7 Songs That Will Remind You of Peace and Unity

Recent events, such as the recent truck attack in Nice, France, have evoked a multitude of emotions in us — anger, fear, and grief are just among the few.

Amid these scenarios, at the end of the day, we always find refuge in our loved ones’ comforting words posted on social media, or in some other forms like art and music.

In this article, we’ve compiled seven songs that will ultimately remind you of the beauty of peace, love, and unity. Indulge in their meaningful lyrics and let their melodies spark hope inside of you:

Heal the World – Michael Jackson

Heal the world, make it a better place
For you and for me and the entire human race

Released in 1991, the song is a poignant plea to humanity. Its honest writing blending with its entrancing melody inspires listeners to aspire for a much better place to live in. Taken from his “Dangerous” album, the King of Pop once described this hit as the song he was “most proud to have created.”

All You Need is Love – The Beatles

All you need is love, love
Love is all you need

This 1967 hit was composed when The Beatles was asked to come up with a song whose theme can be understood by everyone. According to their manager Brian Epstein, the band “really wanted to give the world a message…[and] the nice thing about it is that it cannot be misinterpreted.” Well, how can you go wrong with a theme as universal as love?

Wind of Change – Scorpions

The wind of change blows straight into the face of time
Like a storm wind that will ring the freedom bell

Remembered as an anthem of German reunification, this popular Scorpions song celebrates hope after the end of Cold War. Wrapped in a compelling rock melody, its deep, descriptive lyrics depict the narrator’s optimism about the positive change that’s bound to happen after a period of conflict.

Blowin’ in the Wind – Bob Dylan

Yes, how many deaths will it take till he knows
That too many people have died?
The answer my friend is blowin’ in the wind

Perhaps one of the most known Dylan compositions, this protest song is composed of a series of rhetorical questions on war, freedom and peace. Since its release, this 60’s hit has roused debates because of the ambiguity of the line, “the answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind” — some say it’s “either the answer is so obvious it is right in your face, or the answer is as intangible as the wind.”

Nonetheless, this poetic masterpiece from one of America’s greatest musicians is still a source of inspiration for many who seek peace.

Lean on Me – Bill Withers

You just call on me brother, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on

A Grammy award-winning hit, this classic Bill Withers tune ranks among Rolling Stone’s list of “500 Greatest Songs of all Time.” This song reminds us of our vulnerability, and how at those times, we will really need somebody to lean on. A simple invitation to admitting fragility, this kind of music is a perfect must-listen song whenever it feels like the war — within ourselves or around us — is too much to bear.

We are the World – USA for Africa (Various Artists)

Send them your heart so they’ll know that someone cares
And their lives will be stronger and free

Released as a charity single, the song was recorded by the super group “United Support of Artists (USA) for Africa,” which includes A-listers in the music scene such as Billy Joel, Diana Ross, Ray Charles, Cyndi Lauper and Bruce Springsteen, among others.

This inspiring song marks the industry’s strong call for unity. Written to hit right at the core, this eye-opener has managed to transcend generations as its message still creates a huge impact whenever played.

What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong

I see skies of blue and clouds of white
The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night
And I think to myself, what a wonderful world

In this chart-topping single, the narrator successfully captivates our hearts with its straightforward message — despite all the mishaps and tragedies, we can find even in the most mundane things the right reasons to still feel that what we have is a wonderful world.