Black Sabbath

I would not describe myself as a Black Sabbath fan. I definitely don't fit the profile of your average Ozzfest attendee. And frankly I have very little patience for that demographic. I just don't think that they appreciate music.

Yes, I am a snob.

But even though I'm not a fan, I do enjoy a lot of the music that Black Sabbath put out in the 70's. You have to admire rock music that can be transcribed for marching band and still sound cool.

But seriously, it's remarkable how many of their songs like "War Pigs" have entered our cultural consciousness, and their staying power is phenomenal. The fact that a several current bands have covered the song is a testament to that. One of my personal favorites is the Dresden Dolls' version, which I think they only do live. You gotta love a "Brechtian punk cabaret" duo covering a song like that on keyboard and drums.

This morning on the drive in I was listening to Cake's cover of "War Pigs" and, mainly because John McRea has better diction than Ozzy, I found myself really listening to the words-- harsh, brutal, and to the point. Unfortunately, the message of the song is just as applicable today as it was when it was written. So I present for you Black Sabbath's "War Pigs." Think about it.
Generals gathered in their masses
 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
 Oh Lord yeah
Politicians hide themselves away
 They only started the war
 Why should they go out to fight
 They leave that all to the poor
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
Now in darkness world stops turning
 As the war machine keeps 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

Comments

Anonymous said…
Found your blog via NaBloPoMo. Glad I did.
October 25, 2007 at 4:47 PM
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