Washington Is Next! by Megadeth Lyrics Meaning – Unveiling the Prophetic Warning in Thrash Metal
Lyrics
And the new slavery is to keep the people
Poor and stupid; “Novus Ordo Seclorum”
How can there be any logic in biological war?
We all know this is wrong, but the New World Order’s
Beating down the door
Oh, something needs to be done
There was a king (an evil king), who dreamt the wickedest of dreams
An ancient mystery no prophet could interpret
Of seven years of famine; the wolf is at my door
As predicted years ago: that that was, that is, that is no more
The word predicts the future and tells the truth about the past
Of how the world leaders will hail the new Pharaoh
The eighth false king to the throne
Washington is next!
Disengage their minds, sabotage their health
Promote sex, and war, and violence in the kindergartens
Blame the parents and teachers; it’s their fault; “Annuit Coeptis”
Attack the church dynamic, attack the family
Keep the public undisciplined till nothing left is sacred, and
The “have-nots” get hooked and have to go to the “haves” just to cop a fix
I am the king (an evil king), who dreams the wickedest of dreams
An ancient mystery, nobody could interpret
Of seven empires falling; the wolf is at my door
As predicted years ago: that that was, that is, that is no more
The word predicts my future and tells the truth about my past
Of how the world’s leaders are waiting to usher in
The eighth world power of modern Rome
Washington is next!
There was a king (an evil king), who dreamt the wickedest of dreams
An ancient mystery, no prophet could interpret
Of seven empires falling; the wolf is at my door
As predicted years ago: that that was, that is, that is no more
I am a king, and I dream the wildest dreams
And nobody could interpret
Seven empires falling; the wolf is at my door
Oh, that that was, that is, that is no more
There’s something at my door, some ancient mystery
The future tells the truth about the past
And I’m the eighth false king to the throne
I’ve got you in my cross hairs; now, ain’t that a bitch?
Washington, you’re next!
Megadeth’s ‘Washington Is Next!’ is a thunderous track that combines the raw power of thrash metal with a profound narrative that delves deep into political commentary and predicts societal downfall. Though the song thrives on the band’s signature sound—fast, intricate guitar riffs, and snarling vocals—it’s the lyrics that demand an exploration into the heart of the song’s ominous prophecy.
The song is steeped in allegory, alluding not only to contemporary political unrest but also to ancient warnings and themes of apocalyptic foresight. Layered with references to historical patterns and a critique of modern governance, ‘Washington Is Next!’ stands not just as a powerful musical composition but as a cautionary tale of what might come to pass if humanity continues on a path of self-destruction.
A New World Order: Decoding the Dark Prophecy
At the song’s core is the suggestion of a burgeoning ‘New World Order’—a concept often cited in conspiracy theories, which evokes the idea of an emerging totalitarian global government. Megadeth taps into this paranoia-inducing theme, blending it with a historical perspective, weaving in the Novus Ordo Seclorum, a phrase found on the United States dollar bill translating to ‘new order of the ages.’
The use of such potent symbols and references speaks to a larger narrative at play—fear of societal manipulation and the invisible wars being conducted through policy, economics, and media. The line ‘The quiet war has begun with silent weapons’ can be seen as a metaphor for this non-physical yet highly impactful struggle for control over the masses.
Seven Empires Falling: Embracing the Apocalyptic Vision
At first glance, ‘Washington Is Next!’ seems entrenched in the binary ‘good versus evil’ trope with its mention of an ‘evil king.’ However, a deeper analysis reveals an allusion to the biblical tale of Pharaoh’s dream interpreted by Joseph, featuring seven years of famine. By drawing parallels to this ancient forewarning, Megadeth implies a cyclical nature of empires rising and falling, predicting that Washington, as a symbolic seat of power, could be vulnerable to the same fate.
The band illuminates this point through repetitious lyrics that highlight the inevitable decay of past empires, all the while pointing to the United States, by way of its capital, as the next in line to experience collapse. The line ‘The wolf is at my door’ conjures images of an impending threat, where Washington is symbolically the house besieged by forces that could herald its undoing.
Dissonant Anthems: Challenging Society’s Pillars
In a cacophony of societal critique, ‘Washington Is Next!’ doesn’t shy away from confronting the institutions it deems complicit in the erosion of civil liberties and moral values. Targeting everything from the education system to religious institutions, the lyrics suggest a deliberate attempt to destabilize familial structures and social discipline—leaving people vulnerable and controllable.
The mention of ‘Promote sex, and war, and violence in the kindergartens’ is particularly jarring, illustrating an imagined or perceived attack on the innocence of youth, while the role of ‘the haves’ in society is painted as somewhat predatory upon ‘the have-nots.’ This underscores a divisive class struggle, where addiction and dependency are tools wielded by those in power.
The Ominous Refrain: Echoes of Political Unease
One cannot ignore the powerful chorus ‘Washington is next!’ as it repeats throughout the song like a grim mantra. It’s a memorable line that serves not just as a hook but as a rallying cry, reminding listeners of the perishability of even the mightiest powers. This refrain encapsulates the song’s essence, hinting at an inevitable shift in geopolitical landscapes where no one is exempt from downfall.
In an age where trust in political leaders is waning, this line resonates with a growing audience that views Washington DC as the epicenter of flawed policies and global discord. By directly naming the U.S. capital, Megadeth encapsulates the anxiety and distrust that permeate society’s view of the establishment.
‘Ain’t That a Bitch?’: Irony and Defiance in the Face of Despair
The song concludes on a note of bitter irony with the line ‘I’ve got you in my cross hairs; now, ain’t that a bitch?’ It’s a stark acknowledgment of the hunter becoming the hunted, the ruler overtaken by the ruled, or perhaps an inner reflection on how power corrupts and targets even those who wield it. The cynicism in this conclusion serves to underscore the song’s overarching theme of power dynamics and their inevitable reversal.
It’s a moment where Megadeth’s disillusionment with the state of affairs shines through most poignantly, highlighting not just a political statement but an existential one as well. Here, the personal meets the political, the individual faces off against the juggernaut of historical forces, and in that confrontation, finds a defiant, if grim, form of solace.
