In the following video, Black Sabbath perform their masterpiece “War Pigs” live at the Olympia Theater in Paris, France (December 20, 1970). This was almost 52 years ago, but it still rings true, in fact every line Ozzy sings is still true word for word. Geezer had it dead-on when he wrote this damn song. This is a lyrical masterpiece. As someone wrote, this is “a stark and grim reminder of how the reckless and selfish decisions of a few would affect the lives of many“. Watch and feel it.
Except the relevancy of the lyrics in our grim days, this song was actually the birth of Heavy Metal. At the time of this performance Ozzy, Tony, Bill and Geezer were 21 years old at the most… Pay attention to Bill Ward’s ferocious drumming. , He’s almost unreal.
Lyrics
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 that role 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 judgement day comes, yeah!
Now in darkness, world stops turning
Ashes where their 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 mercy for their sins
Satan laughing, spreads his wings
Oh lord, yeah!
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