I Don't Wanna Be A Soldier, Mama, I Don't Wanna Die
Yoko Ono · Other Songs - Yoko Ono
I don't wanna die.
Well, I don't wanna be a sailor, mama,
I don't wanna fly.
Well, I don't wanna be a failure, mama,
I don't wanna cry.
Well, I don't wanna be a soldier, mama,
I don't wanna die.
Oh no, oh no.
Oh no, oh no.
Well, I don't wanna be a rich man, mama,
I don't wanna cry.
Well, I don't wanna be a poor man, mama,
I don't wanna fly.
Well, I don't wanna be a lawyer, mama,
I don't wanna lie.
Well, I don't wanna be a soldier, mama,
I don't wanna die.
Oh no, oh no.
Oh no, oh no.
Hey!
Well, I don't wanna be a soldier, mama,
I don't wanna die.
Well, I don't wanna be a thief now, mama,
I don't wanna fly.
Well, I don't wanna be a churchman, mama,
I don't wanna cry.
Well, I don't wanna be a soldier, mama,
I don't wanna die.
Oh no, oh no.
Oh no, oh no.
Oh no, oh no.
Hey!
Oh well, I don't wanna be a soldier, mama,
I don't wanna die.
Well, I don't wanna be a sailor, mama,
I don't wanna fly.
Well, I don't wanna be a failure, mama,
I don't wanna cry.
Well, I don't wanna be a soldier, mama,
I don't wanna die.
Oh no, oh no.
Oh no, oh no.
Oh no.
I Don't Wanna Be A Soldier, Mama, I Don't Wanna Die
Yoko Ono's 1971 single 'I Don't Wanna Be A Soldier, Mama, I Don't Wanna Die' stands as a potent anti-war statement rooted in the political climate of the Vietnam War era. Recorded during a period of intense activism, the track blends spoken-word delivery with a driving, rhythmic backing that underscores its urgent message. The song reflects Ono's commitment to pacifism and her collaboration with John Lennon, capturing the collective anxiety and moral questioning of the time. As a key piece in her broader catalog of socially conscious work, it remains a defining example of protest music that prioritizes direct emotional appeal over traditional songwriting structures. Its enduring relevance lies in its unapologetic stance against military conflict, making it a staple in discussions about music's role in political discourse.