The Who

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
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 judgment of all wrong
They decide and the shotgun sings the song

[Chorus]
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

[Verse 2]
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

[Chorus]
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
[Bridge]
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?

[Instrumental Break]

[Verse 3]
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 the parting on the right
And the beards have all grown longer overnight

[Chorus]
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
[Instrumental Break]

[Outro]
Yeah
Meet the new boss
Same as the old boss

“Won’t Get Fooled Again” is one of the most popular and beloved songs by the legendary English rock band, The Who. The song was released as the final track on their fifth studio album, “Who’s Next” in the year 1971. It’s a song that revolves around the topic of revolution, power, and rebellion. What sets it apart from the rest of their music is its length and creative use of synthesizers. These aspects helped in pioneering the use of synthesizers in rock music.

About Won’t Get Fooled Again

The Who’s “Won’t Get Fooled Again” is a song that has left a lasting impact on people across generations. It’s a song that has an explosive energy that still resonates with music lovers everywhere. The song opens with a distinct and recognizable synthesizer melody and the drumming of Keith Moon that keeps the tempo of the song alive. The song conveys a message of how people often hold unrealistic expectations of those in power, who tend to disappoint them when they take over the reins.

Pete Townshend, the guitarist of The Who and also the writer of “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” had his inspiration for the song from the writings of the Indian spiritual teacher Meher Baba. Baba's teachings advised against the use of drugs or psychedelics to reach higher states of consciousness, but rather advocated for spiritual and musical forms such as chanting. Townshend found himself drawn to the teachings of Baba and created the song to embody his message of revolution and self-awareness.

The chorus of the song, “Meet the new boss / Same as the old boss,” conveys a harsh reality of power struggles in a world where those who seek to overthrow tyrants may become tyrants themselves. The climax of the song has an emotional shift where Roger Daltrey's scream, “YEEEEAAAAHHHHH!” is one of the most distinctive moments in rock and roll history and marks the end of the song.

The song was a commercial success and received widespread acclaim on its release. Time magazine ranked it No. 1 on their list of “The 10 Best Closing Tracks on Albums,” praising its anthem-like quality. “Won’t Get Fooled Again” has been used in numerous TV shows, movies, commercials, and video games. It even became the theme song for the TV show, “CSI: Miami” after one of its lines was sampled to create the show’s opening music.

The meaning of “Won't Get Fooled Again” is timeless and can still resonate with listeners today. The song has become an anthem for the disillusioned and those who seek change in a world of corrupt systems and institutions. Its lyrics and music live on as an inspiration for artists of all genres and have left an indelible impact on the history of music.

To sum up, “Won’t Get Fooled Again” is an iconic song that has stood the test of time and has remained relevant in a world where revolution and rebellion continue to be important as ever. With its message of caution against setting unrealistic expectations and cyclical changes in power dynamics, the song continues to inspire generations with its potent political message. It’s a song that will be remembered and celebrated for many years to come.

• Release Date: August 14, 1971
• Artist: The Who