Barry McGuire - Eve of Destruction
Barry McGuire’s “Eve of Destruction” is a protest song about the fear, anger, and uncertainty surrounding the social and political conflicts of the 1960s. Written by P. F. Sloan and Steve Barri, the song describes the threat of nuclear war, racial violence, political corruption, and the growing tensions between generations. Its powerful lyrics portray a world on the edge of disaster, while McGuire’s rough, emotional singing gives the song a sense of urgency and despair.
Released in 1965, “Eve of Destruction” became one of the most well-known protest songs of the era. McGuire recorded it after hearing the song from songwriter P. F. Sloan, and the recording was produced with a simple arrangement that emphasized the lyrics. Although many radio stations initially refused to play it because of its controversial subject matter, the song quickly gained popularity and reached the top of the music charts.
The song’s success also caused controversy. Some listeners viewed it as an important warning about war and injustice, while others criticized it as overly negative and politically divisive. Despite the debate, “Eve of Destruction” remains an important musical symbol of the 1960s because it captured the fears of a generation living through the Vietnam War, the civil rights struggle, and the constant possibility of nuclear conflict.
Barry Mcguire Eve of Destruction Lyrics
The Eastern world, it is explodin'
Violence flarin', bullets loadin'
You're old enough to kill but not for votin'
You don't believe in war, but what's that gun you're totin'?
And even the Jordan river has bodies floatin'
But you tell me
Over and over and over again, my friend
How you don't believe
We're on the eve of destruction
Don't you understand what I'm trying to say
Can't you feel the fears I'm feeling today?
If the button is pushed, there's no runnin' away
There'll be no one to save with the world in a grave
Take a look around you boy, it's bound to scare you, boy
And you tell me
Over and over and over again, my friend
How you don't believe
We're on the eve of destruction
Yeah, my blood's so mad, feels like coagulatin'
I'm sittin' here just contemplatin'
I can't twist the truth, it knows no regulation
Handful of senators don't pass legislation
And marches alone can't bring integration
When human respect is disintegratin'
This whole crazy world is just too frustratin'
And you tell me
Over and over and over again, my friend
How you don't believe
We're on the eve of destruction
And think of all the hate there is in Red China
Then take a look around to Selma, Alabama
Ah, you may leave here for four days in space
But when you return, it's the same old place
The poundin' of the drums, the pride and disgrace
You can bury your dead, but don't leave a trace
Hate your next door neighbor but don't forget to say grace
And you tell me
Over and over and over and over again, my friend
You don't believe we're on the eve of destruction
No no, you don't believe we're on the eve of destruction