Fight The Power
by Public Enemy
What is “Fight The Power” really about?
If you’ve ever wondered what “Fight The Power” by Public Enemy is really about, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down.
Fight The Power' by Public Enemy is a powerful protest song that urges listeners to challenge and confront societal structures of oppression and inequality.
So… what’s this song really about?
In 'Fight The Power,' Public Enemy delivers a fierce narrative urging listeners to actively resist societal norms and structures that perpetuate racial injustice and inequality. The song, infused with a critical view of media and cultural representation, calls for a heightened consciousness and self-awareness amongst the oppressed. It highlights the urgency of confronting and dismantling these powers, emphasizing the need for collective action and empowerment. Chuck D's lyrics pointedly criticize icons like Elvis Presley and John Wayne as part of an establishment that has historically glorified certain histories while marginalizing others, suggesting a reevaluation of who should be celebrated in American culture.
The recurring chorus, 'Fight the power,' serves not just as a hook but as a rallying cry, reinforcing the theme of active resistance. The track's aggressive tone, relentless rhythm, and assertive lyrics create a compelling call to action, making it a powerful emblem of protest music. By intertwining entertainment with a potent political message, Public Enemy encourages a conversation on the real issues of racial tension and urges a direct response to injustice, envisioning music as a tool for social change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What year was 'Fight The Power' by Public Enemy released?
'Fight The Power' was released in 1989.
Q: How did 'Fight The Power' impact popular culture?
The song became an anthem for resistance and had a profound impact on raising political consciousness in popular culture.
Lyrics to “Fight The Power”
105 Contributors
[Verse 2: Chuck D & Flavor Flav]
As the rhythm's designed to bounce, what counts
Is that the rhyme's designed to fill your mind
Now that you've realized the pride's arrived
We got to pump the stuff to make you tough
From the heart, it's a start, a work of art
To revolutionize, make a change, nothing's strange
People, people, we are the same
No, we're not the same 'cause we don't know the game
What we need is awareness, we can't get careless
You say, "What is this?"
My beloved, let's get down to business, mental self-defensive fitness
Bum-rush the show
You got to go for what you know
To make everybody see
In order to fight the powers that be
[Chorus: Chuck D & Flavor Flav]
(Let me hear you say)
Fight the power (Let me hear you—)
Fight the power (Let me hear you say)
Fight the power (Let me hear you—)
Fight the power (Let me hear you say)
Fight the power (Let me hear you—)
Fight the power (Let me hear you say)
Fight the power (Let me hear you—)
We've got to fight the powers that be
[Instrumental Break]
[Chorus: Chuck D & Flavor Flav]
(Let me hear you say)
Fight the power (Let me hear you—)
(Let me hear you say)
Fight the power (Let me hear you—)
Fight the power (Let me hear you say)
Fight the power (Let me hear you—)
Fight the power (Let me hear you say)
Fight the power (Let me hear you—)
We've got to fight the powers that be
[Verse 3: Chuck D & Flavor Flav]
Elvis was a hero to most, but he—
Elvis was a hero to most—
Elvis was a hero to most, but he never meant— to me
You see, straight-out racist, that sucker was simple and plain
Mother**** him and John Wayne
'Cause I'm Black and I'm proud, I'm ready, I'm hyped, plus, I'm amped
Most of my heroes don't appear on no stamps
Sample a look back, you look and find nothing
But rednecks for four hundreds years if you check
"Don't Worry Be Happy" was a number-one jam
Damn, if I say it, you can slap me right here
Get it, let's get this party started right
Right on, come on
What we got to say?
Power to the people, no delay
Make everybody see
In order to fight the powers that be
[Chorus: Chuck D & Flavor Flav]
Fight the power
Fight the power
Fight the power
Fight the power
We've got to fight the powers that be
[Instrumental Break]
[Bridge: Chuck D & Flavor Flav]
What we got to say? (Yeah)
Fight the power (Y-y-yeah)
What we got to say? (Yeah)
Fight the power (Come on)
What we got to say? (Yeah)
Fight the power (Y-y-yeah)
What we got to say? (Yeah)
Fight the power (Come on)
[Outro: Flavor Flav & Chuck D]
Yo, check this out, man
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