Released in 1970 against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” remains one of the most potent and enduring anti-war anthems in rock history. Stripping away the idealized notions of military glory, the song delivers a blistering critique of the political elite—the “war pigs”—who orchestrate destruction from the safety of the shadows while leaving the poor to fight their battles.

Through Ozzy Osbourne’s haunting vocals, Geezer Butler’s razor-sharp lyrics, and Tony Iommi’s iconic, ominous riffs, the track holds up a dark mirror to corruption and power. It is not just a song about the horrors of the battlefield; it is a timeless, generational protest against the manipulation of human lives, culminating in a stark reminder that accountability comes for everyone in the end.

Credit: U Sein Htay

War Pigs

(Song by Black Sabbath)

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