Why It Matters

My granddad took that photo. I’m not sure where and when, but probably in Germany and probably after the Battle of the Bulge. I’m not sure who the guys are, either, but I bet they were his platoon buddies.

And I don’t know whether they survived. All I have is a photograph and the knowledge that my grandfather was on the other end of the camera.

Over time, that’s what war is reduced to for most of its participants: grainy, anonymous photos of ghosts forever separated from yet also trapped inside their mortal hells. I guess that’s what we’re all reduced to eventually, but it’s more poignant in photos of soldiers than in pictures of Kardashians.

Anyway, war songs:

“English Civil War,” The Clash.

“Wardance,” Killing Joke.

“War Within A Breath,” Rage Against the Machine.

“War Paint,” Rush.

“War For My Mind,” Smithereens.

“War Dance,” XTC.

“War At 33 1/3,” Public Enemy.

“Veteran of the Psychic Wars,” Blue Oyster Cult.

There you have it: Eight songs good for whatever they’re good for. What did I miss? I’m listening.