Randy Newman, one of the most gifted songwriters of his generation, weighed in last week with the timely lullaby "Lines in the Sand," which Warner Bros. has provided radio stations but has no plans to issue as a single. Newman is used to the quick turnaround - he was one of the primary composers for the ABC series Cop Rock - and sums up complex ideas with deceptively simple phrases.
On "Lines," his humanist lyrics are given a spare piano-and-synthesizer arrangement that conveys the solemnity of a Civil War hymn. "Blood of these children, a stain on the land, if they die to defend some lines in the sand," he sings, as though - like many who lived through Vietnam - his feelings about the war with Iraq are unresolved.
A few other new works - such as "We Are With You" by the Navy's country- bluegrass group Country Currents and "Oil and Blood" by Oxford Bradshaw - are getting airplay. But most major recording labels say their artists have not yet expressed a desire to comment on the war, pro or con. The war is still young, explained several industry executives - its images are few. "As soon as the casualties come home in body bags, you'll see an immediate anti-war sentiment rise up," said one label vice president who asked that his name not be used. "That's when the songs will come."
Songs addressing specific wars have been rare in recent decades, says Peter Yarrow of the activist trio Peter, Paul and Mary. Yarrow appeared at three
rallies prior to the Jan. 15 United Nations deadline, and sang PPM's trademark ''Where Have All the Flowers Gone?" each time.
"I think it's more relevant than a specific new song," he explained. ''The gulf is not grist for songs right now. Statements I would have made five days ago would be different now."
