With God On Our Side

Album: The Times They Are A-Changin' (1964)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is an anti-war song with a clear religious element. It calls into question the idea that God was on the side of the winners of wars, ending with the idea that "If God's on our side He'll stop the next war." >>
    Suggestion credit:
    John - Clymer, PA

Comments: 9

  • Colin from Navan, IrelandFirst song that got me interested in Bob Dylan!!
  • Mike from Ocala, FlFor Matt Re: the Indians. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manifest_Destiny
  • Guy from Woodinville, WaDylan exposes the great hypocrisy of people who think God takes sides in our endless wars. Isn't it curious how both sides pray fervently for victory to the same god? Just one more reason to not believe and seriously question those who do.
  • Matt from Kansas City, KsI love the fact that he mentions the killing of Indians, and somehow god had something to do with it.

    Also when he mentions Jesus and Judas, and how this way of thinking...God being on the side of the winners...that God must have been on the side of Judas.
  • Jordan from Atlanta, GaGreat Song, but I always thought it was funny that he mentions the spanish american war first followed by the civil war, when all the other wars are in proper order. Maybe just a lyrical choice?
  • David from Youngstown, OhWhat an incredibly powerful song. Manfred Mann does a great rendition of it.
  • Tajmahal from ManilaIs this the same song covered by Wiretrain in the
    80's?
  • C from No., EnglandFantastic song. Someone has to say stuff like this to epople who still, hundreds of years after the crusades, try to justify wars with religion.
  • William from Gotha, GermanyI heard this song for the first time when I was 12 or so, and it blew my mind. Made my rethink my sense of patriotism, belief Jesus, justification of war, the whole bunch. Powerful song.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Chris Isaak

Chris IsaakSongwriter Interviews

Chris tells the story of "Wicked Game," talks milkshakes and moonpies at Sun Records, and explains why women always get their way.

John Lee Hooker

John Lee HookerSongwriter Interviews

Into the vaults for Bruce Pollock's 1984 conversation with the esteemed bluesman. Hooker talks about transforming a Tony Bennett classic and why you don't have to be sad and lonely to write the blues.

Maxi Priest

Maxi PriestSongwriter Interviews

The British reggae legend tells the story of his #1 hit "Close To You," talks about his groundbreaking Shabba Ranks collaboration "Housecall," and discusses his latest project with Robin Trower.

Art Alexakis of Everclear

Art Alexakis of EverclearSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer of Everclear, Art is also their primary songwriter.

Bob Daisley

Bob DaisleySongwriter Interviews

Bob was the bass player and lyricist for the first two Ozzy Osbourne albums. Here's how he wrote songs like "Crazy Train" and "Mr. Crowley" with Ozzy and Randy Rhoads.

Millie Jackson

Millie JacksonSongwriter Interviews

Outrageously gifted and just plain outrageous, Millie is an R&B and Rap innovator.