Folk rock legend plays controversial song for first time in nearly a decade

Folk rock icon Bob Dylan, 84, recently performed his powerful anti-war anthem for the first time in nine years, Parade reports.

Dylan opened his set at the Darian Lake Performing Arts Center in Corfu, New York, with “Masters of War.” The 1963 protest song was featured on “The Free Wheelin’ Bob Dylan” album.

The song was written as the United States was preparing to enter the Vietnam War and in his final verses, Dylan explicitly wishes death upon those he’s addressing:

“And I hope you die, and your death will come soon/I’ll follow your casket in the pale afternoon.”

When performing at the United States Military Academy in 1990, American Songwriter reports that Dylan chose to omit these final lines.

Dylan himself has acknowledged the unique nature of these lyrics.

“I’ve never reall