People moving out
People moving in
Why? Because of the color of their skin
Run, run, run, but you sho' can't hide
An eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth
Vote for me, and I'll set you free
Rap on, brother, rap on
Well, the only person talking about love thy brother
Is the preacher
And it seems nobody's interested in learning
But the teacher
Segregation, determination, demonstration, integration
Aggravation, humiliation, obligation to our nation
Ball of confusion, oh yeah
That's what the world is today, hey
The sale of pills are at an all time high
Young folks walking 'round with their heads in the sky
Cities aflame in the summertime, and, oh
The beat goes on
Evolution, revolution, gun control, sound of soul
Shooting rockets to the moon
Kids growing up too soon
Politicians say more taxes will solve everything
And the band played on
So, 'round, and around, and around we go
Where the world's headed, nobody knows
Oh, great Googamooga, can't you hear me talking to you?
Just a ball of confusion, oh yeah
That's what the world is today, oh yeah, yeah
Fear in the air, tension everywhere
Unemployment rising fast, the Beatles' new record's a gas
And the only safe place to live is on an Indian reservation
And the band played on
Eve of destruction, tax deduction
City inspectors, bill collectors
Mod clothes in demand
Population out of hand
Suicide, too many bills
Hippies moving to the hills
People all over the world are shouting end the war
And the band played on
Oh, great Googamooga, can't you hear me talking to you?
Sayin' ball of confusion
That's what the world is today, hey
Let me hear ya
Let me hear ya
Let me hear ya
Sayin' ball of confusion
That's what the world is today, hey
Let me hear ya
Let me hear ya
Let me hear ya


Lyrics submitted by sleighte

Ball of Confusion (That's What the World Is Today) Lyrics as written by Barrett Strong Norman Whitfield

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

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Ball of Confusion (That's What the World Is Today) song meanings
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3 Comments

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  • 0
    General Comment

    It suggests politians have a phony & self-serving agenda with no actual or helpful interest in making the world a better place. Also, we as humans have not even tapped into our potential to maximize our environment. By the way, this song is a remake of a 60's R&B tune by I think the O-Jays.

    Stompheadon February 13, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    Pretty much a straightforward socio-political commentary. An interesting cover song from Anthrax. Love it.

    santong_bananaon May 12, 2012   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    Joey Belladonna and John Bush in one song. What could be better?

    King of Hartson September 19, 2015   Link

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