Pearl Jam — Masters Of War (Live)
Album: Live At Benaroya HallAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 217
Length: 5:05
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Come you masters of war, you that build all the guns
You that build the death place, you that build all the guns
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 nothing, but to build and destroy
You play with my world, like it's your little toy
You put a gun in my hand, then you hide from my eyes
And you turn and run farther as the fast bullets fly
Like Judas of old, you lie and deceive
A world war can be won, and 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 that fasten all the triggers, for the others to fire
Then you sit back and watch, while the death count gets higher
You hide in your mansion, while young people's blood
Flows out of their bodies and is buried in the mud
You've thrown the worst fear, that could ever be hurled
The fear to bring children, into this world
For threatenin' 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
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?
Oh, 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 will come soon
I'll follow your casket, in the pale afternoon
And I'll watch as you're lowered, into your deathbed
And I'll stand on your grave 'til I'm sure that you're dead
You that build the death place, you that build all the guns
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 nothing, but to build and destroy
You play with my world, like it's your little toy
You put a gun in my hand, then you hide from my eyes
And you turn and run farther as the fast bullets fly
Like Judas of old, you lie and deceive
A world war can be won, and 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 that fasten all the triggers, for the others to fire
Then you sit back and watch, while the death count gets higher
You hide in your mansion, while young people's blood
Flows out of their bodies and is buried in the mud
You've thrown the worst fear, that could ever be hurled
The fear to bring children, into this world
For threatenin' 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
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?
Oh, 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 will come soon
I'll follow your casket, in the pale afternoon
And I'll watch as you're lowered, into your deathbed
And I'll stand on your grave 'til I'm sure that you're dead
Comments (57)add comment
crockydile wrote:
I, too, find an odd contradiction on both the left and the right. Either seem to think it okay to kill under certain circumstances, otherwise known as "situational ethics." My belief is that it is not okay to kill unless it comes down to me vs. you. If I can wound you and get away, so much the better. Killing for convenience is bad for everyone.
There is a philosophy book which you might find interesting, as a conundrum similar to the above appears on its blurb. It goes back a couple of decades, but good moral philosophy doesn't date, and it is good food for thought. "Causing death and saving lives" by Jonathan Glover. It doesn't push any particular views but, as any good philosophy work should do, looks critically at all approaches. It was helpful to this old (then young) leftie back in the day.
I, too, find an odd contradiction on both the left and the right. Either seem to think it okay to kill under certain circumstances, otherwise known as "situational ethics." My belief is that it is not okay to kill unless it comes down to me vs. you. If I can wound you and get away, so much the better. Killing for convenience is bad for everyone.
There is a philosophy book which you might find interesting, as a conundrum similar to the above appears on its blurb. It goes back a couple of decades, but good moral philosophy doesn't date, and it is good food for thought. "Causing death and saving lives" by Jonathan Glover. It doesn't push any particular views but, as any good philosophy work should do, looks critically at all approaches. It was helpful to this old (then young) leftie back in the day.
fair comment. hopefully they at least inspire positive actions in others... and that at least some of their wealth is spent for the betterment of the planet and its peoples.
rdo wrote:
rdo wrote:
I seriously wonder how Bob Dylan and Vedder et al. reconcile their lyrics with their massive wealth.
I seriously wonder how Bob Dylan and Vedder et al. reconcile their lyrics with their massive wealth.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hG443N7lo4Q
Come you masters of war, you that build all the guns
You that build the death place, you that build all the guns
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 nothing, but to build and destroy
You play with my world, like it's your little toy
You put a gun in my hand, then you hide from my eyes
And you turn and run farther as the fast bullets fly
Like judas of old, you lie and deceive
A world war can be won, and 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 that fasten all the triggers, for the others to fire
Then you sit back and watch, while the death count gets higher
You hide in your mansion, while young people's blood
Flows out of their bodies and is buried in the mud
You've thrown the worst fear, that could ever be hurled
The fear to bring children, into this world
For threatenin' 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
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?
Oh, 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 will come soon
I'll follow your casket, in the pale afternoon
And I'll watch as your lowered, into your deathbed
And I'll stand on your grave till I'm sure that your dead
" "Masters of War" is a song by Bob Dylan, written in 1963 and released on the album The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan. It is an adaptation, with new words by Dylan, of "Nottamun Town". As with many of the major songs Dylan composed at this time, he often adapted or "borrowed" melodies from traditional songs. On this occasion however, he had borrowed an arrangement by veteran folksinger Jean Ritchie. The arrangement of "Nottanum Town", unknown to Dylan, had been in her family for generations, and Ritchie wanted an acknowledgement on the writing credit.
There is a live, electric version on Dylan's Real Live album. In his 1994 Hiroshima concert, Dylan played the first acoustic version of "Masters of War" since 1963. Dylan also played the song in Oshkosh, Wisconsin on the night of the 2004 U.S. presidential election." in Wikipedia.Org.
Other notable cover versions includes: Pete Seeger, Judy Collins, Leon Russell, The Staple Singers, Don McLean (live),The Roots (live), Ben Harper (live), Eddie Vedder (live), Mountain with Ozzy Osbourne, etc.
** 8 / 9 **
gofishbish wrote:
I know Jesus personally (actually, he spells it "Jesús"). He's pretty cool. I don't think he'd forgive all that killing shit, but for little stuff a couple of cervezas usually does it.
> "even Jesus wouldn't forgive what you do"
oh yes he would - all you have (or he has) to do is but ask and accept
oh yes he would - all you have (or he has) to do is but ask and accept
I know Jesus personally (actually, he spells it "Jesús"). He's pretty cool. I don't think he'd forgive all that killing shit, but for little stuff a couple of cervezas usually does it.
joshfm wrote:
Good lord. The anti-choice freaks have even infiltrated RP.
I, too, find an odd contradiction on both the left and the right. Either seem to think it okay to kill under certain circumstances, otherwise known as "situational ethics." My belief is that it is not okay to kill unless it comes down to me vs. you. If I can wound you and get away, so much the better. Killing for convenience is bad for everyone.
Good lord. The anti-choice freaks have even infiltrated RP.
I, too, find an odd contradiction on both the left and the right. Either seem to think it okay to kill under certain circumstances, otherwise known as "situational ethics." My belief is that it is not okay to kill unless it comes down to me vs. you. If I can wound you and get away, so much the better. Killing for convenience is bad for everyone.
> "even Jesus wouldn't forgive what you do"
oh yes he would - all you have (or he has) to do is but ask and accept
oh yes he would - all you have (or he has) to do is but ask and accept
Bob Dylan is turning in his grave!
Rarely do I feel a cover contributes anything above the original. This version brings the passion forward to the moment, a message, and anger, well needed right now.
i really enjoy this version. it helps that i love eddie vedder...
Hope the message here is not too subtle...
Dig it. I wish it was outdated, but I fear it will remain timely forever.
Dig it. I wish it was outdated, but I fear it will remain timely forever.
mastr wrote:
Good lord. The anti-choice freaks have even infiltrated RP.
An odd juxtaposition - Eddie writes "Pro Choice" in bold letters on his arm for a performance, yet sings about his disdain for those that perpetuate killing.
Good lord. The anti-choice freaks have even infiltrated RP.
mastr wrote:
A 'Pro Contraception' tattoo would have a greater influence.
An odd juxtaposition - Eddie writes "Pro Choice" in bold letters on his arm for a performance, yet sings about his disdain for those that perpetuate killing.
A 'Pro Contraception' tattoo would have a greater influence.
For me, it was a little pitchy
An odd juxtaposition - Eddie writes "Pro Choice" in bold letters on his arm for a performance, yet sings about his disdain for those that perpetuate killing.
You tell 'em, Eddie! The time to let up is not now.
As Curtis Mayfield said (God rest him), "We Gotta Keep On Pushin'!"
As Curtis Mayfield said (God rest him), "We Gotta Keep On Pushin'!"
Elmer Fudd is alive and well! Elmer wails the Blues.
Pearl Jam has its moments.
This isn't one of its good ones.
This isn't one of its good ones.
The Dick Cheney Theme Song! Can't hear enough people sing this one... Unlike a regular tune, protest songs need many voices to repeat them. I don't see this as a "cover" so much as another addition to the chorus. However, IMHO Dylan can't be topped.
Flipmode wrote:
Hi there. You're thinking about when Eddie and Mike McCready played this at Bob Dylan's 30th Anniversary show. It was great. RP is now playing a 2004 recording from a mostly acoustic Pearl Jam concert. I echo your Bravo!!!!!!
Wonderful and important song and impassioned performance.
Wow... Haven't heard this cover since the early nineties. How the heck does RP find these rarities? Bravo !
Hi there. You're thinking about when Eddie and Mike McCready played this at Bob Dylan's 30th Anniversary show. It was great. RP is now playing a 2004 recording from a mostly acoustic Pearl Jam concert. I echo your Bravo!!!!!!
Wonderful and important song and impassioned performance.
gjeeg wrote:
I usually don't give a crap if someone doesn't like someone/something
but I truely feel sorry for you. You are missing out by not listening to
Eddie Vedder, his songs for Into the Wild are wonderful and still on the
charts after a 8 months. He and Pearl Jam are an excellent band, up
there with the Rolling Stones, in my opinion.
Eddie has never done a thing for me. This track is dreadful.
I feel like he's doing this because its an important song that he thinks he should do.
I feel like he's doing this because its an important song that he thinks he should do.
I usually don't give a crap if someone doesn't like someone/something
but I truely feel sorry for you. You are missing out by not listening to
Eddie Vedder, his songs for Into the Wild are wonderful and still on the
charts after a 8 months. He and Pearl Jam are an excellent band, up
there with the Rolling Stones, in my opinion.
Wow... Haven't heard this cover since the early nineties. How the heck does RP find these rarities? Bravo !
Eddie has never done a thing for me. This track is dreadful.
I feel like he's doing this because its an important song that he thinks he should do.
I feel like he's doing this because its an important song that he thinks he should do.
Saw them do this live earlier this summer....
Frater_Kork wrote:
I'm not a big Dave Matthews or Eddie Vedder fan but I must disagree with your comment. Matthews is a very unique and masterful guitarist as where Vedder is a unique singer and not much more than that. Take it from a guitarist, Matthews trumps when it comes to the talent comment.
This is a perfect showcase of talent versus crap.
Compare this live track by Eddie Vedder to this miserable presentation by Dave Matthews played a few hours ago. (Yes it's a different song, but the live set up is kinda the same)
The difference is of course that Eddie can sing and play a guitar successfully while Dave should go back to his frat closet.
Compare this live track by Eddie Vedder to this miserable presentation by Dave Matthews played a few hours ago. (Yes it's a different song, but the live set up is kinda the same)
The difference is of course that Eddie can sing and play a guitar successfully while Dave should go back to his frat closet.
I'm not a big Dave Matthews or Eddie Vedder fan but I must disagree with your comment. Matthews is a very unique and masterful guitarist as where Vedder is a unique singer and not much more than that. Take it from a guitarist, Matthews trumps when it comes to the talent comment.
I used to think that Dylan was the master of making songs that others could sing better... well, I just learned this isn't necessarily the case.
What cr*p!
What cr*p!
I'll never forget Vedder making the sign of the cross on himself when finishing the song on the Tribute Concert (saw it live, yonder night). I think it says a lot about the odd force which runs in those lines he had just sung.
Besides, I could have sworn I was going to hear exactly that version when the first chords came in a few minutes ago. Which I find a bit disapointing, especially talking about a Dylan song.
Call this the "Embedded" set. The last two (possibly three) songs were part of Tim Robbins' "Embedded," which was off-off Broadway a few years ago.
Vedder carries this song with passion and power.
I heard Dylan do this song a year and a half ago in Phoenix. His cold-steel framing of MofW was chillingly effective. It was clear he meant every word he sang.
Tim O'Brien does a cover of this on Red on Blonde, very blue-grassy. I'm a Dylan fan, btw, but I'm glad other folks cover his songs so more people have the opportunity to appreciate his them. People who are put off by Bob's voice or singing style would be missing out on some really great songs otherwise.
niiiiiiiiiceeee!
The Bobster has to appreciate this cover. So heartfelt. So bitter. So vital.
Frater_Kork wrote:
This is a perfect showcase of talent versus crap.
Compare this live track by Eddie Vedder to this miserable presentation by Dave Matthews played a few hours ago. (Yes it's a different song, but the live set up is kinda the same)
The difference is of course that Eddie can sing and play a guitar successfully while Dave should go back to his frat closet.
Everyone's a hater. It's great that you like this song...why bash Dave Matthews? Are the long nights in Sweden starting to get to you?
Frater_Kork wrote:
This is a perfect showcase of talent versus crap.
Compare this live track by Eddie Vedder to this miserable presentation by Dave Matthews played a few hours ago. (Yes it's a different song, but the live set up is kinda the same)
The difference is of course that Eddie can sing and play a guitar successfully while Dave should go back to his frat closet.
Ironic, though that Dave is about unfrat as you can get. And your attitude is 100% frat stereotype-- in your face kind of belligerence. No offense to mature acting frat dudes everywhere who have nothing to do with the stereotype thrown at Dave Matthews.
And of course these two songs have nothing in common in comparison. Dave & Tim Reynolds just did some jam tours, it's a certain kind of thing. This is a terrific cover of Masters of War by Vedder. No comparison. Dave Mathews uses his voice like a saxophone, an instrument to weave into an improv semi jazz arrangement. Vedder rocks and sings with passion but his voice is more of a trumpet. There's room for all kinds of good music here, except for haters/trolls who always have to find a spot to put down some performer they hate. By the way, this next song Bill just put into the rotation reminds me of your favorite musician and he sucks, so there, yeah that's it, a valuable comment that adds plenty here, now I feel trollishly better than everyone else.
No, this is the exact version played on the 30th Year Tribute Album
lemmoth wrote:
But I think Bill played the Benoraya Hall version, no?
bizon wrote:
The vocals on this track are annoyiiiiiiiiiiiiiing!
I feel sorry for you
flanax wrote:
FYI... this song was performed on the Album: 30th Anniversary Concert Celebration. A tribute to Bob Dylan. Performed by Mike McCready and Eddie Vedder, not by Pearl Jam.
But I think Bill played the Benoraya Hall version, no?
I wonder how many of the PJ fans knew this was a Dylan cover? (I'll take Bob's version.)
I have never heard this. Isn't it funny how everyone does Dylan better than Dylan. This rocks!
FYI... this song was performed on the Album: 30th Anniversary Concert Celebration. A tribute to Bob Dylan. Performed by Mike McCready and Eddie Vedder, not by Pearl Jam.
The vocals on this track are annoyiiiiiiiiiiiiiing!
Dang...harsh. I would have to agree though. Eddie puts some soul into it something Dave Matthews can't do because he sold it to record execs in the mid 90s.
Frater_Kork wrote:
This is a perfect showcase of talent versus crap.
Compare this live track by Eddie Vedder to this miserable presentation by Dave Matthews played a few hours ago. (Yes it's a different song, but the live set up is kinda the same)
The difference is of course that Eddie can sing and play a guitar successfully while Dave should go back to his frat closet.
This is a perfect showcase of talent versus crap.
Compare this live track by Eddie Vedder to this miserable presentation by Dave Matthews played a few hours ago. (Yes it's a different song, but the live set up is kinda the same)
The difference is of course that Eddie can sing and play a guitar successfully while Dave should go back to his frat closet.
techer2 wrote:
eddie's a god
Bobby certainly is!
Has anything changed?
eddie's a god
A damn good cover! Haven't heard this song in a while...
This is a freaking great cover. 10.
tea-head wrote:
say it, say it, say it...
t
Great song..great voice.
yeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah
pretty good cover
I've been getting into Dylan lately
love the lyrics
nice Dylan cover.
https://www.songmeanings.net/lyric.php?lid=1096
say it, say it, say it...
t
i prefer my dolar bills without mud or blod...
rdo wrote: