War Pigs - Black Sabbath - Cover

War Pigs, a song written by the British band Black Sabbath, first appeared on the album Paranoid in 1970. War Pigs is a doom rock classic, and perhaps the best anti war song ever written by a rock band. The song describes the demonic and human elements responsible for war for profit; which is perhaps one of the most malevolent forms of human behavior. The lyrics conclude on a positive note: namely, that the evildoers responsible for war will be judged and burn in hell.

Ozzie Osbourne's vocal line is very unique in that it ascends in the mixolydian mode, and descends in aeolian mode, which gives the song a spooky, not-of-this world feel. Tony Iommi's main guitar riff is one of the most famous in rock, and shows the virtue of silence and simplicity. Bill Ward's drum parts are also some of the heaviest and most famous in rock, and have inspired countless rock drummers. Geezer Butler's virtuoso and groovy bass lines weave fluently and melodically in between the other instruments, holding the song together.

Even though War Pigs was hated by music critics and was never popular on mainstream radio at a time when hippies were singing about peace, love and happiness, the song has grown in popularity over time, and is as relevant today as it was when it was first written. Given the evil and fallen nature of mankind, and humanity's tendency to conspire, murder, steal, and destroy everything they touch, the song will probably remain relevant forever.

For my arrangement, I strove for an extra doom and gloom feel:)

Equipment used:
Gibson SG 61 reissue.
Orange Rocker Terror 15 Amplifier Head.
Marshall SV 112 Cabinet.
Marshall SC 112 Cabinet.
MXR 10 band EQ for the lead boost.
Zoom Q2n-4k Camera.
Tuning: C standard.

Amp settings:
Volume: 2
Treble: 8
Bass: 4
Middle: 5
Gain: 9

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!