The Drums Of War

Album: Time The Conqueror (2008)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • In this song Browne conveys a sense of despair at the injustice of political conflict, in particular the American government's enthusiasm for the Iraq invasion in 2004.
  • On this song, Browne was backed by Chavonne Morris and Alethea Mills, who also sang on his 2002 for The Naked Ride Home album. Browne originally met the two vocalists in early 2001 while working with the Washington Preparatory High School choir in Los Angeles.
  • Browne told American Songwriter magazine: "That was inspired by reading about these Bay Area drummers, who were against the war and wanted to put a band together. It was very groovy, but I had this idea that I wanted to put big loud drums on there… It works so much better. I'll write a song by myself, and come back and play it for the band, then find out I don't really wanna hear two verses before the chorus."

Comments: 1

  • Demetri from Belgrade, --This is a good song. Bascially any anti-war song is good. Thank you and peace be with you.

    Demetri
    Belgrade, Croatia
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Female Singers Of The 90s

Female Singers Of The 90sMusic Quiz

The ladies who ruled the '90s in this quiz.

Rick Springfield

Rick SpringfieldSongwriter Interviews

Rick has a surprising dark side, a strong feminine side and, in a certain TV show, a naked backside. But he still hasn't found Jessie's Girl.

Jack Blades of Night Ranger and Damn Yankees

Jack Blades of Night Ranger and Damn YankeesSongwriter Interviews

Revisit the awesome glory of Night Ranger and Damn Yankees: cheesily-acted videos, catchy guitar licks, long hair, and lyrics that are just plain relatable.

Boz Scaggs

Boz ScaggsSongwriter Interviews

The "Lowdown" and "Lido Shuffle" singer makes a habit of playing with the best in the business.

Randy Newman

Randy NewmanSongwriting Legends

Newman makes it look easy these days, but in this 1974 interview, he reveals the paranoia and pressures that made him yearn for his old 9-5 job.

Sugarland

SugarlandSongwriter Interviews

Meet the "sassy basket" with the biggest voice in country music.