22 Best WWII Songs: The Ultimate Playlist of Victory & Valor

Updated at: 31/05/2025

The Second World War was a crucible of human experience, forging not only historical events but also a powerful soundtrack of resilience, longing, and hope. This era birthed an incredible wave of music, reflecting the emotions of a generation grappling with unprecedented challenges. While many artists contributed to this rich tapestry of sound, we wanted to celebrate the enduring legacy of this music by showcasing some of its most iconic and emotionally resonant pieces. From the upbeat swing that helped maintain morale on the home front to the poignant ballads that expressed the yearning for peace and reunion, these songs captured the zeitgeist of a generation in ways that continue to resonate with us today.

These unforgettable tunes represent a diverse range of musical styles, from the big-band sounds that filled dance halls to the heartfelt crooning that provided solace during difficult times. Whether it's the joyous energy of a certain brassy number, the melancholic beauty of a wartime romance, or the uplifting promise of a future reunion, these songs tell a compelling story of a time of both immense hardship and unwavering hope. It's a journey through a powerful emotional landscape, a testament to the human spirit's capacity for both joy and sorrow, and ultimately, a celebration of the enduring power of music to transcend time and circumstance. Listening to these selections is an opportunity to connect with a significant historical moment and appreciate the musical artistry that helped people endure and ultimately, prevail.

22 Best WWII Songs: The Ultimate Playlist of Victory & Valor
Song	Artist	Album	Listens
1. It's Been a Long, Long Time	Kitty Kallen Harry James	Day By Night (with Paul Weston & His Music From Hollywood)	47M+
2. In the Mood	Glenn Miller	He's the DJ, I'm the Rapper (Expanded Edition)	42M+
3. Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy	The Andrews Sisters	Rarities	18M+
4. We'll Meet Again	Vera Lynn Sailors, Soldiers & Airmen of Her Majesty's Forces Roland Shaw And His Orchestra	Silver Memories: Our Vera	14M+
5. Lili Marleen	Marlene Dietrich		9M+
6. Moonlight Serenade	Glenn Miller	This Is Dean Martin	6M+
7. Sentimental Journey	Doris Day Les Brown		5M+

1. It's Been a Long, Long Time

"It's Been a Long, Long Time" released in 1945 by Kitty Kallen with Harry James's orchestra, became a quintessential song of World War II. Its lyrics poignantly captured the longing and reunion felt by those separated by the conflict, directly reflecting the emotional landscape of a nation yearning for peace after years of sacrifice. The upbeat swing style, easily accessible today on various streaming platforms, belied a deeper emotional resonance, offering a message of hope and renewed connection amidst the devastation. The song's popularity soared, becoming a symbol of homecoming and the enduring power of love in the face of adversity, securing its place as a cherished piece of WWII's cultural history and a testament to the era's longing for peace. While it didn't win specific awards, its lasting impact is undeniable.

2. In the Mood - He's the DJ, I'm the Rapper (Expanded Edition)

Glenn Miller's "In the Mood" a big band swing masterpiece, became a defining anthem of World War II. Released in 1939, its infectious melody and energetic rhythm provided a much-needed boost to morale during a time of global conflict. While not explicitly about the war, its upbeat tempo and joyous spirit offered an escape and a shared experience for soldiers and civilians alike, becoming synonymous with the era's hope and resilience. Easily accessible on most streaming platforms, this Grammy Hall of Fame inductee continues to evoke powerful memories and emotions, transcending generations and solidifying its place in American musical history. Its enduring popularity reflects its ability to uplift and connect people across time, a testament to the power of music to transcend even the darkest of times.

3. Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy (Rarities)

"Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" by The Andrews Sisters, isn't just a song; it's a piece of American history. Released in 1941, as part of the film Buck Privates, this jump blues classic, penned by Don Raye and Hughie Prince, captured the spirit of World War II. The Andrews Sisters' infectious harmonies and the song's upbeat tempo resonated deeply with audiences, reaching number six on the US pop charts. Its enduring popularity, spanning generations, is evidenced by its continued streaming and covers, a testament to the timeless appeal of its catchy melody and the sisters’ undeniable talent. The song's legacy extends beyond its chart success; it evokes a sense of nostalgia and serves as a powerful reminder of a significant era, connecting listeners across time through its shared cultural experience.

4. We'll Meet Again (Silver Memories: Our Vera - 2025)

"We'll Meet Again" performed by Vera Lynn with the support of servicemen and Roland Shaw's orchestra, transcends mere music; it's an auditory embodiment of World War II's emotional landscape. Written before the war's outbreak but deeply resonant during its duration, the song offered solace and hope to a generation facing unprecedented challenges. Its simple yet powerful melody and lyrics, promising a future reunion, became a potent symbol of resilience and unwavering faith amidst separation and loss. The song's enduring popularity cemented its status as a WWII anthem, a comforting and unifying force for both those fighting abroad and those waiting at home. Easily accessible on most streaming platforms, its timeless appeal continues to resonate, offering a glimpse into the hopes and fears of an era defined by conflict. The sentimental ballad perfectly captures the longing for peace and the enduring power of human connection.

5. Lili Marleen (1949)

Discover the haunting melody of "Lili Marleen" performed by Marlene Dietrich. This iconic World War II song, originally written in 1915, gained unexpected prominence during the conflict. Played nightly on Radio Belgrade, its melancholic tune and lyrics of longing resonated deeply with soldiers on both Allied and Axis sides, transcending national boundaries. Its emotional impact stemmed from its themes of separation, longing, and the shared human experience of war's harsh realities. Becoming a symbol of the era, "Lili Marleen" ultimately transcended its propagandistic beginnings to represent the universal yearning for peace and connection amidst conflict. The song's easily accessible nature, available on various streaming platforms, makes it a poignant piece of WWII history for listeners today.