10 Greatest Anti-war Songs In Rock

The horrors of World War I are likely lost on many younger generations these days. Sure, the UK still holds a few memorials and you'll see poppies pinned on the lapels of our politicians during November, but for the most part it's a vague and distant memory of a war from a bygone era.

It was the first time the world glimpsed the utterly destructive impact mechanised and industrial warfare can have. Millions were killed or else left horrifically wounded by the cruel and unforgiving battles that became the human meat grinders of the early 20th century.

Metallica wrote One decades after the end of the First World War but the message can be applied to any modern war. The narrative explored the horrific situations of a wounded WWI veteran. Left without arms, legs or the ability to speak, the solider existed in a world of pain. The song contained some of James Hetfield's most poignant lyrics, sung from the perspective of the solider who yearned to be put out of his misery if only he could communicate.

The song shone a haunting light on the consequence faced by those who fight in the name of democracy.