1980's most anxious songs about nuclear war

U.K. Subs : Warhead

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On March 2, 1980 the English punk band UK Subs entered the UK charts at #42 with "Warhead", one of the year's most anxious nuclear war songs. In the midst of the Cold War, we were all living with the possibility that a nuclear war could break out at any moment.  The evening news reported escalating tensions between Russia and the United States, especially after Russian invaded Afghanistan. There were new countries with nuclear capabilities.  The weapons were more powerful than ever.  With its lyrics "Bye bye planet let alone your nation", "Warhead" would peak at UK#30, but it is far from the only song of the year to deal with nukes.

Top 10 Anxious Nuclear War Songs of 1980

1. UK Subs  "Warhead"

While the heads of state are having their fun Are they ready?
We're looking at the world through a barrel of a gun Are we ready?
You stand there beating on your little war drum Are you ready?
And it won't be long before your time has come Are you ready?

2. The Sound "Missiles"

Missiles cause damage
And make an eerie sound
Missiles leave carnage
Where there once was a town
Who the hell makes those missiles?

3. Peter Gabriel Games Without Frontiers

If looks could kill, they probably will
In games without frontiers, war without tears

4. The Police : When the World Is Running Down, You Make the Best of What's Still Around
Plug in my M.C.I
To exercise my brain
Make records on my own
Can't go out in the rain...
When the world is running down
You make the best of what's still around

5. The Clash : Ivan Meets G.I. Joe
He wiped the Earth clean as a plate
What does it take to make a Ruskie break?
But the crowd are bored and off they go
Over the road to watch China blow

6. XTC : Living Thru Another Cuba

Russia and America are at each other's throats
But don't you cry
Just on your knees and pray, and while you're
Down there, kiss your arse goodbye

7. Kate Bush : Breathing
We've lost our chance
We're the first and the last, ooh
After the blast Chips of plutonium
Are twinkling in every lung

8. The Specials : Man at C + A
Warning, warning, nuclear attack
Atomic sounds designed to blow your mind
World war three - nuclear attack
Rocking atomically - this third world war - atomic sounds

9. OMD : Enola Gay

These games you play, they're gonna end in more than tears someday
Uh huh Enola Gay, it shouldn't ever have to end this way

10. Data Fallout 

You'd better run for shelter, and put yourself in a Fallout suit
You'd better get yourself used to, just living in a Fallout suit
A satellite clockwork information, is going to give you
The duration Of the fallout