The Who – Won’t Get Fooled Again

About The Song

“Won’t Get Fooled Again” is a classic rock anthem by the British rock band The Who, released in 1971 as the final track on their album “Who’s Next.” The song is known for its powerful and iconic keyboard riff played by Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey’s impassioned vocals. Here are five facts about the song:

Revolutionary Anthem: “Won’t Get Fooled Again” is often considered a revolutionary anthem, capturing the spirit of the times and expressing disillusionment with political and social systems. The lyrics reflect skepticism and a desire for change.
Long Instrumental Outro: The song features a memorable and extended synthesizer-driven instrumental outro. The synthesizer was played by Pete Townshend and was one of the early instances of the instrument being prominently featured in a rock song.
Political Themes: The lyrics, written by Pete Townshend, touch upon political themes and were influenced by his growing disillusionment with the political climate of the late 1960s and early 1970s. The line “Meet the new boss, same as the old boss” has become particularly famous.
Recording Techniques: The recording of “Won’t Get Fooled Again” showcased innovative studio techniques, including the use of a Lowrey organ and the distinctive “CSI sound” created by engineer Glyn Johns. The song’s production contributed to its timeless and influential sound.
CSI: Miami Theme: The song gained further popularity in the 21st century when it was used as the theme song for the television series “CSI: Miami.” The opening scream and the powerful musical arrangement made it a fitting choice for the intense and dramatic tone of the show.

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