Masters of War
Bob Dylan
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Come you masters of war You that build the big guns You that build the death planes You that build all the bombs You that hide behind walls You that hide behind desks I just want you to know I can see through your masks You that never done nothin' But build to destroy You play with my world Like it's your little toy You put a gun in my hand And you hide from my eyes And you turn and run farther When the fast bullets fly Like Judas of old You lie and deceive A world war can be won You want me to believe But I see through your eyes And I see through your brain Like I see through the water That runs down my drain You fasten all the triggers For the others to fire Then you sit back and watch When the death count gets higher You hide in your mansion While the young people's blood Flows out of their bodies And is buried in the mud You've thrown the worst fear That can ever be hurled Fear to bring children Into the world For threatening my baby Unborn and unnamed You ain't worth the blood That runs in your veins How much do I know To talk out of turn You might say that I'm young You might say I'm unlearned But there's one thing I know Though I'm younger than you That even Jesus would never Forgive what you do Let me ask you one question Is your money that good? Will it buy you forgiveness Do you think that it could? I think you will find When your death takes its toll All the money you made Will never buy back your soul And I hope that you die And your death will come soon I'll follow your casket By the pale afternoon And I'll watch while you're lowered Down to your deathbed And I'll stand over your grave 'Til I'm sure that you're dead
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Written by: Bob Dylan
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
11 facts about this song
Song Creation"Masters of War" was written and performed by the legendary folk singer Bob Dylan. It was created in 1963, as part of his second studio album "The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan."
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Political Protest SongThe song is known as one of Dylan’s most stark and vitriolic anti-war anthems, openly attacking the political and economic drivers of war.
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Song StyleUnlike typical folk music, which traditionally has a more upbeat rhythm, "Masters of War" has a more somber and haunting tone to match its serious subject matter.
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InspirationThe song's melody was inspired by Jean Ritchie's arrangement of a traditional English folk song called "Nottamun Town".
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Lyrics InterpretationDylan's lyrics, while outwardly about war, can be interpreted to apply to any situation where people are manipulated by those in power.
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Dylan's StanceEven though sme have interpreted "Masters of War" as a pacifist song, Dylan has clarified that he isn't a pacifist and the song should be viewed more as a statement against the people who allow and profit off war.
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Live PerformancesDylan continues to include "Masters of War" in his live performances even today, which attests to the song's enduring relevance.
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Cover VersionsIt has been covered by numerous artists, including Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam, who performed an especially powerful rendition during Dylan’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
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Cultural Impact"Masters of War" remains a cultural icon, representing opposition to governmental war mongering. It is consistently included in lists of the greatest songs of all-time.
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Impact on Music IndustryThe song marked a significant departure from traditional "protest" songs, propelling Dylan to the forefront of the anti-war and civil rights movements. It solidified Dylan's reputation as a leading voice of his generation and paved the way for more politically and socially conscious music.
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Enduring RelevanceThe timeless message of the song still resonates today in discussions about war, capitalism, and social justice. It continues to inspire and influence contemporary artists across genres.
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Citation
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"Masters of War Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 22 Sep. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/30084701/Bob+Dylan/Masters+of+War>.
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