved him before he died, and how he regrets not being able to tell his mother how much he appreciates her. He also talks about social and political issues that he wishes he could have spoken out about sooner. In the end, he says that there are no words that can truly express how he feels, but he hopes that his actions will speak for him.

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12. Bury Me a G by Tupac Shakur

Artist: Tupac Shakur
Album: Tupac: Resurrection
Year:

The song is about Tupac’s fear of dying young. He talks about how he doesn’t want to die before he’s had a chance to really live, and how he’s afraid that his life will end before he’s had a chance to make a difference.

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13. Takeover by Jay-Z

Artist: Jay-Z
Album: The Blueprint
Year: 2001

“Takeover” is a song by American rapper Jay-Z, released as the lead single from his 2001 album The Blueprint. The song features verses from rappers Nas and Eminem, and a chorus sung by R&B singer R. Kelly. The song is widely regarded as one of the best diss tracks of all time, and is credited for starting the “beef” between Jay-Z and Nas.

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14. D-X-L (Hard White) by DMX, Drag-On, The Lox

Artist: DMX, Drag-On, The Lox
Album: … And Then There Was X
Year: 1999

The song is about the drug trade and how it can ruin lives. It is a cautionary tale about the dangers of drugs and how they can lead to addiction and death.

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15. Killshot by Eminem

Artist: Eminem
Album: Killshot
Year: 2018

The song is a response to a diss track by Machine Gun Kelly. Eminem starts by addressing the line “your career’s over” from the diss track, saying that he’s been through worse and mocking Kelly’s career. He then goes on to address Kelly’s claims that he is a has-been, saying that he is still one of the best rappers in the game. He ends the song by saying that he is not afraid of Kelly, and that he will never give up.

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16. Mathematics by Mos Def

Artist: Mos Def
Album: Black on Both Sides
Year: 1999

The song is about the power of mathematics and how it can be used to understand the world. Mos Def uses mathematical terms and concepts to discuss social and political issues. He argues that math is a tool that can be used to solve problems and make progress.

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17. Point of No Return by Immortal Technique

Artist: Immortal Technique
Album: Revolutionary Vol. 2
Year: 2003

The song is about a person who is at the point of no return in their life, where they have to make a decision that will change their life forever.

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