Throughout history, artists have conveyed their thoughts, experiences, and opinions through their songs, both good and bad. In 1970, an artist named Edwin Starr released his song, “War.” In 1971, Marvin Gaye released his song, "What's Going On". In 1965, P.F. Sloan released his song, "Eve of Destruction". In 1963, Bob Dylan released his song, "Blowing in the Wind." The artists wrote, recorded and released these songs for the purpose of expressing their feelings of antipathy against war, especially the Vietnam War and the race wars occurring simultaneously in America. The four songs listed above date back to the same era and were written, recorded and inspired by major events that occurred in the 60s and 70s. These events were the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War, and the race wars. These songs help express the feelings and shed light on the emotions of the citizens of the United States who were not only against the Vietnam War but were against the unfair treatment of other US citizens based on some prejudices. These songs help decry an era in American history in which a huge population of American citizens began to express their frustration with violence and mistreatment of people, no matter where it occurred. In Marvin Gaye's "What's going on," the man focuses on the spark of change. within his community with the aim of recognizing issues such as waging war or people committing acts of open and direct violence on their fellow man. Marvin Gaye expresses his disgust for war and especially violence. For example, he states: “We don't need escalation. You see, war is not the answer. Because only love can overcome hate.” Marvin Gaye openly expresses his opinion on the war. ...... middle of paper ...... the races of the artists of these songs were different, they all had similar views against violence that did not depend on where the violence was performed. Works Cited03, April . "Edwin Starr, 61; singer of Motown hit 'War' in 1970." Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Times, April 3, 2003. Web. February 25, 2014. "The 10 Best Anti-War and Vietnam War Protest Songs." Examiner.com. Np, nd Web. February 24, 2014. "Blowin' in the Wind" by Bob Dylan" HubPages. Np, nd Web. February 26, 2014. "Eve of Destruction - Marlene Grant." Marlene Grant. Np, nd Web. February 26 2014.Hansen, Liane. "PF Sloan's Long Road Back from 'Destruction'" NPR. NPR and Web. 26 February 2014. Naylor, Brian. "'Blowin' In The Wind' Still Asks Tough Questions." RADIO, PUBLIC RADIO. NPR and Web. February 25, 2014. "What's happening? by Marvin Gaye - The Vietnam War." The Vietnam War. NP, nd Web. February 25. 2014.