About the song
“Won’t Get Fooled Again,” a defining anthem by the legendary English rock band The Who, encapsulates the essence of rebellion, disillusionment, and the cyclical nature of power struggles. Penned by guitarist and primary songwriter Pete Townshend, the song was originally conceived as the finale for the ambitious Lifehouse project, a multimedia endeavor exploring themes of spiritual enlightenment and societal upheaval through music. Townshend’s fascination with the teachings of Meher Baba and the concept of a universal chord resonates deeply within the song, symbolizing a transformative moment where disillusionment meets defiance.
Released in June 1971 as a single, “Won’t Get Fooled Again” soared to the top 10 in the UK and made its mark in the US, entering the Billboard charts with resounding impact. However, its true masterpiece form resides as the epic closing track on The Who’s iconic album, *Who’s Next*, released later that August. The song’s enduring popularity is marked not only by its chart success but also by its critical acclaim, including recognition in Rolling Stone’s prestigious “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”
Musically, “Won’t Get Fooled Again” is characterized by Townshend’s searing guitar riffs and Roger Daltrey’s impassioned vocals, culminating in what has been described as one of rock music’s greatest screams. The integration of a staccato keyboard riff, achieved through innovative use of synthesizers, adds a futuristic edge that was ahead of its time. This synthesis of rock and experimental sounds underscores Townshend’s visionary approach to music-making.
Thematically, the song’s lyrics dissect the aftermath of revolution, cautioning against the allure of new leaders who may replicate the faults of their predecessors. The famous refrain, “Meet the new boss, same as the old boss,” serves as a poignant reminder of the perpetual cycle of disillusionment and hope that defines societal change.
Beyond its musical and thematic weight, “Won’t Get Fooled Again” has left an indelible mark on popular culture. It has been covered by artists ranging from Van Halen to Oasis, each putting their unique spin on its powerful message. The song’s live performances by The Who have become legendary, often serving as the dramatic conclusion to their concerts, punctuated by Townshend’s ritualistic destruction of his guitar.
In conclusion, “Won’t Get Fooled Again” stands not only as a pinnacle of The Who’s discography but also as a timeless commentary on the pitfalls of idealism and the eternal struggle for change. Its resonance continues to reverberate through generations of listeners, cementing its status as a seminal piece of rock music history.
Video
Lyrics
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
A 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 all flown in the last 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
For I know that the hypnotized never lie
Do you?
Yeah
There’s nothing in the street
Looks any different to me
And the slogans are effaced, 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
Yeah
Meet the new boss
Same as the old boss