Won't Get Fooled Again

The Who

About Won't Get Fooled Again

"Won't Get Fooled Again" is a song by the English rock band the Who, written by Pete Townshend. It was released as a single in June 1971, reaching the top 10 in the UK, while the full eight-and-a-half-minute version appears as the final track on the band's 1971 album Who's Next, released that August. Townshend wrote the song as a closing number of the Lifehouse project, and the lyrics criticise revolution and power. To symbolise the spiritual connection he had found in music via the works of Meher Baba and Inayat Khan, he programmed a mixture of human traits into a synthesizer and used it as the main backing instrument throughout the song. The Who tried recording the song in New York in March 1971, but re-recorded a superior take at Stargroves the next month using the synthesizer from Townshend's original demo. Ultimately, Lifehouse as a project was abandoned in favour of Who's Next, a straightforward album, where it also became the closing track. It has been performed as a staple of the band's setlist since 1971, often as the set closer, and was the last song drummer Keith Moon played live with the band. 


Year:
1974
29 
#2

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We'll be fighting in the streets
With our children at our feet
And the morals that they worship will be gone
And the men who spurred us on
Sit in judgement of all wrong
They decide and the shotgun sings the song

I'll tip my hat to the new constitution
Take a bow for the new revolution
Smile and grin at the change all around
Pick up my guitar and play
Just like yesterday
Then I'll get on my knees and pray
We don't get fooled again

The change, it had to come
We knew it all along
We were liberated from the fold, that's all
And the world looks just the same
And history ain't changed
'Cause the banners, they are flown in the next war

I'll tip my hat to the new constitution
Take a bow for the new revolution
Smile and grin at the change all around
Pick up my guitar and play
Just like yesterday
Then I'll get on my knees and pray
We don't get fooled again, no, no

I'll move myself and my family aside
If we happen to be left half alive
I'll get all my papers and smile at the sky
Though I know that the hypnotized never lie
Do ya?

Yeaah!

There's nothing in the streets
Looks any different to me
And the slogans are replaced, by-the-bye
And the parting on the left
Is now parting on the right
And the beards have all grown longer overnight

I'll tip my hat to the new constitution
Take a bow for the new revolution
Smile and grin at the change all around
Pick up my guitar and play
Just like yesterday
Then I'll get on my knees and pray
We don't get fooled again
Don't get fooled again, no no

Yeaaah!
Meet the new boss
Same as the old boss

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The Who

The Who are an English rock band formed in 1964 by Roger Daltrey (lead vocals, guitar, harmonica), Pete Townshend (vocals, guitar, keyboards), John Entwistle (vocals, bass) and Keith Moon, (drums, vocals). They became known for energetic live performances which often included instrument destruction. The Who have sold about 100 million records, and have charted 27 top forty singles in the United Kingdom and United States, as well as 17 top ten albums, with 18 Gold, 12 Platinum and 5 Multi-Platinum album awards in the United States alone. more »

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Written by: Peter Townshend

Lyrics © Spirit Music Group, Abkco Music Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


5 facts about this song

Song Composition
1. "Won't Get Fooled Again" was written by Pete Townshend, the guitarist for the British rock band, The Who. 2. This song was released on The Who's 1971 album "Who's Next". 3. Pete Townshend is known for composing music that has complex themes and innovative technology, exemplified in this song.
Song Meaning
4. "Won't Get Fooled Again" is often interpreted as a skeptical look at political revolutions, expressing disillusionment with the idea that changing leaders or systems will result in significant improvements. 5. Pete Townshend has stated that the song is not against revolution but is more an outcry against the refusal to accept the reality of the nature of world leaders.
Musical Innovation
6. This song is noted for its revolutionary use of synthesizers, which at the time, were relatively new in rock and roll music. 7. Townshend used a Lowrey Berkshire Deluxe TBO-1 organ with a built-in drum machine to create the distinctive synthesizer sound in the song.
Performance and Reception
8. "Won't Get Fooled Again" is considered one of The Who's signature songs, often performed in their concerts. 9. The song is also known for Roger Daltrey's scream near the end, considered one of the most powerful in rock history. 10. Rolling Stone magazine placed "Won't Get Fooled Again" at number 133 in their list of the 500 greatest songs of all time.
Van Halen's Version
11. The American rock band Van Halen covered "Won't Get Fooled Again" in concert and recorded a live version for their 1993 album, "Live: Right Here, Right Now". 12. Van Halen's version is notable for Eddie Van Halen's guitar work, replacing the original's prominent organ parts with his own unique style. 13. Van Halen's cover was well received and became a staple of their live shows.

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    Won't Get Fooled Again

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1971

    Billboard #15


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