Masters of War - Bob Dylan (Cold War)
Song Lyrics:
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 set back and watch When the death count gets higher You hide in your mansion' As 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'll come soon I will follow your casket In 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. |
Commentary
This song came out during the Cold War in 1962. This song was one of the more popular songs about this particular war in the time period which it came out.
Language such as "You play with my world, Like it's your little toy" really sticks out to me because to me it's saying that the government uses our world, our home as a place for destruction as if it's some sort of a game board to be played on. Throughout this entire song, the artist, Bob Dylan, does a great job setting up a picture as to what he feels war is all about. These lyrics, "You hide in your mansion'. As young people's blood. Flows out of their bodies. And is buried in the mud," paint the picture in my head as the people who bring us into the war to begin with are safe at home while all the innocent men and women are out in the trenches/battle fields fighting for their survival. "Masters of War" is most definitely an Anti-War song. The message this song gives off is that war is started by a group of people who never have to be involved or face any of the horrible dangers war brings. Its the innocent citizens of the country fighting who have to suffer by giving up their life for their country. This song doesn't really criticize or support the foreign policy of this war. I would say it was critical just because of the fact it is an anti-war song. This song answers the driving question of "is war beneficial?" It brings up the point of how innocent people are forced to die, ripping families apart. It also brings to light the fact it worries people about bringing their own children into this terrible war. "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." I completely agree with the message and the point of this song. War is the worst thing a country could do if they want to promote any type of peace. It takes away the lives of citizens trying to do the honorable thing; support and protect their country. -Megan Dickson |