Band names. They can be iconic, intriguing, or downright puzzling. We often accept them without a second thought, like Led Zeppelin, a name reportedly born from a joke about a band failing spectacularly. Or The Beatles, a seemingly simple name with a clever nod to Buddy Holly’s Crickets. But what about a band that chooses a name synonymous with conflict and destruction, yet dedicates itself to messages of peace and unity? This is the paradox of War, the band behind the enduring anthem, “Why Can’t We Be Friends?”.
Formed in Long Beach, California, in the early 1970s, War was remarkable for its multi-ethnic lineup, a living embodiment of the harmony they preached. One of the band’s founding members articulated their mission as “to spread a message of harmony, using instruments and voices to speak out against racism, hunger, gangs, and crimes, and promote hope and the spirit of brotherhood.” With this profound goal, they chose a name that seems diametrically opposed: War. The sheer audacity of naming a band “War,” intending to promote peace, is a statement in itself.
Initially known as Eric Burden & War, collaborating with the former frontman of The Animals on the hit song “Spill The Wine” in 1970, the band soon established its own identity. War crafted a unique and potent musical blend. As music critic Colin Larkin described it, their sound was a “potent fusion of funk, R&B, rock and Latin styles producing a progressive soul sound.” This distinctive sound propelled hits like “The Cisco Kid,” “Low Rider,” “The World is a Ghetto,” “Slippin’ Into Darkness,” “All Day Music,” and “Summer” onto the charts. These tracks, characterized by their raw energy and genre-bending instrumentation, solidified War’s image as a street-smart, musically innovative collective.
Perhaps War’s most recognizable song, and certainly one that amplifies the intriguing contrast with their name, is “Why Can’t We Be Friends?”. Released in 1975 as the title track of their seventh album, this song stands out for its infectiously cheerful and upbeat tempo. Unlike the gritty, multi-layered soundscapes of their other hits, “Why Can’t We Be Friends?” is a four-minute burst of lighthearted, almost whimsical fun. It’s undeniably catchy and possesses a universal appeal, making its message of simple camaraderie instantly accessible. Coming from a band named War, however, the song’s breezy optimism takes on a deeper resonance. It’s a question posed against the backdrop of conflict, a hopeful plea emerging from a landscape often defined by division. “Why Can’t We Be Friends?” is a powerful statement precisely because it comes from War.
The name War, when juxtaposed with their music and message, creates a compelling tension. It forces a double-take, prompting us to consider the very nature of conflict and the possibility of overcoming it. In the context of their broader catalog and their stated mission, “Why Can’t We Be Friends?” isn’t just a catchy tune; it’s a poignant question, a challenge, and an aspiration. It’s War asking a world weary of strife: What is war good for? Absolutely nothing. Why can’t we choose a different path? Why can’t we be friends?
