The Mob Rules

[Kunzite]

So, after seeing footage of the London riots, I was inspired to listen to "The Mob Rules" by Black Sabbath again. And although it might be a strange question: what do you think the song actually about? Is it anti-anarchy or pro-anarchy? I think you could honestly interpret it either way: as a warning against following the mob or against becoming too complacent with the status quo. but I'm curious what people think.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqswQcJ-wvE

 

[Jagermeistered]

Here's the lyrics:

Close the city and tell the people
That something's coming to call
Death and darkness are rushing forward
To stamp light from the wall!

Oh! You've nothing to say
They'll drag you away!
If you listen to fools,
The mob rules, the mob rules

Kill the spirit and you'll be blinded
The end is always the same
Play with fire, you'll burn your finger
And you'll get hold of a flame, oh!

It's over, it's done
The end is begun
If you listen to fools,
The mob rules
You've nothing to say
Oh, They're breaking away
If you listen to fools

Break the circle and stop the movement
The wheel is thrown to the ground
Just remember it might stop rolling
And take you right back around!

You're all fools!
The Mob Rules!

I don't think the writer is for or against anarchy(as far as this song goes). Some people would call him an optimist(for mob rule), or a pessimist(for freedom and liberty). It all depends on a person's political and social interpretation.

 

[alchemy]

It's an song written by the late great Ronnie James Dio. I don't think he was implying that anarchy is necessarily a good thing, but that it can happen as a byproduct of bad decisions, whether you're part of the mob or not.

If you listen to fools, the mob rules.

 

[obama666]

Riots: A result or action caused by allowing the poor to propagate beyond their means...Great Britain opportunity knocks, by switching from water cannons and plastic bullets to deadly force you can now start working on tightening up that Gene Pool.