Friday, February 15, 2008

What's so great about war, hate, and nonunderstanding?

As the fifth anniversary of the 2/15/2003 anti-war protest approaches the fifth anniversary of the 3/18/2003 Iraq invasion,
it's time to non-rhetorically ask what, exactly,
is so funny about peace, love, and understanding?



I always thought the song's chorus should be a call and response, like Edwin Starr's "War".

Q: What's so funny about peace, love, and understanding?
A: Absolutely nothing! Say it again!
Q: What's so funny about peace, love, and understanding?
A: Absolutely nothing! Say it again!
etc. etc. ad infinitum

"What's So Funny" has become a popular cover over the past few years. Here are a few recent live versions, including one by the songwriter himself. Over the last thirty years, the song that started as a parody has become an anthem.

Nick Lowe -
(What's So Funny About) Peace, Love, and Understanding?
Coal Porters -
(What's So Funny About) Peace, Love, and Understanding?
Steve Earle -
(What's So Funny About) Peace, Love, and Understanding?

1 comment:

Unknown said...

That's great. I also heard the Harlem Boys Choir covering this song at a Christmas Eve concert once--shivers!