Black Sabbath: War Pigs (1970)

War Pigs was written and recorded by Black Sabbath and released in 1970. It was originally titled ‘Walpurgis’, an anniversary associated with witches and Satanists, but was changed on the recommendation of Black Sabbath’s record company. The lyrics of War Pigs take aim at military commanders, comparing them to sorcerers and “witches at black masses”. It also accuses politicians of starting wars but abdicating any responsibility for them. According to Black Sabbath vocalist Ozzy Osbourne War Pigs is a generic anti-war song; it was not specifically about Vietnam. War Pigs did not sell well as a single but has become an iconic song. Several critics consider it the best heavy metal anti-war song ever recorded.

Generals gathered in their masses,
Just like witches at black masses
Evil minds that plot destruction,
Sorcerer of death’s construction

In the fields the bodies burning,
As the war machine keeps turning
Death and hatred to mankind,
Poisoning their brainwashed minds
Oh Lord Yeah!

Politicians hide themselves away
They only started the war
Why should they go out to fight?
They leave their role to the poor, yeah

Time will tell on their empower minds,
Making war just for fun
Treating people just like pawns in chess,
Wait ’til their judgement day comes, yeah

Now in darkness world stops turning,
Ashes were the bodies burning
No more War Pigs have the power,
Hand of God has struck the hour

Day of judgement, God is calling
On their knees the War Pigs crawling,
Begging mercies for their sins
Satan, laughing, spreads his wings
Oh Lord Yeah!


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