I Don't Want To Be A Soldier Mama, I Don't Want To
John Lennon · John Lennon Anthology [1998]
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 oh no oh no
Well, i don't wanna be a beggar 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
I Don't Want To Be A Soldier Mama, I Don't Want To
John Lennon's poignant 1968 recording, "I Don't Want To Be A Soldier Mama, I Don't Want To," stands as a powerful anti-war statement rooted in his personal experience with the Beatles' 1966 tour in the United States. The track, often associated with his broader body of work on peace and social justice, reflects the era's growing consciousness regarding the Vietnam War. Released here on the John Lennon Anthology [1998], the song captures Lennon's characteristic melodic sensibility layered with urgent, socially conscious lyrics that resonated deeply with audiences of the time. As part of his discography from this period, the recording exemplifies his transition from pop star to a voice advocating for global understanding and the end of conflict.