Make War Illegal
A community peace anthem for choirs, communities, and people everywhere who long for a world without war.
Make War Illegal is an original song written to inspire compassion, unity, and a return to sanity through peaceful evolution.
My vision is for thousands—and eventually millions—of voices to unite in singing this song as a collective call for a righteous moratorium on war.
The Story Behind the Song
Make War Illegal is a community peace anthem and collective call for a future beyond war.
I was five years old when I first found out about war and bombs. I decided then that one day I would write a song that would bypass the hardness surrounding people's hearts, as only music can.
This is that song.
After a car accident that resulted in a devastating loss, my empathic nature could sense the grief of all the other bereaved and distraught mothers. This grief is the worst pain imaginable.
"There's enough heartache and suffering just from being alive."
I knew then that it was time to write this song.
War is not necessary and does not serve the people. Its cruelty legalizes murder and abuse. In my view, it is as insane as slavery, which has been outlawed.
"One day we'll look back in history and wonder at our insanity."
At the heart of the song is the chorus, "Children of the Earth United."
This phrase carries two meanings. It honours the innocent voices of children everywhere—those who bear the consequences of war despite having no part in creating it. Their plea is simple:
"Stop the fear, stop the fighting. We just want to live in peace."
I used to imagine trying to explain war to a room full of preschoolers. I couldn't imagine a single one of them believing it made any sense.
It also reminds us that, regardless of age, race, nationality, religion, or political beliefs, we are all children of the Earth. We share one planet, one human family, and a common future.
Through stories of loss, compassion, and our shared humanity, the verses invite listeners to reflect on the human cost of war.
My hope is that this song becomes a powerful and useful tool for choirs, schools, peace organizations, and communities around the world—a shared expression of our common humanity and our collective desire for a more peaceful future.
With gratitude,
Yahserah Soleil
The Movement Begins
This short video captures the first community performance of Make War Illegal, sung with the WOW (Women of Wolfville) theatre group in Nova Scotia.
As I stood with my medicine drum, surrounded by voices singing this song together for the first time, I felt the power of our unity calling for all war to cease. We were only one small amateur group, but imagine what could happen if choirs and communities around the world united in singing these words, inspired by a shared vision of peace and our common humanity.
We are the ones we've been waiting for.
Perhaps your community will be next.
Want to sing along or learn the song? Click below to view the complete lyrics.
Children of the Earth united! We're asking for all war to cease. Stop the fear, stop the fighting! We just want to live in peace. Verse 1 There's enough heartache and suffering, just from being alive. We don't need to cause more pain. When will we realize That we're one family of Earth, connected to the universe. No matter our colour, race, or faith, it's our right to feel safe. Verse 2 Not the shot in her heart, as her world falls apart, when she loses her lover, Or lost in the dark, wishing he could have saved his sister or brother. The nightmare's real, he's angry and scared, no father or mother left to care. Almost deranged, she screams out, "Why? Did my darling have to die?" Hey! Chorus Children of the Earth united! We're asking for all war to cease. Stop the fear, stop the fighting! We just want to live in peace. Verse 3 Hey, you with your multi-billions, think about the starving kids. How are they not more important than your financial bids? We're not suggesting communism, just humans over greed. Share the wealth, feed the children; you'll still have all you need. Verse 4 Their pain is as real as yours would be, so don't put out their light. Domination wrecks people's lives; war never ends the fight. One day we'll look back in history, and wonder at our insanity, Like the witch hunt, or slavery, how'd we allow such cruelty? Hey... Chorus Children of the Earth united! We're asking for all war to cease. Stop the fear, stop the fighting! We just want to live in peace. Verse 5 The departed all have relatives, who cry real tears and feel real pain, Exactly like the grief you'd feel, if you went through the same. So please do unto others, as you'd have them do to you. Your enemy's just like you; only our oneness is true. Verse 6 No one's better, no one's right, or has first claim to the light. We're all here to love and give, discover our purpose, and forgive. We feel the same emotions, cry the same tears, live on one Earth, have the same fears. So let's make war illegal; it causes too much pain. Don't sacrifice our lives for gain. Hey... Chorus Children of the Earth united! We're asking for all war to cease. Stop the fear, stop the fighting! We just want to live in peace. French Chorus Enfants de la Terre unis ! Nous demandons que la guerre finisse ! Arrêtons la peur et les combats! Eh ! Nous voulons vivre en paix.
Want to sing or share this song?📄 Download the Lyrics & Chord Chart (PDF)(Button: "Download PDF")This PDF includes the complete lyrics and guitar chords for learning, sharing, and choir arrangements.
Help This Song Reach the World
If this message resonates with you, please share it with a choir, school, peace organization,
or anyone committed to ending war.
Every voice matters.
Bring This Song to Your Choir!
Choirs, schools, peace organizations, and community groups are warmly invited to perform Make War Illegal.
If you're interested in bringing Make War Illegal to your choir or community,
I'd be delighted to provide the sheet music, rehearsal materials, and answer any questions you may have.
I look forward to hearing from you.