"Meet the new boss. Same as the old boss." On this day in 1971, The Who released its 5th album, "Who's Next," which featured one of the best political critiques of all time. "Won't Get Fooled Again" warns that revolutionary movements are often cynical manipulations. Regardless of who takes over, and despite all their promises of change, nothing much ever changes. The song has been adopted by many activists over the years as an anthem for their cause, but that isn't what Pete Townshend intended when he wrote it. In fact, it was his reaction to the counterculture movement, which he saw as mostly phony and pointless.
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
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
Good stuff. Keep rockin.
