So the Prophets Say

Annotation — McGuire's "Eve of Destruction" & Answer Songs

The song "So the Prophets Say" (Renco # R-115) warned against propaganda and blindly following what people say, with references to the pros and antis in the Vietnam debate that took place on the home front in the US: "they tell you to make a big sound about getting out of Vietnam". This single can also be seen as a response to Barry McGuire's "Eve of Destruction", who like the The Patriots, referred to McGuire as the "Prophet": "beware of what the prophets say". The lyrics also warned about those who might try to restrict the freedom to speech: "will they warn you of a coming day, when your placards might be thrown away and they'll say now you got a few restrictions". The garage rock band formed in 1965 in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, and disbanded shortly after in 1967. Its members were Billy Beard (lead guitar, vocals), Larry McKinney (guitar), John Iacovone (bass), Bob Koch (vocals, organ), and Bernie Orner (drums).

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer

Lyrics

English: They'll tell you that they're wise, and that they'll analyse your situation / They even tell you what's gonna come, and how certain things will be done / They're you'll salvation / Will the world end today, like it did yesterday, or will we have to wait until tomorrow / They'll tell you when it comes, you will here those rocking drums, you'll just repent... / These men of wealth and men so poor / These prophets of peace and prophets of war / Are they getting you? / Then they tell you to make a big sound about getting out of Vietnam / You know you've got a right to your convictions / But will they warn you of a coming day, when your placards might be thrown away / And they'll say now you got a few restrictions / You may not like it when if hand you a gun before you turn 21 / And say, now you got to be a man... / These men so good and men so bad / These prophets of sin and prophets of man... / Why don't you let it be known, you've got a mind of your own / And you can tell right from wrong from day to day... / And so you'll beware of what the prophets say

About the artist

Mid-1960s garage band from Lebanon, Pennsylvania - Billy Beard (lead guitar/vocals), Larry McKinney (guitar), John Iacovone (bass), Bob Koch (vocals/organ) and Bernie Orner (drums). Four songs were cut in April 1965 at the WSBA studios in York, Pennsylvania under producer Frank Treida, and Beard's 'So the Prophets Say' was issued on Renco R-115 in December 1965. The band broke up in 1967; Beard died in 2008. [Source: Garage Hangover; Discogs]

Themes

Soldier's Perspective · Draft · Answer to Eve of Destruction

In collections

McGuire's "Eve of Destruction" & Answer Songs · Draft Songs · Garage Rock Songs · US 'Patriotic' / Pro-Government / Anti-Protest Songs [War Years]