Lebanese Civil War Through its Songs

The Lebanese Civil War (19751990) profoundly influenced the regions social and cultural landscape, including its musical expression. Yet, the role of songs in reflecting the military conflict, as well as the geopolitical tensions and aspirations it generated, remains largely underexplored. Analyzing song lyrics offers an alternative lens through which to understand the conflict, one that goes beyond traditional historical narratives. While history books often recount events through the lens of military operations, political developments, or diplomatic maneuvers, this research takes a different approach. I seek to understand history through the lyrics of songs, examined in tandem with the biographies and lived experiences of the artists who created them. What socio-political insights can these songs reveal?