War Pigs
Faith No More Lyrics
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Just like witches at black masses
Evil minds that plot destruction
Sorcerers 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
Politicians hide themselves away
They only started the war
Why don't they go out to fight
They leave that up to the poor, yeah
Time will tell on their power minds
Making war just for fun
Treating people just like pawns in chess
Wait 'till their judgment day comes, yeah
Now in darkness, world stops turning
Ashes where the bodies burning
No more war pigs have the power
Hand of God has struck the hour
Day of judgment, God is calling
On their knees, the war pigs crawling
Begging mercy for their sins
Satan laughing spreads his wings
Oh Lord, yeah
Go!
The song "War Pigs" by Faith No More is a cover of a song by Black Sabbath, and it comments on the destruction and devastation that war brings. The lyrics suggest that politicians and military leaders are only interested in power and destruction, and will use anyone as pawns in their quest for control. The opening lyrics, "Generals gathered in their masses, just like witches at black masses," imply that the military leaders are evil and have gathered to plan destruction.
The song draws attention to the idea that power and control can corrupt even those who are meant to be leading their people to safety. It also suggests that those who start wars are not the ones who actually fight them - it's the poor who get sent to the front lines. The lyrics "politicians hide themselves away, they only started the war, why don't they go out and fight, they leave that up to the poor" highlights the idea that those in power are not the ones who suffer the consequences of their actions.
As the song progresses, it predicts the end of those who seek to control and destroy. The "hand of God" has struck the hour, and the "day of judgment" is coming for the war pigs. The lyrics "no more war pigs have the power, hand of God has struck the hour, day of judgment, God is calling" imply that a higher power will bring an end to their reign of terror, and they will be brought to their knees.
Overall, the song "War Pigs" is a powerful commentary on the dangers of war and the corruption of power. The lyrics suggest that those who seek power and control will ultimately fall, and that a higher power will one day bring an end to their destruction.
Line by Line Meaning
Generals gathered in their masses
The military leaders have amassed their troops.
Just like witches at black masses
They have gathered in secrecy, as if performing a sinister ritual.
Evil minds that plot destruction
These leaders have cruel intentions.
Sorcerers of death's construction
They have deadly plans for war.
In the fields, the bodies burning
War has caused immense destruction and loss of life.
As the war machine keeps turning
The war continues to rage on.
Death and hatred to mankind
The consequences of war involve death and hatred.
Poisoning their brainwashed minds
The leaders have instilled false beliefs in their followers, leading to their destructive actions.
Oh Lord, yeah
The singer expresses dismay at the situation.
Politicians hide themselves away
The politicians have retreated from the front lines of the war.
They only started the war
The politicians are responsible for initiating the conflict.
Why don't they go out to fight
The singers question why these politicians don't take an active role in the war they created.
They leave that up to the poor, yeah
Instead, they expect ordinary citizens to fight and die for their cause.
Time will tell on their power minds
The passage of time will reveal the truth of the politicians' motives and actions.
Making war just for fun
The politicians have initiated this conflict without any regard for the consequences and human cost.
Treating people just like pawns in chess
The politicians view human lives as expendable pieces in a grand strategy.
Wait 'til their judgment day comes, yeah
The politicians will eventually face the consequences of their actions.
Now in darkness, world stops turning
The world has plunged into chaos and despair because of the war.
Ashes where the bodies burning
The aftermath of the war includes widespread destruction and loss of life.
No more war pigs have the power
The warmongers have lost their hold over people's lives.
Hand of God has struck the hour
Divine intervention has put an end to the conflict.
Day of judgment, God is calling
The singer invokes the notion of a final apocalyptic reckoning.
On their knees, the war pigs crawling
The politicians are reduced to begging for mercy and forgiveness.
Begging mercy for their sins
The leaders acknowledge their guilt and are repentant.
Satan laughing spreads his wings
The grim reality of war has caused immense suffering and despair.
Oh Lord, yeah
The singer expresses mixed emotions of grief and relief.
Go!
The song ends on an ambiguous note of uncertainty and urgency.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Michael Butler, William Ward, Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind