Masters of War

"Masters Of War"

Come you masters of war
You that build all the 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.

You that never done nothin'
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.

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.

You fasten all the triggers
For the others to fire
Then you set back and watch
When the death count gets higher
You hide in your mansion'
As young people's blood
Flows out of their bodies
And is buried in the mud.

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.

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.

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.

And I hope that you die
And your death'll come soon
I will follow your casket
In 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.

    I love this song, but I'm not sure I agree completely with it.  My brother is in ROTC, an army college program in which you become an officer.  I find myself being very patriotic towards the military.  I understand however that this was a much much different time.  With George W. Bush as President I felt similarly.  


    A line that really interests me is "A world war can be won You want me to believe."  I really am interested in this line because it discusses so many complex issues in just a few words.  It talks about patriotism and misleading a people as well as death.  It also talks about war in general.  From this one line I know Dylan's position.  He thinks that war can't be won because there is death and loss and therefore no winner.  


     A metaphor I like is "I just want you to know I can see through your masks."  Obviously they don't actually have masks, but I think he is referring to reasons and explanations for wars.  I think the masks are patriotism and service because the "Masters of War" don't themselves serve or put their lives at risk.  


     All in all, this poem makes me intrigued, but uncomfortable, because I believe in humanitarian values which often need military intervention.  I do think there are those who profit from war, but the song exaggerates the concept.  I think service is the most patriotic and honorable thing a person can do.  The song highlights the evils of war.