Punk Politics Vol. 2: Killing in the name of

Punk Politics Vol. 2:

Killing in the Name of by Rage Against the Machine

The current state of the world has reminded me of a song that was popular back in my youth. You may know it as the 1992 hit Killing in the Name of by Rage Against the Machine. The iconic lyrics are just as relevant today as they were back in 92.

Killing in the name of by rage against the machine

Lyrics:

Killing in the name of

some of those that work forces

are the same that burn crosses X4

killing in the name of X2

Now you do what they told ya X3

And now you do what they told ya X6

But now you do what they told ya!

Well, now you do what they told ya

Those who died are justified 

For wearing the badge, they’re the chosen whites

You justify those that died

By wearing the badge, they’re the chosen whites X2

Come on!

Fuck you, I won’t do what you tell me X16

“Some of those that work forces, are the same that burn crosses”

Cops, military, the Spanish who came over with their crosses in 1519. This line refers to cops or people of power who are also members of the KKK. 

There is some debate about the line originally saying “some of those who work forces, are the same that bore crosses.” in which case we can assume Zack de la Rocha is referring to people who kill in the name of God or religion.

Those who died, are justified, for wearing the badge, they’re the chosen whites.

This line refers to those who kill in the name of white supremacy or racism and died for such a stupid cause. They have ceremonies honoring these cops or military personnel because they wear a badge and fight for the side of ‘justice’ even though they were acting unjustly against people of color. 

I was reminded of this song the morning I woke up and heard the news about George Floyd. How is it possible that we are in the same place as we were in 92 when Rodney King was beaten by police?

Always remember ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere’ - Martin Luther King jr.