Killing In the Name
by Rage Against The Machine
What is “Killing In the Name” really about?
If you’ve ever wondered what “Killing In the Name” by Rage Against The Machine is really about, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down.
Rage Against the Machine's 'Killing In the Name' critiques systemic oppression, specifically within law enforcement, and rebels against authoritarian control and racial injustice.
So… what’s this song really about?
The song 'Killing In the Name' by Rage Against the Machine confronts and denounces the ties between institutional authority and racial oppression. Its powerful lyrics suggest that some members of the police force, who are supposed to protect and serve, are also participants in racist activities, such as cross burning, a symbol associated with the Ku Klux Klan. The repetitive, fierce shouts throughout the song serve not only as a raw outlet of anger and frustration but also question the listener's own complacency in systems of control and inequality. The climactic refrain, 'Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me,' echoes as a powerful act of defiance and a call to resist and question authority, making it a timeless anthem for protest movements and individual empowerment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What year was 'Killing In the Name' released?
The song was released in 1992.
Q: What genre is 'Killing In the Name'?
The song is considered a blend of rap metal and funk metal.
Lyrics to “Killing In the Name”
161 ContributorsTranslations
[Chorus]
Those who died are justified
For wearin' the badge, they're the chosen whites
You justify those that died
By wearin' the badge, they're the chosen whites
Those who died are justified
For wearin' the badge, they're the chosen whites
You justify those that died
By wearing the badge, they're the chosen whites
[Verse]
Some of those that work forces
Are the same that burn crosses
Some of those that work forces
Are the same that burn crosses
Some of those that work forces
Are the same that burn crosses
Some of those that work forces
Are the same that burn crosses
Uh!
[Refrain]
Killing in the name of
Killing in the name of
[Pre-Chorus]
And now you do what they told ya
And now you do what they told ya
And now you do what they told ya
And now you do what they told ya
And now you do what they told ya
(Now you're under control)
And now you do what they told ya
(And now you're under control)
And now you do what they told ya
(And now you're under control)
And now you do what they told ya
(Now you're under control)
And now you do what they told ya
(Now you're under control)
And now you do what they told ya
(Now you're under control)
And now you do what they told ya
(Now you're under control!)
And now you do what they told ya
[Chorus]
Those who died are justified
For wearin' the badge, they're the chosen whites
You justify those that died
By wearin' the badge, they're the chosen whites
Those who died are justified
For wearin' the badge, they're the chosen whites
You justify those that died
By wearing the badge, they're the chosen whites
Come on!
[Guitar Solo]
Uh!
Yeah!
Come on!
Uh!
[Outro]
Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me
Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me
Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me
Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me
Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me
Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me
Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me
Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me
Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me
Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me
Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me
Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me
Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me
Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me
Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me
Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me
Motherfucker!
Uh!