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The War Song
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Wikipedia article
'The War Song' is a song by British band Culture Club, featuring background vocals from Clare Torry. It was released as the lead single from the band's third album, 'Waking Up with the House on Fire' (1984), in September 1984. The song became the group's seventh top-five hit on the UK Singles Chart, peaking at number two, as well as their final top-five hit until "I Just Wanna Be Loved" in 1998. In the United States, the single peaked at number 17 on the 'Billboard' Hot 100. Elsewhere, it reached the top 10 in several countries, including Australia, Canada, and Ireland, peaking at number one in the latter country.
Boy George later said "The War Song" had "patronising lyrics and a brain-curdling melody." It has been excluded from some compilations of Culture Club music. It had not been performed live by Culture Club since 1985, until the band played it at a one-off gig on New Year's Eve 2011. They also performed the song in 2014. It has been more performed from 2016 to the actual tour. It is also featured on their 2016 live album "Live At Wembley".
B-side
In many countries, the single was released with a B-side consisting of a native-language version of the song, including those in Spanish, French, German, and Japanese. It was available in two different extended versions, a first in Culture Club discography. Its 7-inch picture disc was shelved, and remaining copies are very rare.
Critical reception
'Cash Box' said that "this strong anti-war statement is delivered with simple but effective words and a varied melody."
Music video
The music video was directed by Russell Mulcahy. Lead singer Boy George is shown with flame-red hair, a provocative new look at the time, as well as black, white, yellow and blue wigs. The ending of the video features hundreds of children dressed as skeletons, frolicking around Shad Thames, London. The video cost more than 100,000 to make. When Pete Burns of English band Dead or Alive saw the video, he sent Boy George a wreath.
Track listings
Depending on region, Spanish B-side "La cancion de guerra" is another alternate-language version, including French version "La chanson de guerra", German version "Der Kriegsgesang", and Japanese version "Sens no uta" ("").
'7-inch single'
:A. "The War Song" 3:57
:B. "La cancion de guerra" 4:06
'12-inch single'
:A1. "The War Song" (ultimate dance mix) 6:51
:B1. "The War Song" (Shriek mix) 6:16
:B2. "La cancion de guerra"
Chart
Weekly charts
Year-end charts
Certifications
See also
* List of anti-war songs
References
Category:Culture Club songs
Category:1984 singles
Category:1984 songs
Category:Anti-war songs
Category:Epic Records singles
Category:Music videos directed by Russell Mulcahy
Category:Song recordings produced by Steve Levine
Category:Songs written by Boy George
Category:Songs written by Jon Moss
Category:Songs written by Mikey Craig
Category:Songs written by Roy Hay (musician)
Category:Virgin Records singles
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