Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Allen Ginsberg's "War Profit Litany" is a biting critique of the military-industrial complex and the commercialization of warfare. Written during a period of significant global conflict, the poem underscores the poet's disillusionment with the profiteering that accompanies war and the moral corruption it entails. Through repetition and stark imagery, Ginsberg exposes the complicity of various sectors in perpetuating violence for financial gain.

The poem begins with a powerful refrain that sets the tone for the entire piece: "Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition." This line, derived from a popular World War II song, is used ironically to highlight the dissonance between religious piety and the brutal reality of war. The juxtaposition of spiritual language with the call to arms underscores the hypocrisy Ginsberg seeks to expose.

Ginsberg then enumerates the various entities that benefit from war, each time beginning with the word "Blessed," which he uses to satirical effect: "Blessed are the war profiteers / Blessed are the arms manufacturers." These lines are laden with irony, as the word "blessed" typically connotes divine favor, which starkly contrasts with the immoral activities of war profiteering and arms manufacturing. This repetitive structure serves to underscore the pervasive nature of war profiteering across different sectors.

The poem continues to identify various players in the war economy, from corporations to financial institutions: "Blessed are the shareholders / Blessed are the corporations." Ginsberg points to the financial motivations behind war, suggesting that shareholders and corporations prioritize profits over human lives. The repetition of "blessed" serves to hammer home the idea that these entities are exalted in a society that values profit above ethics.

Ginsberg's critique extends to the media and the propaganda machinery that sustain public support for war: "Blessed are the newspapers / Blessed are the television networks." These lines suggest that the media plays a crucial role in shaping public perception and promoting the interests of the military-industrial complex. By blessing these institutions, Ginsberg highlights their complicity in perpetuating violence and profiting from the dissemination of war narratives.

The poem also addresses the political and military leaders who orchestrate and benefit from war: "Blessed are the generals / Blessed are the politicians." Ginsberg implicates those in positions of power who make decisions that lead to conflict, suggesting that their actions are driven by self-interest and the pursuit of power. This indictment of leadership underscores the poem's broader critique of the systems that enable and sustain war.

In the concluding lines, Ginsberg brings the focus back to the human cost of war: "Blessed are the dead / Blessed are the war-torn." These lines serve as a poignant reminder of the ultimate victims of war—the soldiers and civilians who suffer and die as a result of the conflicts driven by profit and power. By ending on this note, Ginsberg emphasizes the stark contrast between the profiteers and the true costs of war.

"War Profit Litany" is a powerful and scathing critique of the military-industrial complex and the commercialization of warfare. Through the use of repetition and ironic language, Allen Ginsberg exposes the moral corruption and hypocrisy of those who profit from conflict. The poem serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of war and a call to question the systems and structures that perpetuate violence for financial gain.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...