I've heard this song so many times when I was like 10, and I never really listened to it again until now. Back then I just thought of it as another cool rock song, but now that I'm older I can see the actual message 💯 pretty bizarre to me personally, especially with all that's going on right now
What makes me laugh is that one BBC radio station actually had Rage on a morning show playing this track in a live studio in the promotion campaign and they had “assurances” from the band that they wouldn’t say “fuck”. Guess how that turned out when one of the core messages of the song is “fuck you I won’t do what you tell me” and standing up against oppressive authority? 😜
The best thing about Rage Against the Machine is that after 30 years their music is still relevant. The worst thing about Rage Against the Machine is that after 30 years their music is still relevant 😢
I just made that almost exact same (now deleted) comment. Dude did stuff on the guitar that no one had ever thought of (or at least never thought to put on an album).
@@davidkulmaczewski4911 Yes. The whole point of marxist analysis of capitalism is that there is no ethical consumption under capitalism, which is a system that is literally all encompassing in our daily lives. Communism is not about being poor, it ain't a lifestyle. Socialism as a precursor to communism is about being paid fully for your work without the exploitation of profit, which is actually a huge problem in the music industry. The fact that Rage is rich and still advocating against the rich speaks volumes to their wholesomeness.
In an interview back in the 90's they asked Zack and Tom why they don't finish the line "killing in the name of" and they said that they intentionally left it open-ended because people always have a cause they believe in to justify killing other people. There is a live version where the lyrics flip back and forth between "some of those who work forces" and "some of those who hold office".
They also changed the line "Those that died are justified for wearing the badge and you're chosen white." In the original 1992 album, they said "cloaks in white" which is an even bigger reference to the KKK.
While not untrue, I think a bigger issue is the state of authoritarianism and swine being pretty damn near immune to ALL the crimes and injustices they commit and it's not letting up.
In a lot of their shows, Zach will actually use those lyrics in the second verse. Can't confirm they were supposed to be the original, but I've heard it live
My dad listened to them when I was younger and I've always had a feeling that was what they said then I got older and listened to them and I didn't hear it so i just assumed I heard it wrong when I was kid. Never thought about looking it up.
As a middle class white kid who graduated HS in 1991 Rage Against the Machine had a lot of parallels to music I was already listening to. The lyrics really opened up my mind and my heart and led me to understand the world from a view I wasn't born into.
im much younger but I grew up listening to ROTM and a lot of that era heavy music and sad to say later in life for a while I was a right wing boot licker kind of imposed by my military time, wasn't until covid when I had the curtains pulled back again. spent a lot of time learning about the world and seeing the plights of the population. all the mass shootings, gov corruption, police killings. brought me back to this ROTM mind set.
This song is 30 years old and came out as a response to the beating of Rodney King. The best and saddest part about Rage Against the Machine is that their lyrics are always relevant. RATM was a very politically charged and forceful band that had a lot of good shit to say and the talent to back it up.
Yes and their audience was mostly white teenagers that had no idea about this stuff. It was very educational for me and my friends who lived in a town of 25,000 where 24,980 were white and the police were everybody's friend.
@@blahblahblah6698 You're hysterical. Go tell that to Zack de la Rocha and Tom Morello who wrote the song and said it's about institutional racism and police brutality. Jeez, you guys.
@@blahblahblah6698 Ah so the protests about cops killing people that are disproportionately black that are happening now are not in any way connected to the protests about the cops beating up Rodney King which started the LA riots and were the cause of this song? Yeah, no. And no arguments from you are going to persuade me otherwise so let's just go our separate ways here bud.
"bro wtf noise is that??" That, sir, is the legendary guitarist Tom Morello. Any crazy sounds, scratching, etc. you hear in rage is Tom. He's a fucking mastermind when it comes to that 6 string. You never have and never will hear another guitarist like him. MORE RAGE!!! Love these videos. It's so interesting to hear a different race speak on music that has influenced me. I love it. Love the viewpoints on the things I'd have never considered, nor have experienced. Keep these videos coming brother!!!
@@Internetvideoaccount Hey, that's how I got into Rage. Before Guitar Hero, I'd only ever heard Killing in the Name and just kinda dismissed it; the inclusion of Bulls on Parade and the guitar battle with Tom made me look into their catalog more. Shit, I was in high school when Guitar Hero was fresh and entered in a GH tournament; I picked Bulls on Parade for the song and played the entire thing in the auditorium with my back to the screen because I'd played it enough to memorize it. I lost because my opponent was just leagues better than me, but that was still one of my favorite things I've ever done, everyone thought I was nuts.
I love how Zach uses repetition and sloganeering to make his point crystal fucking clear. He has the ability to rail off line after line, but that choice to repeat was intentional and makes the song so timeless
I was watching The Charismatic Voice break this song down ( shoutout!) and she observed that the minor tone inflections he used every time he repeated ‘some of those…’ translated into something slightly different every time. She wasn’t wrong.
@@SomeKindOfThing Not only to white folks, because Rage Against The Machine wasn't only listened by Americans. Oppressed minorities all over the world are represented when hearing this song. This is only new information to ignorant rich kids.
Rebecca Benway yup LAPD was the most corrupt police department from like the 1920’s up until the 90’s. They’re still mostly heartless pigs but compared to other departments they’re not as crazy as they used to be.
In a time like this, we need Rage Against The Machine again. They were mad 30 years ago about what everyone else is mad about right now. Zack de la Rocha was the voice of a lot of angry people who were being done wrong. From the song's Wikipedia page: ..."Written about revolution against institutional racism and police brutality, "Killing in the Name" is widely recognized as the band's signature song, and has been noted for its distinctive guitar riffs and for the line "Some of those that work forces are the same that burn crosses"... ..."Killing in the Name" has been described as "a howling, expletive-driven tirade against the ills of American society." The uncensored version contains the word "fuck" 17 times. The song builds in intensity, as Zack de la Rocha chants the line "Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me", murmuring the line the first four times, building in a crescendo the next four times and screaming angrily the line the final eight times culminating with De La Rocha's screaming "Motherfucker!" The song alludes to the history of US police forces being a white supremacist organization such as the Ku Klux Klan, whose symbol is the burning cross. The BBC News website refers to it as railing against "the military-industrial complex, justifying killing for the benefit of, as the song puts it, the chosen whites." The song reflects the racial tensions that exist in the United States; it was released six months after the Los Angeles Riots, which were triggered by the acquittal of four white police officers who beat black motorist Rodney King"...
The “chosen whites” are KKK robes, specifically. The line is talking about how the deaths of some cops is justified because they chose to wear a badge AND kkk robes.
"The song alludes to the history of US police forces being a white supremacist organization such as the Ku Klux Klan, whose symbol is the burning cross. " It's also literal, that there are police officers that are also in the KKK and other white supremacist groups.
the RATM front man is featured on the newest Run The Jewels album, which I recommend. Also check out FEVER333 for a Rage Against the Machine meets Linkin Park vibe. When the protests started their song Burn It was on my heavy rotation
Tom Morello is an amazing guitarist and has been a socio-political activist for decades. Check him out. He is an articulate, educated warrior for the disenfranchasied and forgotten.
Perhaps he would like to share his wealth? I love rage against the machine, but they sure know how to take advantage of a bad situation. This album made them millions. Tom Morello is all talk and no action.
these videos give me such chills because I imagine I'm the one hearing them for the first time, also the message of this song is sadly proven to be timeless and relevant :/
I've watched a lot of reactions to this song. You're the first who's had absolute clarity about the meaning and implications of the lyrics on your first listen. Dope reaction!
Well said. Although a really powerful song, this particular track doesn't demonstrate De La Rocha's lyrical ability at all. Something like Take The Power Back or Bombtrack would probably have been a better introduction to RATM. Dude's got bars.
The best shit about RATM albums is the disclaimer: "no samples, keyboards or synthesizers used in the making of this record. All sounds made by voice, guitars, bass, and drums" in their liner notes.
I had never heard ratm before they're 1st album but I remember vividly well being at a record store in 93 and coming across the album art work and reading that same disclaimer was all I needed to buy the record. Once I listened to Timmy C. riff on Bombtrack it was an instant hook.
They played it live on the BBC and "promised" they wouldn't say "Fuck" in the song. They get to the big Fuck You I Won't Do What You Tell Me bit and just let rip. Live on BBC1.
EN3NRA Jimmy Page. Jimi Hendrix. Kirk Hammett. Dave Mustaine. Richie Blackmore. B.B. King. Malmsteen. Vai. Vernon Reid. Satriani. Iommai. Rhoades. Etc... Tom is great but he relies mostly on his digitech whammy pedal.
@@UltraViolent21 lol not the same way in the fucking slightest my dude. His style is like no others. And Dimes tone can be achieved by cranking up that treble and gain. When i hear Tom I KNOW its Tom. There is no mistaking his sound or style
There’s a great story about Tom getting a letter from a fan saying it sucks how they got political. Legend has it he responded, tell me which one of my songs *isnt* political, and I will take it out of my catalogue forever. Real one.
@@Glitchalicious yeah “legend has it” is a term of art, I don’t mean it’s an unconfirmed rumor. Doubly appropriate because dude is a legend at having it.
I saw them LIVE at Madison Square Garden (last August) and Zach sang, "Some of those who hold office are the same that burn crosses!" You never saw so many different people raise their fists!!! ✊🏼
"some of those that worked forces, are the same that burnt crosses" basically, the reason you don't see police closing down KKK rally's is the same reason you don't see Superman and Clarke Kent in the same room
This song was released in the mid 90s and back then as a young indigenous girl who was targeted by Police on the streets of Brisbane Australia because my uncle was a criminal and i had the same last name.. this song meant a lot to me.
I'm so sorry to hear that. It's honestly despicable how Australia is constantly overlooked around the world for being overt racists, we got concentration camps for refugees on Manus and Nauru and colonial "government" buildings on top of sacred indigenous places. I'm not sure if Australia can be redeemed at this point, but we've gotta try.
Honestly it's sad that still that aboriginal ppl still haven't been compensated in any way shape or form and their treatment in those 'prisons' in Queensland and the only escape for that is to try to make it in AFL and that's only a select few even in NAIDOC week the Australian government doesn't oppress enough recognition to the cultural significance of the traditional custodians of the land
The weird rhythmic "flip" that happened towards the beginning was actually something called a "metric modulation." They were playing triplets (1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3), and turned those triplets into straight eighth notes (1, 2, 1, 2, 1, 2). It feels quite abrupt, but there's a musical concept behind it that they actually executed flawlessly.
I love hearing shit like this. I'm not a music theory person, but had a friend I used to be close to who would nerd out on stuff like this and I loved listening to him go on about it.
You are the first person I found reacting to this song that clued in on the meaning of the lyrics immediately. Most people listen to it and like it because it hits hard, but have to be educated by their comment section on the true meaning of the song. Kudos.
if everyone just understood the meaning you wouldn't need the song. The music gives space to break your armour and let the actual message sit with you - even if you and that message don't talk right away. It's there sitting, waiting til you are ready.
When I was 13 I bought this CD. The CD came with a booklet with pictures and alternate lyrics. The alternative lyrics to this song are, "Some of those that hold office, are the same that burn crosses" Since they rhyme better, I assume they were the original lyrics.
Layedbak man you need to check out some more of their lyrically advanced stuff Zack D kills it I would recommend either Wake Up, Bulls on Parade, Take the Power Back or Know your enemy! 🤙
I've been listening to these guys for almost 20 years now, I also spent 20 years in the military and I can't tell you how many times I introduced this band to my black colleagues during that time. Every single time they were shocked there was a band out there spitting truths like this.
@Vishya Knewdat Yeah, maybe some context matters. There's a huge difference between making money off of selling records vs becoming a multi-multi-multi-million/billionaire off of the backs and taxes of the working class poor. They're not angry that someone made money and became rich, they're angry on how they're doing it. So you're criticizing something without even understanding the context in which their point is coming from, so your argument is invalid.
Toward the end of my last deployment, ever dumb ass email that came down from BN, I wanted to send back the a clip of "Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me."
This song, sadly, has not aged a day. As relevant today as the day it was released. And, just as visceral and loud as it still needs to be. "What the fuck noise is that?" That, sir, is Tom Morello. Absolute beast.
Rage Against the Machine is one of the best anti-establishment rock groups of all time. Not only can they shred with the legends of old, but their messages are so profound and relevant.
I find it sad and exciting to see so many young people, especially people of color experiencing music that is so powerful and that has been a battle cry or anthem for my generation for decades. These reaction videos are awesome, but they really show how compartmentalised we all are. Imagine how much more momentum this music could have caused if it were released into the right hearts and minds...30 years ago
Agreed! And I'm hearing this song for the 1st time today! I was a teen when this came out, & this kind of music wasn't in any realm of music played in my household or community! I'm realizing all the music I've missed! 😔
The song was speaking out but the bs was always there for poc. Its therapeutic to hear out esp as a form of expression and art. Also many suppress their anger and consume them, this song is an outlet to do something or at least defy.
When he says" fuck you, I won't do as you tell me" the first time, it's like he's saying it under his breath. And then it's like he's got nothing left to lose so he starts shouting it instead because he knows they can't do anything to him that they haven't done before. So what he's saying really is, what else can you do to me, everything I've tried upto now has had no effect, so all I have got left is defiance
@@alaustin there's something happening here, what it is ain't exactly clear. There's a man with a gun over there. Telling me I've got to beware. Timeless lyrics
TheBeavadelic There’s battle lines being drawn And nobody’s right, if everybody’s wrong Young people speaking their minds Getting so much resistance from behind
They are actually on tour right now (or were supposed to be but covid) with Zack back on vocals. EDIT: They've rescheduled their reunion tour to start June 3rd 2021 in El Paso, Texas.
In case anyone didn't know, this was Christmas number 1 in the UK in 2009 hahaaa... After a campaign to stop yet another X Factor winner taking it. It was glorious!
So my son sent me here, I use to tour with Rage in the 90s early 2000s when I should habe been at school...i gotta say...it makes me feel so good to see the youth finally catching up on us. Enjoy.
Rage released that song 29 years ago lead singer Zack de la Rocha is an activist with prophetic lyrics that stand the test of time - truth is truth. He is the REAL deal.!
They're one of the few bands to sing about topics like this consistently in their music and actually back it up with their actions. They received a lot of heat in the US for this song in particular and many stations wouldn't play it because of the language and the content.
This isn’t a Trash or Pass request, this is a “I can’t suggest listening to all of their albums enough” post. I can’t think of one song that isn’t political from them and it’s ALL still relevant today.
RaTM is Rock music as political as it can get. For me as a German, they were one of the reasons I learned this language. Just to understand what they are so upset about. And over the years I found out, I am upset for the very same reasons.
Another good Rage song is “Down Rodeo” Yeah, I'm rollin' down Rodeo with a shotgun These people ain't seen a brown-skinned man Since their grandparents bought one
That song came out in 1991, almost 30 years ago. Imagine if an all black group came out with that same message. NWA did just a few years prior and they were chastised as criminals. Rage against the Machine did it, and it’s dubbed a classic.
This is the reaction video that started it all for me three years ago, the first one I ever watched, and now I’m hundreds of hours into dozens upon dozens of reactions all because this was such a good intro.
"some of those who work forces" Forces as in force of arms. In this specific context, the police. "You justify Those that died By wearing the badge They're you're chosen whites" I don't think this one needs interpretation.
that is acually apart of the songs EP too just more noticable live but if you listen its the last section of the song the change it to," Some of those that hold office are the same that burn crosses " "Some of those up in congress are the same that burn crosses"
Dude this song was out way back in '92 They were keeping it real long before anyone else was even thinking about it (in this type of music) Glad it's still reaching new people today
Somebody probably has said this already but the original lyric wasn’t “some of those that work forces are the same that burn crosses”, it originally was “some of those that hold office”. Rumour has it their label told them not to say that.
Audioslave, RATM band with Chris Cornell as vocalist, performed this song at Berlin's Live 8 concert & sent out respect to Zack by singing his original lyric - some of those that hold office are the same that burn crosses - after the first chorus. Crowd went wild!!!
The thing that I love about this song is that it is so simple (it's basically 4 lines DRIVEN into you), but in the nearly 30 years since it was released it's simplicity is it's charm. It hasn't lost meaning, and it's as powerful as it ever was because of its simplicity.
This song was about the Rodney King Beating in LA. Easily one of their best, check out Bulls on Parade if you wanna see the guitarist turn his shit into a turntable. Tom Morello is one of the most influential guitarists of our time.
Another Band/song, that I spent my teenage years with. Being 15, in Australia, this was the type of tunes we smashed in our backyard parties. Im 33 now and I still give myself a headache, throwing my head around like it's the first time I ever heard it.
@@jaynefaulkner803 zack is the socio political commentator of that group, and in recent years guys like killer mike have been much more outspoken in their commentary and more insightful, its why you see zack and run the jewels collab on every record
“Those who died are justified. for wearing the badge, they’re the chosen whites” that chorus is 28 years old and still rings true today... We haven’t progressed as country the way we should have. BLACK LIVES MATTER! I love you, and I love your channel. 🖤
I’ve “known” this song for decades and it took BLM for me to really hear it for the first time recently. Mind blown. I’ve been noticing things lately that I’ve somehow never seen before. I wonder how much I’m still oblivious to.
JoJo TheOJ ..... I felt your words man. It’s chilling isn’t it? ...to realise that even when we all think we’ve always been awake and aware and in control, we are truly just manufactured sleeping cogs in this insidious oppressive wheel of government led fascism, white privilege and systemic oppression. I’m just thankful that OUR own wheels of resistance, knowledge and unity are finally starting to turn also. Let’s see who has the power once combined to win! I think RATM already knew the answer and had been trying to tell us in their lyrics..... WE hold the power. WE always have. This is why they work so hard to divide us, because if they don’t we will conquer. ☮️✌🏻✌🏼✌🏽✌🏾✌🏿💞
Yeah man. We know this but back in the early 90’s, this was considered WAY outside the box with the likes of Public Enemy and NWA. These guys were the rock voices that paralleled those in hip hop. And it’s crazy to think that not much has changed at all. Their music still holds up today 🔥
Just one of the best songs ever made. Imagine me, standing in the middle of a quiet normal club mid 90s, with a bunch of my friends, cut-off yeans, just a shirt short hair and totally freaking out. Yeah that was my time. :) Greetings from Germany! And yeah there are a lot of us who feel with you even if we do not share the same color or background. And i am sorry if my words do not fit perfectly, because English is not my native language.
I was happy to see you reacting/reviewing "Killing In The Name" during this time in history. Your reaction and comments was extremely genuine and I liked seeing that. I hope you give the rest of the RATM Catalog a listen, they have some fantastic lyrics and messages in their work, and they use their music to get the word out. Use their nuggets of information to research and build upon your own knowledge. Peace and Love.
Rage Against The Machine is one of the few bands that can write deep powerful song in the fewest words, one of the only bands that don't beat around a bush and very straightforward with how they feel and think.
One of coolest reactions I’ve seen to this, one of my favorite all time songs. He was shakin and quakin with the beat and you could see he felt this song from the top of his head down into the asshole. And he understood the message and made it relevant to what’s happening in 2020. This is the best song for standing up to oppression I ever heard. First Laydbak video I’ve seen but he is obviously brilliant
“Some of those that work forces are the same that burn crosses.” -“We already know.” You’re so right. But see all those white kids moshing 25 years ago? They need to hear this. Repetitively. That might have helped people stand up now like you’re talking about at the end. Thank you for your thoughts and words.
Now you have to react to Denzel Curry's cover of Bulls on Parade. I don't think this was a good song selection for a first listen though, since it's confusing to new listeners. But you should, on your own time, check out the Evil Empire album. That's their best one, in my opinion. Every song is a banger.
He picked up what the song was about tho? This song is perfect to listen to right now . But yes he definitely needs to listen to denzels cover. I actually enjoy it more and I never thought I’d be able to say that
Love listening to your analysis of this song. I first heard this song when I was 13yrs old, 27yrs ago, and it still sends shivers down my back! Love your message! Self love and positivity all the way!
It's a beautiful thing watching someone take in the meaning of a song that's almost 30 years old and perhaps even more relevant than when it was written.
Go figure, I always heard it as some of those that "run" forces are the same that burn. I always took it as meeting this: the government's made up of racists.
Some of those that work (police) forces Imagine that! A guy who spent his entire school career being a bully can get paid to do all the things he used to do for free!
This song still rings true years later. It's sad. My fiance received a kidney and pancreas transplant late 2019. I bought tickets for us to see RATM in July 2020 up in the twin cities as a transplant gift. Obviously the concert has been postponed for a couple years now but I can only imagine the emotions that would have been during that concert.
yea, they were big in the 90's after the LA riots, FYI: zach is from mexican decent from zapata and tom is a political major from harvard!! so they speaking a lot of truth!
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Logic midnight please
About time
Heard you wouldn’t like my comment :/
Yo bro react to my music video ruclips.net/video/hzGs27IyiPY/видео.html much love
React to the bigger picture by lil baby
This song was a response to the Rodney King beating by the LAPD that caused the LA Riots back in the early 90's
Spot on.
Exactly
I've heard this song so many times when I was like 10, and I never really listened to it again until now. Back then I just thought of it as another cool rock song, but now that I'm older I can see the actual message 💯 pretty bizarre to me personally, especially with all that's going on right now
Atleast someone knows what’s going on , thank god lol
1992 in fact. 28 years ago. WTF man.
Watching people listen to Rage the first time and go "wait, did he just say what I think he said?" is my favorite hobby.
x2
Definitely
Same. Same.
Yes
Mine too....
Still makes me laugh that this song was a Christmas number 1 in the UK.
God bless us British lolz
@@666Squarepants666 definitely. Gald to see an end to the X Factor Christmas monopoly.
2009 was a good year 😂
What makes me laugh is that one BBC radio station actually had Rage on a morning show playing this track in a live studio in the promotion campaign and they had “assurances” from the band that they wouldn’t say “fuck”. Guess how that turned out when one of the core messages of the song is “fuck you I won’t do what you tell me” and standing up against oppressive authority? 😜
David Burke YES!! I saw the video of their performance, in the radiostudio. It was fantastic!
The best thing about Rage Against the Machine is that after 30 years their music is still relevant. The worst thing about Rage Against the Machine is that after 30 years their music is still relevant 😢
You shut your face, this is just a couple of years old and you can't convince me otherwise... Fuck you I won't do what you tell me! :P
I just listened to this song, and I'm gonna try and listen to more
Yep. Sad.
The worst part is that after 30 years, we're still dealing with the same bullshit that Zach wrote about. Wake the fuck up.
Every few months we get a report of some cop squad that is filled with white supremacists. I think the latest was in Louisiana.
"WTF noise is that?"
That's a Tom Morello, sir.
🤣🤣
A wild Morello in his natural habit lol
Playin guitar like a DJ Hittin them turntables!!
I just made that almost exact same (now deleted) comment. Dude did stuff on the guitar that no one had ever thought of (or at least never thought to put on an album).
This is my favorite comment 😂
“Is this about police brutality?” Approximately 50% of Rage lyrics: “Yes. Yes it is.”
The other 50% being against capitalist bullshit.
@@tonylusardi5767 Zack's a millionaire now, many times over... I wonder if he still feels the same way?
@Trent your a meat puppet if you believe in politicians
@@tonylusardi5767 Capitalism is the worst economic system, except for all the others.
@@davidkulmaczewski4911 Yes. The whole point of marxist analysis of capitalism is that there is no ethical consumption under capitalism, which is a system that is literally all encompassing in our daily lives. Communism is not about being poor, it ain't a lifestyle. Socialism as a precursor to communism is about being paid fully for your work without the exploitation of profit, which is actually a huge problem in the music industry. The fact that Rage is rich and still advocating against the rich speaks volumes to their wholesomeness.
In an interview back in the 90's they asked Zack and Tom why they don't finish the line "killing in the name of" and they said that they intentionally left it open-ended because people always have a cause they believe in to justify killing other people. There is a live version where the lyrics flip back and forth between "some of those who work forces" and "some of those who hold office".
Thanks for that, I never really got the idea of stoppinging at "of" but that makes complete sense
Fucking genius
The original written one is "some of those who hold office". But, the record company made them change it.
Prophets of Rage sings all lyrics and includes those “in Congress.”
@@alexdasliebe5391 I like Prophets of Rage, I didn't know they did that though.
In their live album, the second verse is “some of those that hold office are the same that burn crosses”
Really nice touch they changed
well that was the original line they wanted to use. the record company did not allow them to use it so they changed the lyric
Steve Scalise, Steve King off the top of my head.
They also changed the line "Those that died are justified for wearing the badge and you're chosen white." In the original 1992 album, they said "cloaks in white" which is an even bigger reference to the KKK.
@@charlescox86even David duke.
@@alphadoughnut2651 Scalise if famously "David Duke without the baggage".
I remember reading a quote that went something like " I wish one day to live in a world where rage against the machine lyrics are no longer relevant"
No words needed
@@franksanz1044 you missed the point so entirely, you're leaving the solar system.
Rage was calling out the white supremacists in the police decades ago, and it’s the main reason I still love them.
GenXJoker, Boomer waving at you.😎👋
Nutty people saying white supremacists have been infiltrating policing across the board.
Nutty people like Rage Against the Machine.
And... the FBI...
While not untrue, I think a bigger issue is the state of authoritarianism and swine being pretty damn near immune to ALL the crimes and injustices they commit and it's not letting up.
"Move into '92, still in a room without a view"
Rage are a bunch of hypocrites.
The original lyric was “some of those that hold office are the same that burn crosses” but the record label made them change it 👀
source on that ?
In a lot of their shows, Zach will actually use those lyrics in the second verse. Can't confirm they were supposed to be the original, but I've heard it live
Yeah well I’m guessing most record labels now wouldn’t let any lyrics of theirs be published so
Pretty sure the version on spotify has that lyric.
My dad listened to them when I was younger and I've always had a feeling that was what they said then I got older and listened to them and I didn't hear it so i just assumed I heard it wrong when I was kid. Never thought about looking it up.
As a middle class white kid who graduated HS in 1991 Rage Against the Machine had a lot of parallels to music I was already listening to. The lyrics really opened up my mind and my heart and led me to understand the world from a view I wasn't born into.
Cold water to the face, right? RATM was an eyeopener in the early 90s if you were paying attention.
@@Squeekysquid I"d start with their first self titled one.
Same. I'm 48 now. And I've passed them down to my boys. ACAB!!!
im much younger but I grew up listening to ROTM and a lot of that era heavy music and sad to say later in life for a while I was a right wing boot licker kind of imposed by my military time, wasn't until covid when I had the curtains pulled back again. spent a lot of time learning about the world and seeing the plights of the population. all the mass shootings, gov corruption, police killings. brought me back to this ROTM mind set.
This song is 30 years old and came out as a response to the beating of Rodney King. The best and saddest part about Rage Against the Machine is that their lyrics are always relevant. RATM was a very politically charged and forceful band that had a lot of good shit to say and the talent to back it up.
Rodney King died in 2012
@@MikaelThas It was the beating of Rodney King that started the 1991 LA riots iirc.
Yes and their audience was mostly white teenagers that had no idea about this stuff. It was very educational for me and my friends who lived in a town of 25,000 where 24,980 were white and the police were everybody's friend.
@@AEJ112 agreed. Same here. I will be forever grateful for their music... and eye opening lessons of truth!! ❤💜💙💚💛💗
Brad Wilk, the drummer, is white. You are correct about the American part!
"Is this about police brutality?" And it's nearly 30 years old, and it's still the same story, and the song still applies.
No it’s not
@@blahblahblah6698 You're hysterical. Go tell that to Zack de la Rocha and Tom Morello who wrote the song and said it's about institutional racism and police brutality. Jeez, you guys.
Canicula
I’m saying yes that’s what it’s about but no it’s not the same old story
@@blahblahblah6698 Ah so the protests about cops killing people that are disproportionately black that are happening now are not in any way connected to the protests about the cops beating up Rodney King which started the LA riots and were the cause of this song?
Yeah, no. And no arguments from you are going to persuade me otherwise so let's just go our separate ways here bud.
Canicula
Cops don’t disproportionately kill or target black people bud that’s a myth the media tells you
"bro wtf noise is that??"
That, sir, is the legendary guitarist Tom Morello. Any crazy sounds, scratching, etc. you hear in rage is Tom. He's a fucking mastermind when it comes to that 6 string. You never have and never will hear another guitarist like him. MORE RAGE!!! Love these videos. It's so interesting to hear a different race speak on music that has influenced me. I love it. Love the viewpoints on the things I'd have never considered, nor have experienced. Keep these videos coming brother!!!
Isn’t it sad that Ionly know who he is bc his special character on Guitar hero
@@Internetvideoaccount Gotta find out about them one way or another! Glad you did. These guys changed my life. for real.
@@Internetvideoaccount Hey, that's how I got into Rage. Before Guitar Hero, I'd only ever heard Killing in the Name and just kinda dismissed it; the inclusion of Bulls on Parade and the guitar battle with Tom made me look into their catalog more. Shit, I was in high school when Guitar Hero was fresh and entered in a GH tournament; I picked Bulls on Parade for the song and played the entire thing in the auditorium with my back to the screen because I'd played it enough to memorize it. I lost because my opponent was just leagues better than me, but that was still one of my favorite things I've ever done, everyone thought I was nuts.
@@DarcOfTheShadows man, i wasnt there, but i bet that was awesome!!!
@@DowntunedDevil is tom morel a selout?
I love how Zach uses repetition and sloganeering to make his point crystal fucking clear. He has the ability to rail off line after line, but that choice to repeat was intentional and makes the song so timeless
I hope that one day the song proves to not be timeless. I hope it ages like milk.
The fact it hasn't yet just shows how messed up the world is.
it's very much like a musical protest.
I was watching The Charismatic Voice break this song down ( shoutout!) and she observed that the minor tone inflections he used every time he repeated ‘some of those…’ translated into something slightly different every time. She wasn’t wrong.
@@bakersmileyface damn kinda sad that your attitude towards the world is sour like old milk instead huh? Must be a very sad life. Sorry for you dude
“Man we already know.” My dude. This came out in 1991. Rage was ahead of its time.
Yeah, black folks knew back then too. This is only new information to white folks.
They were speaking the truth of the times. LAPD were secretly KKK. Shit's still relevant to this day coast to coast. Sending hugs
@@SomeKindOfThing Not only to white folks, because Rage Against The Machine wasn't only listened by Americans. Oppressed minorities all over the world are represented when hearing this song. This is only new information to ignorant rich kids.
Rebecca Benway yup LAPD was the most corrupt police department from like the 1920’s up until the 90’s. They’re still mostly heartless pigs but compared to other departments they’re not as crazy as they used to be.
Exactly what i said. They knew before we did
“What’s that noise!?”
Tom Murello: Yes
Dr. Perl Junior probably auto correct
Lol, came to type this.
Morello=God status
Morello is a GOAT for sure
These "yes" comments are played, man. But I'll give this one a pass.
Rage Against The Machine - Bulls On Parade next!
The denzel curry version as well!!
yep....if you wanna really know what rage is about...wont be disappointed
YEEEESSSS!!!!
@@McMillanMedia98 YEAHHHH!!!
Definitely
I'm convinced that it's impossible to not bob your head to that riff. Such a classic song.
RATM got the best guitar riffs in a rock band ever, especially on songs like bulls on parade and this one.
In a time like this, we need Rage Against The Machine again. They were mad 30 years ago about what everyone else is mad about right now. Zack de la Rocha was the voice of a lot of angry people who were being done wrong.
From the song's Wikipedia page:
..."Written about revolution against institutional racism and police brutality, "Killing in the Name" is widely recognized as the band's signature song, and has been noted for its distinctive guitar riffs and for the line "Some of those that work forces are the same that burn crosses"...
..."Killing in the Name" has been described as "a howling, expletive-driven tirade against the ills of American society." The uncensored version contains the word "fuck" 17 times. The song builds in intensity, as Zack de la Rocha chants the line "Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me", murmuring the line the first four times, building in a crescendo the next four times and screaming angrily the line the final eight times culminating with De La Rocha's screaming "Motherfucker!" The song alludes to the history of US police forces being a white supremacist organization such as the Ku Klux Klan, whose symbol is the burning cross. The BBC News website refers to it as railing against "the military-industrial complex, justifying killing for the benefit of, as the song puts it, the chosen whites." The song reflects the racial tensions that exist in the United States; it was released six months after the Los Angeles Riots, which were triggered by the acquittal of four white police officers who beat black motorist Rodney King"...
The “chosen whites” are KKK robes, specifically. The line is talking about how the deaths of some cops is justified because they chose to wear a badge AND kkk robes.
@@Dustomatic the song is about white racist cops that kills people and are justified because they are cops
They were about to do a tour LOL where you at
"The song alludes to the history of US police forces being a white supremacist organization such as the Ku Klux Klan, whose symbol is the burning cross. " It's also literal, that there are police officers that are also in the KKK and other white supremacist groups.
the RATM front man is featured on the newest Run The Jewels album, which I recommend. Also check out FEVER333 for a Rage Against the Machine meets Linkin Park vibe. When the protests started their song Burn It was on my heavy rotation
Tom Morello is an amazing guitarist and has been a socio-political activist for decades. Check him out. He is an articulate, educated warrior for the disenfranchasied and forgotten.
even though he ended up making it big as a guitarist, he actually graduated harvard with a political science degree.
@@ferretdash he's an honors grad, for that matter.
Perhaps he would like to share his wealth? I love rage against the machine, but they sure know how to take advantage of a bad situation. This album made them millions. Tom Morello is all talk and no action.
That is the politest way I have ever heard anyone describe a Communist.
@@freakiesh you don't follow him at all then... seems you're the one all talk and no action. Lol
these videos give me such chills because I imagine I'm the one hearing them for the first time, also the message of this song is sadly proven to be timeless and relevant :/
Facts. so many songs in the 90's, heavy metal, rap, e.t.c are about police brutality and its still happening holy.
Breaks and infuriates me lyrics could’ve been writ in 2020
I had this album when they first came out. I can't believe its been 30 years. Same issues still relevant. Just crazy.
HEY NIKKI
lol timeless would imply that the kkk is always relevant. maybe if you're having a psychosis this would be accurate
I've watched a lot of reactions to this song. You're the first who's had absolute clarity about the meaning and implications of the lyrics on your first listen.
Dope reaction!
Just a heads up, they're not normally this repetitive. Dude's brilliant with bars, but he does repeat when he wants to drive the point home.
Well said. Although a really powerful song, this particular track doesn't demonstrate De La Rocha's lyrical ability at all. Something like Take The Power Back or Bombtrack would probably have been a better introduction to RATM. Dude's got bars.
its fair and who cares if its repetitive its one of the greatest strongest songs
Yeah, but the pure, distilled rage of this is a gift. He doesn't let you look away from it. It's an astonishing song.
I think the best combination of riff and lyrics is with Sleep Now In The Fire.
Some things bear repeating.
The best shit about RATM albums is the disclaimer: "no samples, keyboards or synthesizers used in the making of this record. All sounds made by voice, guitars, bass, and drums" in their liner notes.
I had never heard ratm before they're 1st album but I remember vividly well being at a record store in 93 and coming across the album art work and reading that same disclaimer was all I needed to buy the record. Once I listened to Timmy C. riff on Bombtrack it was an instant hook.
I’ve always pointed that out to everyone. Much love to rage never been a band like them
Any Brits remember when we got this to Christmas number 1 in 2009? 😁😂
Simon Cowell's X Factor can kiss my ass 😄
What a day
Was fuckin jokes, was up there with Bob the builder (if I remember correctly, anything to spite Simon Cowell 😂)
Haha that was the best Christmas ever
They played it live on the BBC and "promised" they wouldn't say "Fuck" in the song.
They get to the big Fuck You I Won't Do What You Tell Me bit and just let rip. Live on BBC1.
This song breaks my heart because it’s still just as relevant as it was 30~ years ago when it was released.
No, it isn’t. Police is woke and soft nowadays. Completely useless.
That "noise" would be Tom Morello's weird experimental genius with guitar lol
One of the most creative people to ever pick up a guitar. Who else has made a guitar sound like that pre-RATM? Dudes a damn genius
@@MetallicA4658 agreed.
EN3NRA Dimebag Darrell...
EN3NRA Jimmy Page. Jimi Hendrix. Kirk Hammett. Dave Mustaine. Richie Blackmore. B.B. King. Malmsteen. Vai. Vernon Reid. Satriani. Iommai. Rhoades. Etc... Tom is great but he relies mostly on his digitech whammy pedal.
@@UltraViolent21 lol not the same way in the fucking slightest my dude. His style is like no others. And Dimes tone can be achieved by cranking up that treble and gain. When i hear Tom I KNOW its Tom. There is no mistaking his sound or style
I've been waiting so long for you to react to Rage Against the Machine. Everybody vote Bulls on Parade for the next rock reaction.
Same!
No guerrilla radio
Fistful of Steel
Anything other than killing in the name . I like it but it’s always the go to reaction and it doesn’t hit like the other ones
BRO YES SAME
Its sad that it's 2020 and 90% of people still dont know ratm was a political band
There’s a great story about Tom getting a letter from a fan saying it sucks how they got political. Legend has it he responded, tell me which one of my songs *isnt* political, and I will take it out of my catalogue forever.
Real one.
Never thought so.
@@felixculpa9390 It's no legend, there are screenshots of it everywhere.
@@Glitchalicious yeah “legend has it” is a term of art, I don’t mean it’s an unconfirmed rumor. Doubly appropriate because dude is a legend at having it.
@@felixculpa9390 It was a tweet.
I saw them LIVE at Madison Square Garden (last August) and Zach sang, "Some of those who hold office are the same that burn crosses!"
You never saw so many different people raise their fists!!! ✊🏼
"some of those that worked forces, are the same that burnt crosses" basically, the reason you don't see police closing down KKK rally's is the same reason you don't see Superman and Clarke Kent in the same room
Accurate description there my man
Samuel Hanson, I love that. May I use it the next time I have to debate some right wing jackass?
@@jefferygreenacre7056 absolutely!
@@jefferygreenacre7056 sure, if you could point to any kkk rally in the last 20 years..
I heard that the original lyrics also had "some of those that hold office are the same that burn crosses" but the studio didnt let them.
This song was released in the mid 90s and back then as a young indigenous girl who was targeted by Police on the streets of Brisbane Australia because my uncle was a criminal and i had the same last name.. this song meant a lot to me.
I'm so sorry to hear that. It's honestly despicable how Australia is constantly overlooked around the world for being overt racists, we got concentration camps for refugees on Manus and Nauru and colonial "government" buildings on top of sacred indigenous places.
I'm not sure if Australia can be redeemed at this point, but we've gotta try.
Typical victim mentality. Stop being a criminal
@@_BK__ ^ case in point.
Honestly it's sad that still that aboriginal ppl still haven't been compensated in any way shape or form and their treatment in those 'prisons' in Queensland and the only escape for that is to try to make it in AFL and that's only a select few even in NAIDOC week the Australian government doesn't oppress enough recognition to the cultural significance of the traditional custodians of the land
1992
The weird rhythmic "flip" that happened towards the beginning was actually something called a "metric modulation."
They were playing triplets (1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3), and turned those triplets into straight eighth notes (1, 2, 1, 2, 1, 2). It feels quite abrupt, but there's a musical concept behind it that they actually executed flawlessly.
People always focus on zach and his brilliant lyrics and completely miss the absolute MONSTER of a band.
I love it.
I love hearing shit like this. I'm not a music theory person, but had a friend I used to be close to who would nerd out on stuff like this and I loved listening to him go on about it.
Everything they do is flawless. Thank you for that musical knowledge man
I really love the flips in the start It makes the song unique.
Your reaction to Rage Against the Machines is so pure and honest. They’re a great band that hits so many things.
Correct, "it's nothing we don't know" but for those of us who had this blaring in our headphones at 14 years old, it was somewhat life changing
yeah we know now, but in 91 they were some of the only ones shouting it from the top of their lungs lol. crazy it's literally 30 years ago.
@@subsonic3633 Public Enemy, KRS1, NWA, Gil Scott Heron, James Baldwin, Langston Hughes.
True brother! I saw them atReading festival in 91’, it was mental!
You are the first person I found reacting to this song that clued in on the meaning of the lyrics immediately. Most people listen to it and like it because it hits hard, but have to be educated by their comment section on the true meaning of the song. Kudos.
if everyone just understood the meaning you wouldn't need the song. The music gives space to break your armour and let the actual message sit with you - even if you and that message don't talk right away. It's there sitting, waiting til you are ready.
When I was 13 I bought this CD. The CD came with a booklet with pictures and alternate lyrics.
The alternative lyrics to this song are, "Some of those that hold office, are the same that burn crosses"
Since they rhyme better, I assume they were the original lyrics.
The record labelade them change it
Yeah I remember at the time there was something about them getting censored for this song
He actually has a PHD in Anthropology, they were a very smart and political band. Love them. I think they are performing in Oakland this year.
Tom Morello one of the most unique guitarists out there, bruh. That’s him on that crazy sounding solo you just heard.
Layedbak man you need to check out some more of their lyrically advanced stuff Zack D kills it I would recommend either Wake Up, Bulls on Parade, Take the Power Back or Know your enemy! 🤙
Definitely Wake up
Wake Up fo sho
Take the power back!
Know Your Enemy & Bombtrack 🤘🔥🍻
yes!!!! Sleep Now in the Fire is good too!
I've been listening to these guys for almost 20 years now, I also spent 20 years in the military and I can't tell you how many times I introduced this band to my black colleagues during that time. Every single time they were shocked there was a band out there spitting truths like this.
@Vishya Knewdat I doubt that., they are not idiots.
@Vishya Knewdat Yeah, maybe some context matters. There's a huge difference between making money off of selling records vs becoming a multi-multi-multi-million/billionaire off of the backs and taxes of the working class poor. They're not angry that someone made money and became rich, they're angry on how they're doing it. So you're criticizing something without even understanding the context in which their point is coming from, so your argument is invalid.
Toward the end of my last deployment, ever dumb ass email that came down from BN, I wanted to send back the a clip of "Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me."
This song, sadly, has not aged a day. As relevant today as the day it was released. And, just as visceral and loud as it still needs to be.
"What the fuck noise is that?" That, sir, is Tom Morello. Absolute beast.
Rage Against the Machine is one of the best anti-establishment rock groups of all time. Not only can they shred with the legends of old, but their messages are so profound and relevant.
They've become government sell outs. Rage on behalf of the machine.
I find it sad and exciting to see so many young people, especially people of color experiencing music that is so powerful and that has been a battle cry or anthem for my generation for decades. These reaction videos are awesome, but they really show how compartmentalised we all are. Imagine how much more momentum this music could have caused if it were released into the right hearts and minds...30 years ago
Imagine the revolution that would have happened 😳
Agreed! And I'm hearing this song for the 1st time today! I was a teen when this came out, & this kind of music wasn't in any realm of music played in my household or community! I'm realizing all the music I've missed! 😔
The song was speaking out but the bs was always there for poc. Its therapeutic to hear out esp as a form of expression and art.
Also many suppress their anger and consume them, this song is an outlet to do something or at least defy.
Still my favorite protest song.
What’s so disturbing is that this song is from the 90s, it’s older than me, and some stuff still hasn’t changed...
Whozaper correct, because evolution happens over many generations, not in a singular lifetime
And it sounds more modern and relevant than pretty much everything at that time.
Hatred is a constant. 😢
Revolution is the only way to achieve change.
Name one example. Just one ☝🏿
It never gets old watching people react to Zack saying the quiet part out loud.
When he says" fuck you, I won't do as you tell me" the first time, it's like he's saying it under his breath. And then it's like he's got nothing left to lose so he starts shouting it instead because he knows they can't do anything to him that they haven't done before.
So what he's saying really is, what else can you do to me, everything I've tried upto now has had no effect, so all I have got left is defiance
just love how we can all just vibe to music with the man, truly appreciate this content
It’s sad to realize this song is almost 30, and it’s only more relevant.
I thought the same listening to ‘for what it’s worth’ by buffalo Springfield and that was released in 1966. It’s sad how we haven’t changed
:(
@@alaustin there's something happening here, what it is ain't exactly clear. There's a man with a gun over there. Telling me I've got to beware.
Timeless lyrics
TheBeavadelic
There’s battle lines being drawn
And nobody’s right, if everybody’s wrong
Young people speaking their minds
Getting so much resistance from behind
@@alaustin What a field day for the heat
A thousand people in the street
Singing songs and carrying signs
Mostly saying, "hooray for our side"
When this came out I was 100% completely immersed in this scene, rage against the machine brought me into adulthood and taught me about the real world
We need RATM more than ever rn :(
Listen to Fever333
They are actually on tour right now (or were supposed to be but covid) with Zack back on vocals. EDIT: They've rescheduled their reunion tour to start June 3rd 2021 in El Paso, Texas.
@@bigd7481 I saw them live a year or two ago and they were incredible. Their live show energy is top notch.
You can go to their tour when it starts back up, just pay a few hundred dollars per ticket.
nah. we don't need them back. their message is still there, but they've bought into what they were fighting against.
In case anyone didn't know, this was Christmas number 1 in the UK in 2009 hahaaa...
After a campaign to stop yet another X Factor winner taking it.
It was glorious!
And that concert that they did for it was the biggest they ever did I'm pretty sure!!
No way !!! 💪
What a time to be British
"WTF noise is that?" it's called a MK1 digitech whammy pedal and it's the bollocks...
The bollocks!!
Best pedal I've ever owned
Thank you I really wanted to know this
The dog’s bollocks
The level of funk these guys have always had is beyond me. Amazing
That bass line, I can feel it.
I hope he listens again. It's very powerful.
A lot to absorb.
You have to remember this song came out in the 90’s so in that time this was a shell shocker to a lot of people. Still a 🔥🔥 song until this day.
So my son sent me here, I use to tour with Rage in the 90s early 2000s when I should habe been at school...i gotta say...it makes me feel so good to see the youth finally catching up on us. Enjoy.
Curiosity, what band did you play with?
@@albunndy9409 it looks like she played with a band called the Red Aunts from 91-98 so that lines up.
what band?
Rage released that song 29 years ago lead singer Zack de la Rocha is an activist with prophetic lyrics that stand the test of time - truth is truth. He is the REAL deal.!
He also used to be a part time member of the Zapata freedom army in Mexico.
@Vishya Knewdat you obviously know fuck all.... commie? You on crack there laddy? Sounds like you've a case of the infowars
It's not exactly prophetic. This has been going on for way longer than 30 years
Look at his father & family history/pedigree..he is an activist thoroughbred....
They're one of the few bands to sing about topics like this consistently in their music and actually back it up with their actions. They received a lot of heat in the US for this song in particular and many stations wouldn't play it because of the language and the content.
This isn’t a Trash or Pass request, this is a “I can’t suggest listening to all of their albums enough” post. I can’t think of one song that isn’t political from them and it’s ALL still relevant today.
Even without the message. RAtM makes music that you will appreciate. If you don't, I'll turn it up louder till you understand.
RaTM is Rock music as political as it can get.
For me as a German, they were one of the reasons I learned this language. Just to understand what they are so upset about. And over the years I found out, I am upset for the very same reasons.
Another good Rage song is “Down Rodeo”
Yeah, I'm rollin' down Rodeo with a shotgun
These people ain't seen a brown-skinned man
Since their grandparents bought one
Can't waste the day when the night brings a hearse. So make a move and plead the 5th cuz ya can't plead the 1st.
That song came out in 1991, almost 30 years ago. Imagine if an all black group came out with that same message. NWA did just a few years prior and they were chastised as criminals. Rage against the Machine did it, and it’s dubbed a classic.
I'm sure they're not happy about it.
They did it in a different way
But there were still people who thought Rage were dangerous, if not criminals.
To be honest, "fuck the police" is a classic too!
NWA was more calling for and inciting violence and RATM was speaking out as a cry for help and a call for change and that’s why it’s more successful.
This is the reaction video that started it all for me three years ago, the first one I ever watched, and now I’m hundreds of hours into dozens upon dozens of reactions all because this was such a good intro.
Their other songs have a lot more lyrics, This was originally an instrumental.
But damn! This one packs a punch!
So simple lyrically but makes it more powerful In ways. It’s like a chant and it’s more memorable.
This song was written in response to the Rodney King beating in 1991. It's so unreal and unacceptable that it's still 100% relevant today.
"some of those who work forces"
Forces as in force of arms. In this specific context, the police.
"You justify
Those that died
By wearing the badge
They're you're chosen whites"
I don't think this one needs interpretation.
This song needs to be played everywhere...it's even more true now then it was then.
When they do this song live they change on of the verses to “some of those who hold office are the same who burn crosses”
I'm so jealous you've seen them live 🤘🏻
Thats where Guillotine by The Coup comes in.
that is acually apart of the songs EP too just more noticable live but if you listen its the last section of the song the change it to," Some of those that hold office are the same that burn crosses
"
"Some of those up in congress are the same that burn crosses"
either way, don't burn crosses....
A song from 1992 and this song still applies today. Gives me chills and makes me sad that we are still fighting for justice and equality.
Dude this song was out way back in '92
They were keeping it real long before anyone else was even thinking about it (in this type of music)
Glad it's still reaching new people today
The speed this guy not only find the musicality in a song, but the meaning is amazing to see in real time.
Somebody probably has said this already but the original lyric wasn’t “some of those that work forces are the same that burn crosses”, it originally was “some of those that hold office”. Rumour has it their label told them not to say that.
Cant touch too closely on the real issues, even back then. "Now ya do what they told ya."
Audioslave, RATM band with Chris Cornell as vocalist, performed this song at Berlin's Live 8 concert & sent out respect to Zack by singing his original lyric - some of those that hold office are the same that burn crosses - after the first chorus. Crowd went wild!!!
The thing that I love about this song is that it is so simple (it's basically 4 lines DRIVEN into you), but in the nearly 30 years since it was released it's simplicity is it's charm. It hasn't lost meaning, and it's as powerful as it ever was because of its simplicity.
This song was about the Rodney King Beating in LA. Easily one of their best, check out Bulls on Parade if you wanna see the guitarist turn his shit into a turntable. Tom Morello is one of the most influential guitarists of our time.
Another Band/song, that I spent my teenage years with.
Being 15, in Australia, this was the type of tunes we smashed in our backyard parties.
Im 33 now and I still give myself a headache, throwing my head around like it's the first time I ever heard it.
Their guitarist has a PHD in political science from Harvard.
Tom Morello is one of the most significant socio-political commentators of our generation.
bachelor's* still though
@@jaynefaulkner803 zack is the socio political commentator of that group, and in recent years guys like killer mike have been much more outspoken in their commentary and more insightful, its why you see zack and run the jewels collab on every record
His dad was an anti imperialist Kenyan rebel who served as the first Kenyan ambassador to the united states
Last I checked he has a masters in political science. I don't think he's Dr. Morello just yet.
“Those who died are justified. for wearing the badge, they’re the chosen whites” that chorus is 28 years old and still rings true today... We haven’t progressed as country the way we should have. BLACK LIVES MATTER! I love you, and I love your channel. 🖤
Haven’t progressed...that’s why this channel is so successful...cause we haven’t progressed.
Yaaas!!! Death to the pig cops! You wear a badge, we are gunning for you!
Some of those that work forces
Are the same that hold office - Brass Against
@@ShadowMoon878 That's equally as bad.
@@ryanrich1754 what does that mean exactly? Shows with black people were popular 30 years ago too
I’ve “known” this song for decades and it took BLM for me to really hear it for the first time recently. Mind blown. I’ve been noticing things lately that I’ve somehow never seen before. I wonder how much I’m still oblivious to.
JoJo TheOJ ..... I felt your words man. It’s chilling isn’t it? ...to realise that even when we all think we’ve always been awake and aware and in control, we are truly just manufactured sleeping cogs in this insidious oppressive wheel of government led fascism, white privilege and systemic oppression.
I’m just thankful that OUR own wheels of resistance, knowledge and unity are finally starting to turn also. Let’s see who has the power once combined to win! I think RATM already knew the answer and had been trying to tell us in their lyrics..... WE hold the power. WE always have. This is why they work so hard to divide us, because if they don’t we will conquer. ☮️✌🏻✌🏼✌🏽✌🏾✌🏿💞
Yeah man. We know this but back in the early 90’s, this was considered WAY outside the box with the likes of Public Enemy and NWA. These guys were the rock voices that paralleled those in hip hop. And it’s crazy to think that not much has changed at all. Their music still holds up today 🔥
Just one of the best songs ever made. Imagine me, standing in the middle of a quiet normal club mid 90s, with a bunch of my friends, cut-off yeans, just a shirt short hair and totally freaking out. Yeah that was my time. :) Greetings from Germany! And yeah there are a lot of us who feel with you even if we do not share the same color or background. And i am sorry if my words do not fit perfectly, because English is not my native language.
Yes, we only have "bedauerliche Einzelfälle" here in Germany...
RATM has never been more relevant. They tried telling us in the 90s. Solid reaction.
I grew up listening to them it brings back so much emotions love rage against machine 🖤🖤🖤🖤
I like the newer version of the lyrics they're using live for this song. "Some of those who hold office, are the same who burn crosses."
Those were the original lyrics. They had to change them for the record company to get it on the album.
This song came out in the year 1992. Hit the top of the charts in 1993 and then again 17 years later. Quite something!
This song is just as relevant now as it was back then. I love it when a song resonates beyond it's time.
Unfortunate in this circumstance though
I was happy to see you reacting/reviewing "Killing In The Name" during this time in history. Your reaction and comments was extremely genuine and I liked seeing that. I hope you give the rest of the RATM Catalog a listen, they have some fantastic lyrics and messages in their work, and they use their music to get the word out. Use their nuggets of information to research and build upon your own knowledge.
Peace and Love.
Rage Against The Machine is one of the few bands that can write deep powerful song in the fewest words, one of the only bands that don't beat around a bush and very straightforward with how they feel and think.
The last 3 years, you did EXACTLY what they told you!! Like good little government boot-lickers!! Take another dose of the Trumptard syrup!!
One of coolest reactions I’ve seen to this, one of my favorite all time songs. He was shakin and quakin with the beat and you could see he felt this song from the top of his head down into the asshole. And he understood the message and made it relevant to what’s happening in 2020. This is the best song for standing up to oppression I ever heard. First Laydbak video I’ve seen but he is obviously brilliant
“Some of those that work forces are the same that burn crosses.” -“We already know.” You’re so right. But see all those white kids moshing 25 years ago? They need to hear this. Repetitively. That might have helped people stand up now like you’re talking about at the end.
Thank you for your thoughts and words.
@Glenn Rini Exactly, i’m tired of people thinking that white people are blind to the “modern” issues. We’ve always been here fighting.
The white kids who went to their shows understood the messages. Those with a problem didn't attend their concerts, thankfully
Now you have to react to Denzel Curry's cover of Bulls on Parade. I don't think this was a good song selection for a first listen though, since it's confusing to new listeners. But you should, on your own time, check out the Evil Empire album. That's their best one, in my opinion. Every song is a banger.
He picked up what the song was about tho? This song is perfect to listen to right now . But yes he definitely needs to listen to denzels cover. I actually enjoy it more and I never thought I’d be able to say that
Love listening to your analysis of this song. I first heard this song when I was 13yrs old, 27yrs ago, and it still sends shivers down my back! Love your message! Self love and positivity all the way!
Man, I'm so jealous of getting to hear this song for the first time.
It's a beautiful thing watching someone take in the meaning of a song that's almost 30 years old and perhaps even more relevant than when it was written.
They say," some of those that work forces are the same that burn crosses"
Go figure, I always heard it as some of those that "run" forces are the same that burn. I always took it as meeting this: the government's made up of racists.
Some of those that work (police) forces
Imagine that! A guy who spent his entire school career being a bully can get paid to do all the things he used to do for free!
This song still rings true years later. It's sad. My fiance received a kidney and pancreas transplant late 2019. I bought tickets for us to see RATM in July 2020 up in the twin cities as a transplant gift. Obviously the concert has been postponed for a couple years now but I can only imagine the emotions that would have been during that concert.
yea, they were big in the 90's after the LA riots, FYI: zach is from mexican decent from zapata and tom is a political major from harvard!! so they speaking a lot of truth!
This is one of the few songs that make me cry, mad, empowered and no matter what I have to stand and move whatever i'm doing.
His reaction is so genuine... I wanna be friends