Although NWA can be credited with pioneering a movement through its music, protest songs are often part of existing campaigns. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “They invigorate the movement in the most significant way...these freedom songs serve to bring unity to a movement” (Famous). Following the US invasion of Iraq in 2003, a new anti-war movement emerged, and as a result, many musicians took up their craft to embody the spirit of the movement. One of the songs associated with this crusade against conflict is “16 Military Wives” by the Decemberists. However, unlike the lyrics of "Express Yourself", the song takes a more symbolic approach in communicating the grievances of the author, Colin Meloy, towards the situation and the Bush administration. Initially, Meloy discusses the tragedy and struggle of being the widow of someone lost in combat. He sings: Sixteen military wivesThirty-two brightly colored, gently focused eyesLookingAs previously mentioned, the ability to bring out emotions is one of the greatest tools of language, and by having another person to visualize, the listener can easily understand the seriousness of the situation. , even if it is only expressed through song. The lyrics continue this trend by intensifying the human aspect of the Iraq War by describing the tears of wives whose only consolation is a personalized letter of condolence. Putting feelings into words is one of the most important aspects of using dialogue. The literary device of pathos, an appeal to the audience's emotions that arouses feelings that already reside within them. In mass communication methods, transmitting information to large populations at once, causing feelings in other individuals is an extremely powerful means. line. The one who can not only initiate a movement, but also trigger