Masters of War Lyrics – Bob Dylan Meaning & Facts By (Singles). You Can Watch This Video On YouTube While The Lyrics Are Written By Bob Dylan. The Music Track Was Released Date :May. 27, 1963.
[Verse 1]
Come, you masters of war
You that build the big guns
You that build the death planes
You that build all the bombs
You that hide behind walls
You that hide behind desks
I just want you to know
I can see through your masks
[Explanation of Verse 1]
The song begins by addressing “masters of war,” referring to those who manufacture weapons and profit from war-related industries. Dylan accuses them of hiding behind their positions of power while perpetuating violence. He asserts that despite their attempts to hide their true aims, their masks are clear to him.
[Verse 2]
You that never done nothing
But build to destroy
You play with my world
Like it’s your little toy
You put a gun in my hand
And you hide from my eyes
And you turn and run farther
When the fast bullets fly
[Explanation of Verse 2]
Dylan continues to condemn the actions of the “masters of war,” accusing them of contributing nothing positive to the world but instead causing destruction and chaos. He metaphorically describes how they manipulate global affairs as if the world were their toy, putting weapons in the hands of others while avoiding personal risk.
[Verse 3]
Like Judas of old
You lie and deceive
A world war can be won
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
[Explanation of Verse 3]
Comparing them to the betrayer Judas from the Bible, Dylan suggests that the “masters of war” are deceitful and manipulative. He refuses to be swayed by their attempts to justify conflict, seeing through their lies and propaganda.
[Verse 4]
You fasten all the triggers
For the others to fire
Then you set back and watch
While the death count gets higher
You hide in your mansion
While the young people’s blood
Flows out of their bodies
And is buried in the mud
[Explanation of Verse 4]
The lyrics describe how the “masters of war” profit from the suffering of others, orchestrating conflicts and then distancing themselves from the consequences. Dylan highlights the insincerity of those who live sumptuously while youthful dogfaces suffer and die on the battleground.
[Verse 5]
You’ve thrown the worst fear
That can ever be hurled
Fear to bring children
Into the world
For threatening my baby
Unborn and unnamed
You ain’t worth the blood
That runs in your veins
[Explanation of Verse 5]
Dylan accuses the “masters of war” of instilling fear in society, making people hesitate to bring children into a world plagued by violence and conflict. He expresses disdain for their casualness for mortal life, particularly the lives of innocent children.
[Verse 6]
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
That even Jesus would never
Forgive what you do
[Explanation of Verse 6]
Despite being labeled as young and inexperienced, Dylan asserts his moral clarity and condemns the actions of the “masters of war.” He suggests that even Jesus, known for his forgiveness, would not condone their behavior.
[Verse 7]
Let me ask you one question
Is your money that good?
Will it buy you forgiveness?
Do you think that it could?
I think you will find
When your death takes its toll
All the money you made
Will never buy back your soul
[Explanation of Verse 7]
Dylan questions the morality of the wealthy elite who profit from war. He challenges whether their wealth can truly buy remission for the suffering they beget. He predicts that in death, they will realize the emptiness of their material gains.
[Verse 8]
And I hope that you die
And your death will come soon
I will follow your casket
By the pale afternoon
And I’ll watch while you’re lowered
Down to your deathbed
And I’ll stand over your grave
‘Til I’m sure that you’re dead
[Explanation of Verse 8]
The song concludes with Dylan expressing a wish for the demise of the “masters of war.” He vows to witness their downfall and stand over their graves as a symbol of their ultimate defeat.