Masters of War
Craig Cardiff Lyrics

Come, you masters of war
Addressing those in power who make decisions about war and violence

You that build the big guns
Accusing those who manufacture weapons

You that build the death planes
Accusing those who manufacture fighter planes or bombers

You that build all the bombs
Accusing those who manufacture bombs, including nuclear bombs

You that hide behind walls
Criticizing those in power for hiding their actions from the public

You that hide behind desks
Criticizing those in power for their cowardice and lack of action on the front lines

I just want you to know
The singer wants those in power to understand that he sees through their lies and misdeeds

I can see through your masks
The artist can see through the façade that those in power present to the public

You that never done nothin'
Accusing those in power of never having done anything but destroy

But build to destroy
Again accusing those in power of manufacturing weapons and other instruments of destruction

You play with my world
The singer's world, and the worlds of innocent civilians, are at stake because of the decisions made by those in power

Like it's your little toy
Those in power treat war and violence as if it were a game rather than a serious matter with devastating consequences

You put a gun in my hand
Referring to soldiers who are sent to fight wars on behalf of those in power

And you hide from my eyes
Those in power remain hidden from the front lines and the true devastation of war

And you turn and run farther
Those in power distance themselves from the violence and destruction they have caused

When the fast bullets fly
Describing the danger and fear that soldiers face in a war zone

Like Judas of old
Comparing those in power to the biblical figure of Judas, who betrayed Jesus

You lie and deceive
Accusing those in power of lying to the public to justify war and violence

A world war can be won
Highlighting the devastating consequences of a global conflict

You want me to believe
Those in power try to persuade the public to support wars and violence

But I see through your eyes
The artist understands the true intentions and motivations of those in power

And I see through your brain
The artist understands the thought processes that lead those in power to make destructive decisions

Like I see through the water
The singer sees the truth as clearly as the water that flows through his drain

That runs down my drain
A metaphorical reference to something that is easy to perceive and understand

You fasten all the triggers
The actions of those in power directly lead to violence and destruction

For the others to fire
Soldiers follow the orders of those in power

Then you sit back and watch
Those in power remain safe while others suffer the consequences of their decisions

While the death count gets higher
The death toll of wars and violence continues to rise

You hide in your mansion
Those in power remain in their safe and luxurious homes while others suffer

While the young peoples' blood
Referring to the devastating loss of young lives in wars and conflicts

Flows out of their bodies
The horrific image of young people dying in combat

And is buried in the mud
A graphic description of the final resting place of those who die in combat

You've thrown the worst fear
Those in power create fear and anxiety among the population

That can ever be hurled
War and violence lead to feelings of terror and displacement

Fear to bring children
Those who start wars and cause violence make it harder for children to be born and grow up in a peaceful world

Into the world
The world that children are born into is shaped by the decisions of those in power

For threatenin' my baby
The actions of those in power threaten the future of the singer's child

Unborn and unnamed
The singer's child is not yet born, but the threats of war and violence loom large

You ain't worth the blood
The lives of innocent people are worth more than the desires and actions of those in power

That runs in your veins
Those in power are not entitled to dominate the world or put other lives in danger

How much do I know
Acknowledging that the artist may not have all the facts or knowledge

To talk out of turn?
The singer is speaking out against those in power, but recognizes that they may not have all the necessary information

You might say that I'm young
The singer is aware that others may criticize him for his age or lack of experience

You might say I'm unlearned
Others may criticize the artist for his lack of knowledge or education

But there's one thing I know
Despite his youth and lack of experience, the artist knows one thing with certainty

Though I'm younger than you
The artist acknowledges the age and experience gap between himself and those in power

That even Jesus would never
Using a biblical reference to emphasize the severity of the actions of those in power

Forgive what you do
The artist believes that the actions of those in power are unforgivable

Let me ask you one question
The singer challenges those in power with a rhetorical question

Is your money that good?
Asking rhetorically if the wealth and power that comes from war and violence is worth the cost

Will it buy you forgiveness?
Asking whether those in power believe they can buy their way out of guilt and responsibility

Do you think that it could?
The artist doubts that money and power can buy forgiveness or redemption

I think you will find
The artist predicts the eventual fate of those who cause war and violence

When your death takes its toll
Pointing out that everyone eventually must face the consequences of their actions

All the money you made
The wealth and power that those in power have accumulated through violence and destruction

Will never buy back your soul
Suggesting that the actions of those in power have irreparably damaged their sense of morality and humanity

And I hope that you die
The artist does not mince words about his feelings toward those in power

And your death will come soon
The artist predicts a swift and just end for those in power

I'll follow your casket
The singer vows to see the end of those in power

On a pale afternoon
Describing the mournful procession and the sadness of the occasion

I'll watch while you're lowered
The singer will not let the passing of those in power be forgotten or ignored

Down to your deathbed
Emphasizing the finality of death and the consequences of one's actions

And I'll stand over your grave
The singer will bear witness to the passing of those in power and ensure that their legacy is not forgotten

'Til I'm sure that you're dead
The artist will not leave until he is certain that those in power can no longer cause harm or destruction