Rise Against - Worth Dying For

Rise Against - Worth Dying For

Set me off like dynamite strapped tight around my waist
We are the ones in competition but claim this ain't no race


(Let's go!)


Take a breath and explode like bullets tearing through the wind
Cut me up with a razor blade that tries to separate the skin


Now in the
White flames of burning flags we
found a world worth dying for, yeah
We've been battered so hard that we don't


-Ian Ihde
feel anymore


Take me
From this world
Save me
What if we
All die young?
So take me
From this world
Save me
What if we
All die young?


Send me off on the morning breeze so far away from here
Feel me rise in the strength I've found inside the warm embracing air
I'm moving slow
Like a glacier melting watch me dissipate
I searched for love in an empty world but all I found was hate


Now in the
White flames of burning flags we
found a world worth dying for, yeah
We've been battered so hard that we don't
feel anymore


Take me
From this world
Save me
What if we
All die young?
So take me
From this world
Save me
What if we
All die young?


Don't ask me why
'Cuz I don't know
Don't ask me how
I'm gonna solve this on my own
Don't ask me why
'Cuz I don't know
These things I've never faced
Scratch out, but won't erase


In the wreckage of a job well done
I saw a place I'd never seen before, yeah
And that moment I refused to close my eyes anymore


So take me
From this world
Save me
What if we
All die young?
So take me
From this world
Save me
What if we
All die young?


So take me [2x]

This song talks of reclaiming a world which has been tainted by people and governments.  It says that this world is a "World worth dying for" and contains numerous revolutionary images, including "white flames of burning flags," and "set me off like dynamite strapped tight around my waist."  This is just another Rise Against song that encourages people to take a stand in the world.


-Ian Ihde

Rise Against - Bricks

Rise Against - Bricks

Lyrics
When faith alone is not enough,
To keep our heads barely above,
We look for reason and come up empty-handed.
And when our children fight our wars,
While we sit back just keeping score,
We're teaching murder not understanding now.

We're setting the fires to light the way,
We're burning it all to begin again,
With hope in our hearts and bricks in our hands,
We sing for change

The lives our buried sons have laid,
Won't cancel debts we've yet to pay,
In death, we justify anything now,
As long as we blindly obey and do exactly what they say,
We'll have no one to blame, but ourselves now.

We're setting the fires to light the way,
We're burning it all to begin again,
With hope in our hearts and bricks in our hands,
We sing for change.

We run on the fumes of injustice,
We'll never die with the fuel that you give us,
Keep it coming 'cause I'm prepared to burn,
Keep running, find me at every turn.

Your life around,
(into something true, into something true)
So turn your life around,
(into something true, something true)

We're setting the fires to light the way,
We're burning it all to begin again,
With hope in our hearts and bricks in our hands,
We sing for change.

The lyrics of this song are very revolutionary in nature. With the repeated words "We sing for change" throughout, it's hard not to think of it as calling for a revolution. The words "We're setting the fires to light the way, We're burning it all to begin again, with hope in our hearts and bricks in our hands," it is clear that the message that Rise Against is trying to get across is nothing short of anarchist.

-Ian Ihde

Ghost Mice

Ghost Mice is a folk-punk band that considers themselves anarchists.  The band says, "We sing a mix of personal and political lyrics, we are anarchist, we are dedicated to the DIY ethic and the struggle to make the world a better place."  Unlike many other anarchist bands, Ghost Mice sings optimistically, looking to teach its listeners important lessons about life, and is also in a lighter genre.  They also sing about their visions for stable anarchist societies, but do not bash the government as other anarchist bands typically do.  Ghost Mice says, "We play music and travel for fun and to meet new people. Music is our lives. We love travel. We are nice and a little shy."  And from that quote, we can see another side of anarchism in music.

- DEREK HOLDEN

Jonny 5 + Yak (Predecessor to the band "Flobots") - Onomatopoeia

Jonny 5 + Yak (Predecessor to the band "Flobots") - Onomatopoeia
Lyrics:


East Timorese, Guatemala and Mumia. The beast seems to reach where they've got a walletful of wealth, so COINTELPRO police goin' to hell "NO JUSTICE NO PEACE" is the onomatopoeia.

Well, anyway, somehow hip hop's no fun now. It's all been done now. So I stall my puns, wow.
But then I recall my one vow is to bust this bubble of injustice, subtly. What'll we muddle up if we bum rush this plush system? UmÉgood if we crush this one. But maybe puddle's of blood'll be the rebuttle. I stood in the huddle, but would I risk lung trouble? Could I lift guns that'll take life? 'Cause there isn't a stunt double or a fake knife. So should I just run cuddle up with a great wife and make life-erotically perpetuating paradise on the late night, melodically. U.S. invading places like we got a key to every door. The people never see the war when we plan to slaughter smaller villages, killing woman to man to daughter. All of us'd really feel ill if we knew who we hand a lot of dollars to, so my soliloquy is bananas-- like Guatamala. Hands Off Asaata! While ya'll feast in the belly of the hairy beast, somebody better free Mumia, at the very least, release Leonard Peltier. Try to keep the peace by yourself. Where can you police the police? East Timorese health care fees increased. I wonder how it felt there when bombs scorched the nation with Tomohawk contracts from Textron (checks for the next welfare mom corporation).

East Timorese, Guatemala and Mumia. The beast seems to reach where they've got a walletful of wealth, so COINTELPRO police goin' to hell "NO JUSTICE NO PEACE" is the onomatopoeia.

D.A.R.E. Drugs Are Really Expensive. Drug Availability Reflects Extensive Dependence. And Real Educated Descendants are Able to Respect Even Deadbeat's Amendments. Racist Enforcement Deployed Aggressively. RED-blooded Americans React Excessively, Directly Attacking Recreation, Eventually Destroying A Relatively Elementary Drive to Alter Reality, Essentially Dimension Advancement; Radical Enhancement. Dangers Are Real--Especially Drinking Alcohol, Right? Except it's Distinctly All Right: Elite-Declared Appropriate; Rationalized, Enjoyable. Dope and Ritalin Employable Dose After Red-Eyed Dose. Aboriginal Religions Each Denote A Reincarnation, Exploration, Done Again Re-experience Elation. Drug Abuser Reincarceration Efforts Don't Allow for Rehabilitation. Effect: Does Anybody Really Expect Dealers Are Responsible Exclusively? Deep-seated Apathy Reflects Existing Dissatisfaction: Another Reclusive. D. A. Readily Eradicates. Dramatic Ad's Ridiculously Exaggerate. Drugs Aren't Restricted Evenly. End the War on Drugs immediately

East Timorese, Guatemala and Mumia. The beast seems to reach where they've got a walletful of wealth, so COINTELPRO police goin' to hell "NO JUSTICE NO PEACE" is the onomatopoeia.

"No Justice, No Peace" is one tough phrase in an unjust world, living unjust days. Must gray guns delay stuff from bloomin'? What's the way you can trust to stay human? Cracks in the street, a crease in the sky and it might spell doom but at least I try to keep gloom from whom ever 'til the whole things boomin', zoomin' on in on my blue piece of pie. I have it and eat it too. I need it to inspire me to watch, stay seated through the whole fractal, stay on track 'til the end, treat moments like eternity, learnin' that time bends. Find tens of tendencies in friends and plenty of these blend with trends I see in many of my enemies. "By any means necessary" that's convincing. If you want a house you break the wood fence but believin' in God doesn't make good sense so I listen to the words of a madman,

"--If it's wrong why don't you arrest us?
--Why don't you get out in front of the camera and go on?
--It's not a matter of being in front of the county, it's a matter of facing your Sheriff, and facing your Judge. We're willing to be beaten for democracy!!"

When he turned the other cheek never seen such fiest. Can't wait for peace, he's a fool for Christ, lookin back through the last two millenniums of similar minds, and life's not fair but they're kind. Waiting for justice is just too gradual. My natural sound's got to be more radical:10,000 pacifists-- top rank is a lunatic starin' down a tank.

East Timorese, Guatemala and Mumia. The beast seems to reach where they've got a walletful of wealth, so COINTELPRO police goin' to hell "NO JUSTICE NO PEACE" is the onomatopoeia.

A quick read-through of the lyrics of this song shows an obvious revolutionary attitude.  It is very liberal in nature and very strongly pro-rights of the individual.  It talks about problems, issues, and revolutions going on around the world and many things that the writer (Jaimie Laurie) dislikes about how the United States government functions.  While revolutionary, this song specifically supports a peaceful resolution to the conflicts and problems it addresses.  Going through other lyrics written by Jamie and the rest of the Flobots, shows a very strong will to make a change in society.

-Ian Ihde

Refused Party Program

Refused- Refused Party Program


Lyrics:

[Spoken:]
In the wake of our existence, in our parades and in our dances;
touch, see and behold the wisdom of the party program.
Essential in our lifetime and irresistible in our touch,
the great spirits proclaim that
capitalism is indeed organized crime and we are all the victims.
This next one is called Refused Party Program.

(Analysis:  Expressing frustration with the current economy/system)

This is the pulse, this is the sound
This is the beat of a new generation

(Analysis: Wanting to make change for "a new generation")


This is the movement, this is the rhythm
This is the noise of revolution
Yeah! Yeah! Arrrrh!

(Analysis:  Showing support for a revolutionary movement)

Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!


Refused party program
Refused party program
Refused party program
Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!
Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!
Yeah!


Although not necessarily the textbook example of "Anarchist" this song definitely voices strong opinions about Capitalism and wanting a revolution.  The "Refused Party Program" refers to a fictitious, or possibly metaphorical, political party that promotes radical change.

-Ian Ihde

Peregrine - Reduced to Ashes

Lyrics for Peregrine's "Reduced to Ashes":

Rendition of WSEE (CBS affiliate) in Erie, PA newscast on Sept. 9^th while Kevin being subpoenaed by the FBI to appear before the Grand Jury was front page news:....

So what does E.L.F. want? Why are they committing these criminal acts? We spoke to a local terrorism expert [Dr. Jeffrey Bloodworth] at Gannon University.....

.. ..

“They're against modernity, they're against the 20th century if you read their literature they intend, Kevin Tucker if you read what he says, wants society to devolve back into small hunter gathering clans. They call themselves anarchists and they believe modern society is oppressive.” ....

.. ..

Under the night, beyond their eyes, the ghosts of wildness smile upon us now. Words we can not say now turned to action. And in the morning, they’ll see this war has two sides. ....

For all that exist, for all that has been cleared away. Exposed machinery tonight will be consumed in flames. These actions negate your legality. The hand of Progress has been stayed. ....

Shackles, interrogation, their prisons, their profits; their jails detain, but they can’t kill this rage. ....

For all the rivers, for all the lives lost, for all the cages, for all the oil spilt; this contagious disease, all the needless blood spilt. For all the mines, for the industry, for all the toxins, for this misery; for all their laws, for our ancestors, for all of those maligned by history.....

Reduced to ashes. Reduced to ashes, their world, this throne to Progress. Reduced to ashes, their dreams of conquest complete. ....

And there’s no conceit to think that this war has been won. For every fire set, for every animal unleashed; these acts remind us, of our own need to be free. Our time will come and this fight is ours. ....

Reduced to ashes our time will come. Reduced to ashes their progress lies undone.....

This song appeals to a more radical and violent form of anarchy.  It talks of negating legality, unleashing animals, setting fires, and reducing things to ashes.  It speaks out against "Progress", pollution, and needless killing in the form of war.  In the quote that mentions Kevin Tucker, an anarcho-primitivist writer and speaker, we find:  "They call themselves anarchists and they believe modern society is oppressive."  From the lyrics that follow we can assert that Kevin Tucker and anarchism is being defended by the band.  They clearly believe modern society is oppressive and they speak of fighting against it.  They also say, "Words we can not say now turned to action."  It's hard to tell whether the band actually advocates such radical anarchism or if it's just appealing to it.  After all, the band is not out starting fires and wrecking havoc; they are merely writing songs and playing music.  Maybe the band looks up to people who literally fight for the cause but they are not willing to physically defend it themselves.  Or maybe it's just a more harsh and stimulating way to approach their anarchist music than merely pointing out the government's flaws as so many other artists do.  It could be meant to attract more attention.

 - DEREK HOLDEN

Peregrine - You've Been Warned

Peregrine is a heavy metal band with anarchist roots.  The song "You've Been Warned" is a good example of this.  The lyrics are as follows:

Fuck what they taught us, fuck what they say. The other shoe drops spewing the vomit of industry. They can’t save 6 billion victims of their civilized delusions. The pundits, the preachers deny what we say, but the consequence of their logic is suffocating on its last breath. Economic devastation, the collapse of their illusion. They scream for religion, they scream for false hope, anything to look to as the inevitable comes crashing. They built a fortune from their lies. Their palaces worshipped as shrines. Wavering decadance before our eyes, just to keep us all in line. We’re simply pawns in their game. Serving the architects of our lives. Accepting everything will be fine, as domestication keeps us blind. The feeling starts to subside. Elated to recognize. That the death of society, won’t be the end for us all. They’ve taken so much away, yearning to be whole again. The wildness beckoning, setting the soul free. Seeing to the chance to be free, the body follows. The cage eroding, being the final shove. Under the veil of Progress, so much as been stolen away. Stuck with the hollow feeling of what they’ve taken from me. Under the veil of Progress, our earth withers away, they’ve cut and mined all that’s left of me. The lethargic state of our empathy, covers the void of our shattered communities. Beyond their world of lies, is our primal anarchy, accepting that is what sets me free. The course has been set. The path of Progress dead ends. It’s been played out before, the light begins to fade. Unfolding before me, the fabric of domesticity. It’s already begun. The primal is reborn. Like new growth breaking soil. Life stemming from decay. As we shed our fears, wildness shows the way. As it all comes crashing around us now, just know that you’ve been warned.

This song illustrates that government has "taken so much away" from the people.  It talks of "economic devastation" and "palaces", which assures us that the pronoun "they" refers to the government.  The key line in this song is "Beyond their world of lies, is our primal anarchy, accepting that is what sets me free."  This song argues that anarchy is primal and natural and true, as it warns of government's imminent doom.

 - DEREK HOLDEN

Sandinista!

Their next album “Sandinista!” was also extremely political, including songs about not only British politics, but about leftist revolutions around the world, the US draft, and covert military operations. The song “Washington Bullets” was their most specific and extensive political statement where they commented on the tortures occurring in Chile, the Bay of Pigs in Cuba, the revolution in Nicaragua, Soviet killings in Afghanistan, and communist China’s interference in Tibet.

“As every cell in Chile will tell
The cries of the tortured men
Remember Allende, and the days before,
Before the army came
Please remember Victor Jara,
In the Santiago Stadium,
Es verdad - those Washington Bullets again

And in the Bay of Pigs in 1961,
Havana fought the playboy in the Cuban sun,
For Castro is a colour,
Is a redder than red,
Those Washington bullets want Castro dead
For Castro is the colour...
...That will earn you a spray of lead

For the very first time ever,
When they had a revolution in Nicaragua,
There was no interference from America
Human rights in America

Well the people fought the leader,
And up he flew...
With no Washington bullets what else could he do?

'N' if you can find a Afghan rebel
That the Moscow bullets missed
Ask him what he thinks of voting Communist...
...Ask the Dalai Lama in the hills of Tibet,
How many monks did the Chinese get?
In a war-torn swamp stop any mercenary,
'N' check the British bullets in his armoury
Que?
Sandinista!”

Eleni Mitoulis

London Calling

Their most well-known album, “London Calling,” was named number 8 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. The title track was partially influenced by the March 1979 nuclear accident on Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania. It also comments on rising unemployment, racial conflict, and drug use in Britain. Their lyrics about equality in job opportunities and racial equality are all anarchist ideals.

"The ice age is coming, the sun's zooming in
Meltdown expected, the wheat tastes so thin
Engines stop running, but I have no fear
'Cause London is drowning, and I live by the river

London calling to the imitation zone
Forget it, brother, you can go it alone
London calling to the zombies of death
Quit holding out, and draw another breath
London calling, and I don't wanna shoutBut while we were talking, I saw you nodding out
London calling, see we ain't got no Hyde
Except for that one with the yellowy eyes

The ice age is coming, the sun's zooming in
Engines stop running, the wheat tastes so thin
A nuclear error, but I have no fear
'Cause London is drowning, and I live by the river"

Eleni Mitoulis

Leftover Crack

The band Leftover Crack has been described as anarcho-punk.  Its 2004 album Fuck World Trade sparked much controversy, considering the title of the album and also the album cover, which shows  George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, and Rudy Giuliani standing in front of the towers as the second plane approaches.  Songs speak out about a number of social and political issues, and the band considers themselves, among other things, anarcho-communists.  Anti-Flag made guest appearances on this album as well.  The album was banned by several stores.

 - DEREK HOLDEN

P!NK- Dear Mr.President

In her song, "Dear Mr. President" P!NK focuses on criticizing the President of the United States and all other  politicians as well. The song suggests that the President and all other politicians are simply working for themselves, and not for others. 

 "Dear Mr. President,

Come take a walk with me.
Let's pretend we're just two people and
You're not better than me.
I'd like to ask you some questions if we can speak honestly."



These lyrics are very deep because the President is looked at as better then the rest of people on earth, and that anything he says is the most important. P!NK single handedly critiques the President by saying "How do you sleep while the rest of us cry?". The song came out while Bush was still  President and he refused to speak to P!NK when he asked about it. Bush became blamed for the economy, and even some blamed him for the terrorist attacks of 9/11. P!NK goes against everything Bush pushed for in her song, and became an anarchist because of it. 
http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/pink/dearmrpresident.html

- RYAN WINNICK

Green Day- Minority

"I want to be the minority

I don't need your authority
Down with the moral majority
'Cause I want to be the minority

I pledge allegiance to the underworld
One nation under dark
There of which I stand alone
A face in the crowd
Unsung, against the mold
Without a doubt
Singled out
The only way I know"

In this song, Green Day sings about how they do not want to fit in with the "majority", and instead become the "minority". The song is about doing things because YOU want to, not just because everyone is doing them. Green Day pledges to follow their heart and doesn't give a damn what anyone thinks about them, because as long as they are doing what they love, they will be happy. Green Day is part of the pop-punk rebellious movement and continues to produce such punk songs today. 

Motorhead and "Orgasmatron"

It is noteworthy that not only is Motorhead's lead singer, founder, and songwriter, Lemmy, an anarchist, but also that the band covered "Anarchy in the U.K." by  the Sex Pistols, which has been mentioned before as obviously anarchist in nature.

Furthermore is Motorhead's song "Orgasmatron".  The lyrics are as follows:

I am the one, Orgasmatron, the outstretched grasping hand
My image is of agony, my servants rape the land
Obsequious and arrogant, clandestine and vain
Two thousand years of misery, of torture in my name
Hypocrisy made paramount, paranoia the law
My name is called religion, sadistic, sacred whore.
I twist the truth, I rule the world, my crown is called deceit
I am the emperor of lies, you grovel at my feet
I rob you and I slaughter you, your downfall is my gain
And still you play the sycophant and revel in you pain
And all my promises are lies, all my love is hate
I am the politician, and I decide your fate
I march before a martyred world, an army for the fight
I speak of great heroic days, of victory and might
I hold a banner drenched in blood, I urge you to be brave
I lead you to your destiny, I lead you to your grave
Your bones will build my palaces, your eyes will stud my crown
For I am Mars, the god of war, and I will cut you down.

This song is basically a long hyperbole.  We get a bunch of apocalyptic imagery, being led to believe this Orgasmatron is some extraterrestrial monster, and then we're slammed with the truth in a simple statement:  "I am the politician, and I decide your fate".  From "emperor of lies" and "I rule the world" and "my crown is called deceit", we can see that this is no ordinary politician, but one that is high up.  The "servants" that "rape the land" are those who are below this politican and carry out his evil will.  "Two thousand years of misery, of torture in my name" would then lead us to believe that the Orgasmatron is not a single political leader, but rather, a generalization of all the political leaders for a very, very long time.  Therefore, this song is not about just any modern-day politican, or even the president or a king, but the institution of government in general.

 - DEREK HOLDEN

Rise Against- Make It stop (September's Children)

The song “Make It Stop (September’s children) has various different meanings throughout. The song is about how being different such as a being a homosexual, is not accepted in today’s society. The title “Make It Stop” serves one meaning, to put bullying and treating people different to an end.

           

                      “Born free, but still they hate.

Born me, no I can't change.”

These lyrics mean that a person cannot change who they are simply because others begin to hate, and in some cases it can bring them to the edge.

“Bang bang from the closet walls,

The schoolhouse halls,

The shotgun's loaded.

Push me and I'll push back.

I'm done asking, I demand.”

Continuing from the other set of lyrics is that once someone is bullied to their limit for simply just being themselves, they cannot hold it inside anymore. School shootings and violent crimes are a way kids in today’s society release their emotions and feelings.  Rise Against wrote these lyrics I believe in order for those listening, to make it all stop. 

http://www.metrolyrics.com/make-it-stop-lyrics-rise-against.html

- RYAN WINNICK

Green Day

I think someone may have mentioned Green Day previously, but I also wanted to comment on their music. Green Day is infamous for being an alternative punk-rock band that brought about a new style with the emergence of their first singles. As their music progressed, they produced several songs that are very anti-government, especially with that of the American Idiot album.
This album contains a song titled "American Idiot"that feature lyrics against the American government.

"Don't want to be an American idiot.
Don't want a nation under the new media
And can you hear the sound of hysteria?
The subliminal mind fuck America.
Welcome to a new kind of tension.
All across the alien nation.
Where everything isn't meant to be okay.
Television dreams of tomorrow.
We're not the ones who're meant to follow.
For that's enough to argue.
Well maybe I'm the faggot America.
I'm not a part of a redneck agenda.
Now everybody do the propaganda.
And sing along to the age of paranoia.
Welcome to a new kind of tension.
All across the alien nation.
Where everything isn't meant to be okay.
Television dreams of tomorrow.
We're not the ones who're meant to follow.
For that's enough to argue.
Don't want to be an American idiot.
One nation controlled by the media.
Information age of hysteria.
It's calling out to idiot America.
Welcome to a new kind of tension.
All across the alien nation.
Where everything isn't meant to be okay.
Television dreams of tomorrow.
We're not the ones who're meant to follow.
For that's enough to argue."

This song is directed against the Bush administration, referring to President George Bush as having "a redneck agenda," showing an obvious disagreement to the administration. Singer Billy Joe Armstrong also refers to America as "one nation controlled by the media," meaning that the people are corrupted by the media and what the government allows the media to publish.
Starting the song and repeating the line "Don't wanna be an American idiot," shows the view that America is so corrupted by the Bush administration that it is not even worth being an American, as that makes you appear as an idiot. The song as a whole makes reference to the idea that perhaps Americans have been brainwashed ("subliminal mindfuck America") to believe that we have a good government administration in place, when there are truly flaws.
Green Day does not identify as an anarchist band, but certainly show anti-government messages in their song "American Idiot" by disagreeing with the Bush administration and demonstrating how we are all idiots for voting and believing in this type of government.

-Julianne Fleck

http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/greenday/americanidiot.html

Lemmy / Motorhead's "Take the Blame"

Ian Fraser "Lemmy" Kilmister, the founder and songwriter of the band Motorhead, as well as musician in it, himself identifies as an anarchist.  He was quoted as saying, "Government causes more problems than it solves."  An example of Lemmy's anarchist beliefs can be found in Motorhead's song "Take the Blame".  The lyrics are as follows:

You can see the way we do it here
You will be alright if you can change
You can be a rich man, you can start to climb.
Get into the rhythm, step into the line.
Politicians eat your words
Prohibition that's a joke
Exhibition of the criminally insane
You can take the money,
but can you take the blame
You can take the money,
but can you take the blame
You can be the new arising star
You can be the super new-wave boy
You can be a tyrant, you can rule by fear
That's the way they like it, stick it in their ear
Politicians eat your words
Prohibition that's a joke
Put your own children in Jail with a shame
You can take the money,
but can you take the blame
You can take the money,
but can you take the blame
Politician swine, you make me wanna puke
Waste my money, waste my time.
going by the book
Education fails no need to teach the poor
They just get in the way, until we have a war.
until we have a war...
You will never sorrow for your friends
You will never miss them for a day
You will be a hero, you will be a king
Get into the money, get into the swing
Politicians eat your words
Prohibition that's a joke
You can't fool everybody, you should be ashamed
You can take the money,
but can you take the blame
You can take the money,
but can you take the blame
See you on TV, you talk and talk and talk
Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah
Liars, thieves and dorks
You may be in control,
so how come you're so scared
Is it because you feel, the hatred everywhere,
the hatred everywhere

This song focuses on politicians' rule by fear and money and speaks out harshly against them, saying "Politician swine, you make me wanna puke".  The song implies that they are to blame for something, or more likely, many things, yet they won't take the blame.  They're accused of being hated everywhere and feeling scared because of it.  This song takes a strong stance against government by attacking all who take part in it.

 - DEREK HOLDEN

Eminem- White America

The song “White America” by rapper Eminem is one of his most powerful and controversial songs.  In the song, Eminem talks about how music is censored in today’s society, and parents are not letting their children listen to certain songs. Eminem believes that he should be able to rap about anything, and that anybody should have the say if they want to listen to it or not.  In the line, "I go to TRL look how many hugs I get", he is talking about how his fans of all ages support him, and how there shouldn’t be censorship in the media.  The sense of sarcasm when he says, “How many people are proud to be citizens of this beautiful Country of ours?” just goes to show how much he thinks the government is a joke. Eminem has no limits and since he does not believe in censorship, expresses his TRUE feelings. 

http://www.lyricinterpretations.com/Eminem/White-America

- RYAN WINNICK

Flux Of Pink Indians (Some Of Us Scream, Some Of Us Shout)

The heavy hitting anarcho-punk English band first started producing songs in 1980. Violinist Colin Birkett, his brother Derek, drummer Martin Wilson and guitarist Kevin Hunter made up the band. The band provided a mixture of funk and protest tunes to their audience. The band only released 3 LP’s, with one being banned in select stores. Their 2^nd LP titled, “The Fucking Cunts Treat Us Like Pricks”, was very offensive based on the title alone.  To date it is still one of the most offensive and vulgar album titles ever to be produced. In their hit song titled “Some Of Us Scream, Some Of Us Shout”, the Flux Of Pink Indians sing about war, and what society thinks is acceptable.

            “billions spent on destroying the world while millions starve, where did we go wrong?

where did we go wrong? maybe you don't think that this is wrong?we as one are saying

feed starving people

             fuck your bombs”

Just from these lyrics above you can see what they thought of the government and the idea of spending money for war, rather then spending it on those in need. The Flux Of Pink Indians never did reach their goal of becoming super stars, but along the road revolted, protested and said everything they wanted to their fans. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gqL0wcGlFM

- RYAN WINNICK

Impeach the President

Immortal Techniques song “Impeach the President” takes a stab at George Bush. The first verse, by Saigon, claims he should find Osama himself, he’s the reason the 9/11 planes got hijacked, and hesitated during Katrina. The song is full of suggestions on what Bush could or should have done better. The entire chorus is the line “impeach the president”. He recognizes the connection between America and Al-Qaeda and says that Dick Cheney is the puppet master over Bush. This song makes bold statements and the whole subject of the song is impeachment. “Impeach the President” holds controversy and is one of the more powerful rap songs to be against the government.

(Saigon)
When tupac comes back the beef is on, W.
You wonder why the Black and Latin people don't love ya,
well I'm first, we can start with the church,
you're politicizing religion, you and your father's the worst.
And um, next: Ya'll took welfare cheques,
give us diseases and then collect health care debts?
(Whatever, what else?)
You only think about yourself,
You sendin' niggas to war while your rifle is on the shelf
George, you're something else.
Osama, (???)
1000 times worser than you, find him your fucking self.
And why act like you care about the troops in Iraq
'cause if you did, you would let them fly back.
It's because of you that those planes got hijacked,
You're also the reason Katrina victims had to die like that.
They say you was hesitant, we say you was negligent.
It's about time for niggas to

(Chorus)
Impeach the President
Impeach the President
Impeach the President
Impeach the President


(M-1)
How many times do I gotta state my position
Before ya'll say "This lip service, he's wishin'."
I been organizing, I've got a thousand petitions
Been up before sunrise, writing. I'm on a mission.
If I could be president, I would lower the rent
And make stic.man my secretary of defense.
My whole cabinet would be niggas who ain't havin' it.
You think it's fucked up now?
Just watch how bad it gets.


(Just Blaze)
Invasion!
I'll push Bush off the White House room (?),
Calling chickens coming home to roost, it's overdue.
Niggas taken advantage of, taken for granted.
For the hungry, for the 'hood, for the good of the planet.
But not to get it twisted, Bush is only a figurehead,
It's bigger yet. The whole system needs to be put to death.
If I was president, then I'd get rid of the whole office
Pimp the system, (???)


(Chorus)
(Motherfuckers don't realize how serious this mother fucking shit is.)

(Immortal Technique)
Either stand him, wear the rifle or reach him,
or some bitch give him a blow job so we can impeach him.
Teach the mother fucker about the drama I bring
And cut Dick Cheney's hands off for pulling the strings.
This is for all my niggas locked in the P
that'll never see the sun until the revolution is bring.
George Bush: the puppet king of the planet.
Nigga, he don't care about the marriage of faggots,
he's got a supreme court full of religious fanatics.
Let me break down the mechanics:
Al-Qaeda and America been doin' business well,
they're tighter than Interscope and (??).
From the patriot act to rape in Iraq to
Russia's war with Afghanistan taking it back to Texas.
W, your state is the most polluted
and you had the most niggas executed.
Now you're born again, alcohol is (??) the garden.
Yeah, dog, I read the book your friends wrote
insert the footnotes about how you used to sniff coke,
frontin' like drug-free role models in harmony.
Your family in florida lives in a pharmacy.
Corporate larceny, tax cuts, that's how you started
Twelve IQ points from being fuckin' retarded.
So I gotta represent what i sell, niggas
-Skye Coady

Bin Laden

Immortal Technique is renowned for his powerful lyrics and strong views on the government. In his song "Bin Laden", Immortal Technique starts off the song saying he doesn't pledge allegiance and disses the president’s words. He brings up a good point that says if you speak badly about the government; the Patriot Act will easily be used to persecute you. The government will frame you and shut you up completely. He also states how Al-Qaeda is funded by the USA and how all politicians are fake. Mos Def sings the chorus with Jadakiss claiming that George Bush was behind the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

[Mos Def - talking]
Man, you hear this bullshit they be talkin'
Every day, man
It's like these motherfuckers is just like professional liars
YouknowwhatI'msayin? It's wild
Listen

[Hook - Mos Def]
Bin Laden didn't blow up the projects
It was you, nigga
Tell the truth, nigga
(Bush knocked down the towers)--[Jadakiss]
Tell the truth, nigga
(Bush knocked down the towers)--[Jadakiss]
Tell the truth, nigga

Bin Laden didn't blow up the projects
It was you, nigga
Tell the truth, nigga
(Bush knocked down the towers)--[Jadakiss]
Tell the truth, nigga
(Bush knocked down the towers)--[Jadakiss]

[Verse 1 - Immortal Technique]
I pledge no allegiance, nigga fuck the president's speeches
I'm baptized by America and covered in leeches
The dirty water that bleaches your soul and your facial features
Drownin' you in propaganda that they spit through the speakers
And if you speak about the evil that the government does
The Patriot Act'll track you to the type of your blood
They try to frame you, and say you was tryna sell drugs
And throw a federal indictment on niggaz to show you love
This shit is run by fake Christians, fake politicians
Look at they mansions, then look at the conditions you live in
All they talk about is terrorism on television
They tell you to listen, but they don't really tell you they mission
They funded Al-Qaeda, and now they blame the Muslim religion
Even though Bin Laden, was a CIA tactician
They gave him billions of dollars, and they funded his purpose
Fahrenheit 9/11, that's just scratchin' the surface

[Hook - Mos Def]
Bin Laden didn't blow up the projects
It was you, nigga
Tell the truth, nigga
(Bush knocked down the towers)--[Jadakiss]
Tell the truth, nigga
(Bush knocked down the towers)--[Jadakiss]
Tell the truth, nigga

Bin Laden didn't blow up the projects
It was you, nigga
Tell the truth, nigga
(Bush knocked down the towers)--[Jadakiss]
Tell the truth, nigga
(Bush knocked down the towers)--[Jadakiss]

[Verse 2 - Immortal Technique]
They say the rebels in Iraq still fight for Saddam
But that's bullshit, I'll show you why it's totally wrong
Cuz if another country invaded the hood tonight
It'd be warfare through Harlem, and Washington Heights
I wouldn't be fightin' for Bush or White America's dream
I'd be fightin' for my people's survival and self-esteem
I wouldn't fight for racist churches from the south, my nigga
I'd be fightin' to keep the occupation out, my nigga
You ever clock someone who talk shit, or look at you wrong?
Imagine if they shot at you, and was rapin' your moms
And of course Saddam Hussein had chemical weapons
We sold him that shit, after Ronald Reagan's election
Mercenary contractors fightin' a new era
Corporate military bankin' off the war on terror
They controllin' the ghetto, with the failed attack
Tryna distract the fact that they engineerin' the crack
So I'm strapped like Lee Malvo holdin' a sniper rifle
These bullets'll touch your kids, and I don't mean like Michael
Your body be sent to the morgue, stripped down and recycled
I fire on house niggaz that support you and like you
Cuz innocent people get murdered in the struggle daily
And poor people never get shit and struggle daily
This ain't no alien conspiracy theory, this shit is real
Written on the dollar underneath the Masonic seal

(I don't rap for dead presidents
I'd rather see the president dead
It's never been said but I set precedents)--[Eminem]

[Hook - Mos Def]
Bin Laden didn't blow up the projects
It was you, nigga
Tell the truth, nigga
(Bush knocked down the towers)--[Jadakiss]
Tell the truth, nigga
(Bush knocked down the towers)--[Jadakiss]
Tell the truth, nigga

Bin Laden didn't blow up the projects
It was you, nigga
Tell the truth, nigga
(Bush knocked down the towers)--[Jadakiss]
Tell the truth, nigga
(Bush knocked down the towers)--[Jadakiss]

(Shady Records was 80 seconds away from the towers
Some cowards fucked with the wrong building, they meant to hit ours)-- [Eminem]

-Skye Coady