War Pigs

About this song

The song was originally titled "Walpurgis," and it opens the influential Paranoid album. It is one of the most-covered songs in history and is frequently ranked among the greatest rock songs of all time.

What it's about

The song is an anti-war piece aimed at the Vietnam War, which was ongoing at the time. Geezer Butler said it describes how rich politicians and wealthy people start wars for their own benefit and send poor people to die.

Summary written with AI, based on the song's page on Genius.

Fun facts

• Sampled in 14 other songs, like “All Mimes Should Go Back to Mimeville by Mushy Mustard”.
• Covered 30 times, including “War Pigs (Full Version) by Eva Under Fire”.
• Written by Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi, Bill Ward and Ozzy Osbourne.
• Produced by Rodger Bain.
• Recorded at Regent Sound Studios and Island Studios (London.