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Geezer Butler didn't write many protest songs during his career with Black Sabbath, but there's little doubt that the band's 1970 masterpiece "War Pigs" remains as relevant today as any anti-war track from its era.
Butler himself wonders if that has more to do with humanity's failings over the past 50 years than the brilliance of his own lyrics.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer took to Twitter on Wednesday to applaud a recent "War Pigs" cover by Puddles Pity Party. Listening to the song interpreted by someone else, got Butler thinking back on what he was trying to say initially.
"Great rendition," Butler wrote. "Sad that my lyrics remain relevant. Maybe megalomaniacs like [Vladmir] Putin should have another listen.
"War Pigs" was a staple in Black Sabbath's set throughout its career, and Ozzy Osbourne often performs the song during his solo shows. The song likens war-mongering politicians to Satanic forces working to destroy humankind.
Treating people just like pawns in chess
Wait till their judgement day comes
Butler's original lyrics were inspired by the Vietnam war and the fears that the conflict could turn into World War III. Anti-war protests were going on throughout England at the time, with British citizens fully expecting their country to get dragged into the war.