Introduction
The Who’s 1971 hit single, “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” is one of the band’s most recognized songs. Its message, combined with Pete Townshend’s iconic guitar riff and Roger Daltrey’s powerful vocals, has resonated with audiences for decades. The song was released during a period of great social and political unrest, with the Vietnam War raging and civil rights issues at the forefront of national discourse. “Won’t Get Fooled Again” became the anthem for a generation seeking change and a better future.
The Lyrics
The opening lines of “Won’t Get Fooled Again” lay out the frustration and despair felt by many during the early 1970s:
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
These lyrics describe the chaos and conflict happening in America at the time. The reference to “morals” being lost refers to the changing social norms of the era, including drug use and sexual liberation. The lines about fighting in the streets with children at our feet reveals a dark vision of war and civil unrest.
The chorus is both a rallying cry and a warning to those fighting for change:
Meet the new boss
Same as the old boss
This lyric suggests that even after a revolution or major social change, power will remain in the hands of the same elites who have always held it. This sentiment aligns with the cynicism and disillusionment felt by many during the Vietnam War and the Nixon presidency.
The Bridge
The bridge of “Won’t Get Fooled Again” serves as a call to action. It suggests that if the current system isn’t working, the only viable option is to dismantle it and start anew:
I’ll move myself and my family aside
If we happen to be left half alive
For I know that the hypnotized never lie
Do ya?
This section of the song expresses a willingness to sacrifice everything for a cause and the importance of staying awake and aware for the fight. The lyrics highlight the political and social strife of the early ’70s and the need for activism and revolution.
The guitar solo that follows the bridge is one of the most recognizable in rock music history. It builds in intensity, mirroring the mounting tension and frustration described in the song’s earlier verses. As the solo reaches its climax, Daltrey screams the final verse:
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
This time there is no chorus. Instead, Daltrey repeats the verse, highlighting the desperate, endless nature of the struggle for change.
The Meaning Behind the Song
“Won’t Get Fooled Again” is a critique of the political and social systems of the era. The song expresses weariness and disillusionment with the idea of significant, meaningful change. It has been used as an anthem for revolution and activism, but the lyrics suggest that ultimately these efforts will fail. The final verse is a reiteration of the opening lines, creating a sense of circularity and hopelessness.
In 2006, Pete Townshend elaborated on the song’s meaning: “It’s about a revolution that’s not going to happen, because it’s impossible. Who’s going to take over? The people who were in charge before? Human nature’s flawed … So the only thing you can hope for is that maybe some sort of realization might occur at some point in the future. ‘Won’t Get Fooled Again’ is a kind of anthem that says, ‘Don’t get too excited about changing things, because whether you vote for the left or the right, nothing’s going to work.’”
Conclusion
“Won’t Get Fooled Again” is a timeless classic that has been used as a rallying cry by different generations. Its lyrics condemn political and social systems and the flaws of human nature that make meaningful change difficult. Townshend’s riff and Daltrey’s vocals are a perfect match for the song’s themes, creating an urgent sense of frustration and despair. Despite its pessimistic message, “Won’t Get Fooled Again” remains a powerful piece of music that continues to resonate with audiences today.
As Townshend says, “There is hope. It’s just a hope that’s difficult to pin down.” “Won’t Get Fooled Again” serves as a reminder to keep fighting for what’s right, even when it feels hopeless. It’s not about promising change, but rather about calling for perpetual vigilance and a push for meaningful change.
