About the song
John Denver’s “Let Us Begin (What Are We Making Weapons For?)”
“Let Us Begin (What Are We Making Weapons For?)” is a song written and performed by American singer-songwriter John Denver. It was released in 1986 as the second single from his album One World. The song is a plea for peace and disarmament, and it has become one of Denver’s most popular and enduring songs.
The song begins with Denver singing about his childhood in Oklahoma. He remembers his father as a farmer who worked hard to provide for his family. Denver also remembers his brother, who served in the Vietnam War. These experiences led Denver to question the need for war and violence.
In the chorus, Denver asks, “What are we making weapons for?” He argues that weapons are not necessary for peace and security. Instead, he believes that we should focus on building bridges and understanding between people.
The song’s message is simple but powerful. Denver reminds us that we are all connected, and that we have a responsibility to each other. He urges us to choose peace over violence, and to work together to create a better world.
“Let Us Begin (What Are We Making Weapons For?)” is a timeless song that is still relevant today. It is a reminder that we must never give up hope for peace. As Denver sings, “We can build a world where our children can live in peace.”
Background and Inspiration
Denver wrote “Let Us Begin (What Are We Making Weapons For?)” in the early 1980s. He was inspired by the growing nuclear arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union. Denver was concerned about the threat of nuclear war, and he wanted to write a song that would express his hope for peace.
The song was first released in 1986 on Denver’s album One World. It was not a commercial success, but it became a popular song among peace activists. Denver performed the song at many peace rallies and concerts, and it became a signature song for him.
Legacy
“Let Us Begin (What Are We Making Weapons For?)” is a powerful song that continues to inspire people around the world. It is a reminder that we must never give up hope for peace. Denver’s message of peace and understanding is as important today as it was when he wrote the song.
The song has been covered by many artists, including Joan Baez, Pete Seeger, and Harry Belafonte. It has also been used in several films and television shows, including The Simpsons and The West Wing.
“Let Us Begin (What Are We Making Weapons For?)” is a classic song that will continue to be sung for many years to come. It is a reminder that we all have a role to play in creating a more peaceful world.
Video
Lyrics
“Let Us Begin (What Are We Making Weapons For)”
I am the son of a grassland farmer, western Oklahoma, nineteen forty-three.
I always felt grateful to live in the land of the free.
I gave up my father to South Korea, the mind of my brother to Vietnam,
now there’s a banker who says I must give up my land.
There are four generations of blood in this topsoil, four generations of love on this farm.
Before I give up, I would gladly give up my right arm.What are we making weapons for? Why keep on feeding the war machine?
We take it right out of the mouths of our babies, take it away from the hands of the poor,
tell me, what are we making weapons for?
I had a son and my son was a soldier, he was so like my father, he was so much like me.
To be a good comrade was the best that he dreamed he could be.
He gave up his future to revolution, his life to a battle that just can’t be won.
For this is not living, to live at the point of a gun.
I remember the nine hundred days of Leningrad, The sound of the dying, the cut of the cold,
I remember the moments, I prayed I would never grow old.What are we making weapons for? Why keep on feeding the war machine?
We take it right out of the mouths of our babies, take it away from the hands of the poor,
tell me, what are we making weapons for?For the first time in my life I feel like a prisoner, a slave to the ways of the powers that be.
And I fear for my children, as I fear for the future I see.
Tell me how can it be we’re still fighting each other? What does it take for a people to learn?
If our song is not sung as a chorus, we surely will burn.What are we making weapons for? Why keep on feeding the war machine?
We take it right out of the mouths of our babies, take it away from the hands of the poor,
tell me, what are we making weapons for?Have we all forgotten all the lives that we are given,
all the vows that were taken, saying never again,
Now for the first time, this could be the last time. If peace is our vision, let us begin.Have we all forgotten all the lives that we are given,
all the vows that were taken, saying never again,
Now for the first time, this could be the last time. If peace is our vision, let us begin,
let us begin.