Black Sabbath - War Pigs

"War Pigs" by Black Sabbath is a powerful anti-war anthem that criticizes the hypocrisy and brutality of those who orchestrate wars for their own gain. Released in 1970 on their Paranoid album, the song portrays politicians and military leaders as corrupt figures—"generals gathered in their masses"—who treat human lives as expendable while they remain safely distant from the chaos they create. With dark, apocalyptic imagery and a slow, heavy riff, Black Sabbath delivers a grim warning: those responsible for war will one day face judgment for their actions. Through its haunting lyrics and aggressive sound, "War Pigs" became a defining track of early heavy metal and a timeless protest against violence and injustice.

On July 5, 2025, Black Sabbath delivered a historic and emotionally charged final performance of “War Pigs” during their farewell concert, Back to the Beginning, at Villa Park in Birmingham—their hometown and the birthplace of heavy metal. Reunited for one last time, the original lineup—Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—took the stage to thunderous applause. “War Pigs” opened their four-song set with its iconic air-raid sirens and ominous riff, unleashing a wave of nostalgia and reverence among the 45,000 fans in attendance and over 5 million livestream viewers. Ozzy, seated due to advanced Parkinson’s, delivered a fierce and heartfelt vocal performance, visibly moved by the occasion. The moment stood as both a triumphant celebration of their legacy and a solemn farewell, made even more poignant by Ozzy’s passing just weeks later. The performance has since become immortalized as a defining final statement by one of metal’s greatest bands.

Black Sabbath - War Pigs 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 'til 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