Message

"Without just cause or reason, without legal or moral justification, and without a thread of proof that Iraq directly threatens the security of the United States, the Bush administration has headed to war. As I am writing this, bombs are raining upon the defenseless civilians of Baghdad in a continuation of a policy that has already claimed the lives of over 1 million innocent Iraqi people. People just like us who want democracy but find themselves cornered by a dictator on one side, naked U.S. aggression on another, and the oil beneath their country; for which it appears they are to be massacred.

Lies, sanctions, and cruise missiles have never created a free and just society. Only everyday people can do that. Which is why I'm joining the millions world wide who have stood up to oppose the Bush administration's attempt to expand the U.S. empire at the expense of human rights at home and abroad. In this spirit I'm releasing this song for anyone who is willing to listen. I hope it not only makes us think, but also inspires us to act and raise our voices."

"Artists, be they painters, actors, writers or musicians, have a responsibility to reflect and interpret the world around them. Our current administration's foreign policy strikes me as being reckless, inhumane, and hopelessly out of step with the so-called "values" it claims to defend. We, the world's only superpower, have immense capacity to ease human suffering throughout the world, yet we instead choose to inflict it upon those we deem a threat to our agenda of empire.

As an American, my government's actions give me cause for great concern. I'm proud to support Zack de la Rocha in giving a musical voice to that concern."


Lyrics

I was born with the voice of a riot, a storm
Lightening the function, the form
Far from the norm, I wont follow like cattle
I'm more like a catalyst; calm in the mix of battle
Who let the cowboy on the saddle? He don't know a missle from a gavel
Para terror troopin flippin loops of death upon innocent flesh
But I'm back in the cipher my foes and friends
With a verse and a pen, against a line I won't toe or defend
Instead I curse at the murderous men in suits of professionals who act like animals
This man child, ruthless and wild
Who gonna chain this beast back on the leash?
This Texas Führer, for sure a, compassionless con who serve a
Lethal needle to the poor. The cure for crime is murder?

On the left, left, right, left
But it's just a march of death

I read the news today, oh boy, a snap shot of a midnight ploy
Vexed and powerless, devoured my hours I'm motionless with no rest
Cause a scream now holds the sky, under another high-tech drive-by
A lie is a lie this God is an eagle or a condor for war and nothing more
Islam peace, Islam stare into my eyes brother please off our knees
To beef now we feed their disease, interlocked our hands across seas
What is a flag but a rag, a shroud out loud, outside a faceless crowd
Cause a cowering child just took her last breath, one snare in the march of death

On the left, left, right, left
But it's just a march of death

Here it comes the sound of terror from above
He flex his Texas twisted tongue
The poor lined up to kill in desert slums
For oil that boil beneath the desert sun
Now we split flame we flip this game
All the targets are taking aim
All targets are taking aim
We're the targets, they're taking aim



Comments

rap-core rocks
1 week ago
from cayman islands wrote:
hey zack big fan wanna ask how ratm is doin keep goin man
john roberts
1 week ago
from Runcorn, England wrote:
I thought I never get to hear my hero spit some venom but i've just come back from leeds festival were zach and the boys totally ripped it up. i literally had all the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end while looked on in total amazment. zach you are an inivator in and after that fateful day in 1992 when ratm was herd by all, rock and my life would never been the same again. some of those who burn crosses are the ones that hold office! keep goin boy i saw the looks in the kids eyes watchin you, think are starting to understand its not just music!
nos482
2 weeks ago
wrote:
"The blood of the inocent stain the ground the world around. With a twitch of a finger a push of a button men, women, children turn to dust. Walk away from the killin and blood spillin for a day and pray for peace for tommarow. Walk away for a day and pray for peace for tommarow. The devil's laughin said the devil's laughin because God and the Angels are cryin because there's too many people in this big world dien. I'll shed a tear for the human race for losing it's humanity how can it be how can it be?" Well the rest of the song is out there for you to read if you read this I want a pro. to take up the songs. peace some day nos482 youtube.com/swevenadvent
nos482
2 weeks ago
wrote:
You may like my songs I wrote about world peace to stop killing around the world some day. Will we ever evolve from killing to solve our problems. One song is asking governments and religious leaders to take a step back and think of peaceful solutions. "Walk away for a day". On youtube.com let me know if you like it or not. Or if you even read any of these replies or you have someone hired to do it. lol
Watch4BigBrother
2 weeks ago
from Cape Coral, Florida wrote:
Great song! It's people like Zach that we need in our fight to end the military-industrial complex that the American government insists on perpetuating. Dropping bombs for democracy is like f*cking for virginity!
C S Baker
3 weeks ago
from London wrote:
Im loving this tune even today! It never gets old. And its a reel punch in the face for all those load mouth republicans in the states who dont really understand whats happening outside their borders
DJ Orphan
3 weeks ago
from Auckland, New Zealand wrote:
War doesn't decide who's right, only who's left!
James
3 weeks ago
from uk wrote:
"what you would do if you were in charge. every fiber of your existence is inter-connected with energy. oil is our crutch. but it is our way of life. so we do something about it. -- er? what exactly are you referring to here? you mean invading Iraq to secure future oil?

Would'nt it be cheaper, both in the short and long term to invest in and subsidise alternative fuels? Are you aware of the entire cost of the Iraq war? and counting...? What do you mean "so we do something about it?"

"human rights are our our way of life so we do something about it". -- er, what do you mean? Can you give examples of where and how you are doing something about human rights? Cause if you mean continuing to trade with oppressive regimes for economic reasons, or the administrations general denial of instances of genocide and ignoring continuing bouts of ethnic cleansing in various parts of the world that have no geopolitical / strategic importance to you, as we speak, I'm not sure I can agree with you. Ever asked yourself what the criteria is in the choosing of countries within which to "promote" democracy?


James
3 weeks ago
from uk wrote:
War has made you one of the most free societies in the world? It's that stupid argument again. "Ya gatta fight for peace!". You gatta fight for freedom. What retarded nonsense. It's human nature? What's human nature? Killing in the name of.....respect for humanity and human rights? Collatoral human damamge, in the name of democracy? Are you even slightly aware of how retarded that argument is? I guess not, as you've fallen for it hook line and sinker. And yet, you still look to Hitler in disgust? Is there some hypnosis going on in America? Is that what CNN is doing over there?

Sacrificing millions for the good of anyone who happens to dodge the bullets?
I guess it all depends on how you define and percieve freedom. In a country where the general population chooses to ignore the freedoms they have been given I would say that freedom is the least of your worries. And given that you have all the guns, it seems it's the least of everyone elses as well.

Change has always been made with a gun. Er, Ghandi? Steve Biko? Me. Probably even you. Ever heard of the myriad negotiations that take place everyday around the world that don't require a gun? No. You know why? Because they don't end up with an enormous amount of innocent victims. And as for democracy and freedom. If you think having a choice of two parties is some form of pinnacle of democracy, we're not referring to the same dictionary. Two parties?! Heh? Two parties who agree more than disagree. Nice one America! Freedom (to, ahem, choose between two parties!)! Woo-hoo.

Tactical voting? Changing affiliations to suit strategic objectives? That is not democracy. Your limits to your choices are looking remarkably like those in China, aty least from where I'm standing. And technically speaking, you have the freedom to change it. But for reasons I still can't work out - must be that hypnosis again - you don't do anything about it.


Has your family ever been killed in front of your eyes....? That is a very strange question. Er, yes? And you're right, what I want to see now - as a result - is more countries like America gonig around killing innocent people so that others don't....hold on?! That's the same thing, only it's not happening to me and my small group of friends. Oh well, what do I care about a bunch of nameless faceless people in a country that doesn't even have nice beaches? As long as I get decide who does the murdering. And the scene of the battle.

Strange logic.
Tip of the Spear
4 weeks ago
wrote:
Change has always been made with a gun. Tell me in what fantasy land has democracy and freedom ever been established without the price of blood. From the munitemen with muskets to our guys wipping it on today ordinary americans have drawn a line in the sand. traveling minstrels sing, so let politicians and warriors destroy our enemies.

fun loving hippies. you guys crack me up. your convictions are strong but are you prepared to die for them..... no you are not. you have no concept of that. bitch about oil.. about the theory behind it.. what you would do if you were in charge. every fiber of your existance is intert connected with energy. oil is our crutch. but it is our way of life. so we do somthing about it. human rights are our our way of life so we do somthing about it. Has your family ever been killed in front of you and you are sent into slavery? No..... thanks tho those with guns and the balls to put them on the line. and the dessent of traveling minstrels.
Dillon
4 weeks ago
from Wherever I am needed wrote:
Nexus, we may be the most free society here, but what he says is still true. "Lies, sanctions, and cruise missiles have never created a free and just society." Never in this world, has there been a free and just society. When man first arrived it was not society, once man grouped together, society formed, but was never free and just. It started with thoecracy, we've always been slaves.
N3XUS
4 weeks ago
from California wrote:
What should we be? I have no problem with anti government and open protest. But when I hear this talk of America the "empire" I would love to hear his idea on how to fix the problems. If you tell me that voting one way over the other will help....then I'm afraid you dont have a clue how to "fix" the problem. Our country is held hostage between two power hungry party's. voting for one will not solve the problem. We need to stop excepting the least of two evils and demand better choices. What is the answer? Expand the government and its social programs? Limit the government and expand education? I need ideas not some artist's complaints about the country that gave him the freedom to make millions..."Lies, sanctions, and cruise missiles have never created a free and just society" No....war has made us one of the most free society's in history. where would we be without war? It's not Americas fault the world is the way it is..its human nature. FUCK!!
Sam
1 month ago
from New Jersey wrote:
I can't tell you how much truth I find in your lyrics across the board. keep the words flowing and never stop. Rock the Bells 07' was amazing - wish your music could reach the younger crowd more easily - we need more artists like you.
White Man
1 month ago
from This is hell. wrote:
GlassDj
from Behind you with a gun wrote:
This song is nothing but an anti-government piece of crap.

Typical. Got a gun AND gonna sneak up behind a fool to use it. Coward.
This song is a lot more than just anti-government and what's that you say? A piece of crap? Right. Go back to your Eminem, small child.
I guess your comment makes you nothing but a pro-government bootlicker. Clearly, you want and need an ignorant, backward parental figure in the form of government to lead you around by the nose, you f*cking sheep.
Come back and let us know when you win that Grammy, genius.

You can't reason with the unreasonable. You just have to light them up. Flames even defeat body armor.
zayam
1 month ago
from philippines wrote:
glad to hear another socially relevant piece from zach..people are dying in the philippines because of hunger, state terrorism and the terrorism of U.S. capitalism.
Glenn Bell
1 month ago
from Pacific Grove wrote:
Your work inspired me to learn how to play the guitar and get a degree in music. Because of you, I know that I want to remain an active and informed citizen.
Jim Healey
1 month ago
wrote:
Nice work guys!
indrajaya Taufik
1 month ago
from indonesia wrote:
when i m still high school you gave me a courage to told what the truth and be one of the best person in my city. you gave me how to be a use person beside an useless person. you see that my country Indonesia need to hear again your lyric so they understand the meaning of democracy. ZACK THANKS FOR YOUR SOUL
Carlos Matos
1 month ago
from Portugal wrote:
It was a dream come true, watch RATM reunion LIVE in Portugal. The world is falling apart, and your songs are just as up-to-date as they were, when released.
The world needs your raging voice again, just show them what a real rapper sould sound like. Not that piece of trash that we are bombed with, every day on tv and radio, the bad boys trying to mad at the world. WELCOME BACK ZACK. =) teach them something.
Ernesto
1 month ago
from S. Korea wrote:
Help!!
South Korea is under dictatorship.
The president Mr. Lee is trying to control the press, the media and the internet. The government suppress our freedom.
Joao Campos
1 month ago
from Portugal wrote:
Thanks Zack for July 10th night
fucking awsome thanks Ratm
Or Gozlan
1 month ago
from Israel, Eilat wrote:
uncommercialized song, i can say it cuz the fact that you let people download the song without payment.
Jennifer Sporer
2 months ago
wrote:
I've missed Zach for some time... there doesn't seem to be much consciousness raising and activism in most music today--just commercialism. I welcome a revival of shaking up the status quo, and admire his work greatly.
Ryan88
2 months ago
from Chicago, IL wrote:
Zack, you are the reason why I pick up a pen and pad everyday. Your lyrics have not only inspired me to write, but to take action in what I believe in as well. I consider you a hero as well the rest of your bandmates in Rage. DJ Shadow created a sick beat for you here and you did what you do best with it. I will be seeing you, Tom, Tim and Brad at Lollapalooza this August. I believe the 2nd. I can not wait for it! I saw your show at Alpine Valley last summer and you guys haven't lost it at all! Still as powerful as you were back in 92'. Your message needs to be heard now with this up coming election. You are totally 100% percent right about this current administration and how they should be tried, hung and shot. The political parties are afraid of us and they damn well should be. Thanks for the inspiration. (Please make a new album or make your own!!!! OR Both!!!!)
putra sandoval
2 months ago
from indonesia wrote:
all of the lyric that you wrote inspire me to do more and more, act and react to fight hunger and injustice in my country indonesia... thank for everything you done for the world, for islam, for the poor people and all of the innoncent people was die in war... big respect and god blest you
Thich Quang Duc
2 months ago
wrote:
Zack es el ejemplo para miles de personas... Sigamos luchando contra el imperialismo.
Roo
2 months ago
from Russia wrote:
Zack inside all of us!!!
Rage Against The Machine - music which has changed my life...
Mark Goldner
2 months ago
from Guatemala wrote:
"There is no road towards peace; peace is the road" - Mahatma Gandhi
austrian - fan
2 months ago
from tirol wrote:
your concert at Novarock was so great. i really love your music and i think half of the people at the festival just came because of you!you can't imagine how you inspire and influence people all over the world with your music.a lot of my friends are listening to your music and also other bands with an similar attitude. And so they get this attitude too which is very good, i think. you can really change peoples opinions with your music and you must never forget that. i hope stay together for a long time!!!

Vasco
2 months ago
from Lisbon, Portugal wrote:
I just wanna say that portugal is seriously waiting for RATM to come. Our country stands up against a politicial/economical and social crisis (generated by years and years of corruption inside the system, as in most countrys in the same situation..) as we never seen before. And you know what? The fucking politicians are more interested in the soccer matches performed by portugal in the Euro 08 than actually the country itself, and the citizens, whitch they just don't give a fuck about! More than half of the people don't care about it. More than half of the people don't even vote and try to make a difference. Also, they prefere to watch soccer games and seem blind to anything else. But i garantee you one thing, 100% percent of your fans here, have their eyes wide open for our country, our world, and all the shit we're sinkin in. We all seek a changing way for our lives, and our future and we're willing to make a difference. we will prove you that on July 10th, at your concert. we are ALL with your cause, and we know you too are with ours. because the cause is the same in the entire fucking world. together we believe to make a difference and change something(change a lot)... shit, WE WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!! thank you all, zach, Tom, brad and tim, for puting portugal on you tour, after long years of waiting. we're needing your message revolution words, more than ever. It will be a memorable concert, for us and for you, that's a promise. props to you all.
Marco
2 months ago
from Vicenza- Italy wrote:
saw RATM yesterday in Modena...thanks for the words on U.S. military bases in Italy. I live in Vicenza, where USA wants build the biggest european military base. We are fightin from 2 years against that new base (we have other 2 US bases here), so I appreciate so much Zach's words...and RATM music.
the great concert I ever seen
Vital
2 months ago
from Russia, Barnaul wrote:
Russia with you, Zack!!!
William Dunn
2 months ago
from East Lansing, MICHIGAN wrote:
Zach, I am glad RAGE is still touring!! You are inspiration to me, and have been for years! I have a lot of concerns, alot of issues frustrate me, and i am trying to pick out one topic to make a documentary film about. Although i'm having trouble deciding the theme, I know when I figure it out, I will work as hard as I can on the project. Do you have any advice for a young film maker trying to make a difference?
Thanks! And I hope to see ya perform this summer at Lolla!
-Will
aromaZ. F
3 months ago
wrote:
Your the ONLY one in this Biz that should be recording music right NOW. You have a lot of fans get them out 2 VOTE. Zack 4 Vice-Pres.
Runa
3 months ago
from Germany wrote:
Hey zack!
You and your band were the people who changed my life, who made me more curageous than ever. I was once so fearful but your music pushed me up. And even when my grandma died, I loved her very much, your songs including lyrics gave me new hope that's there somebody who is still alive and who is fighting for a better world.
Although I'm just 14 years old, I will support your intentions all the time and if you need some help, I will be there.

Greetz
Canada
3 months ago
wrote:
Keep it up Zack, stay safe. The world is not safe as long as GWB style of corruption is in office.
Patrick
3 months ago
from Germany wrote:
Hi Zack, I am really looking forward to see RATM at 'Rock am Ring 2008'. This will be the first time that I have the chance to see you guys 'live' and I am already very excited. *shivering*

I hope that there is even a small chance for a new RATM album. You used to be my favorit band back in the 'good old times'. I want you back. :-)

IT'S TIME AGAIN TO KICK THE BUTT OF SOME POLITICIANS AND SPIT THE LYRICS IN MR. BUSH'S FACE!!

Cheers,
Patrick
Ziven K. Z.
3 months ago
from Minneapolis wrote:
De la Rocha: loved everything RATM did...musically and politically, which was masterfully done at the same time. I sincerely wish there were more musical groups who give me (as a listener/ fan) the feeling like they're connected. It just makes the music mean much more.
ARidd
3 months ago
from OREGON wrote:
Thanks, your message needs to be heard. i heard zack recorded an album in jack johnsons eco friendly studio wheres that at????
jose carlos taboada
3 months ago
from peruu!! wrote:
el mundo es para los que desean una tranquilidad justa, el infierno es para los despiadados saqueradores de nuestras almas, pero el infierno subio a la tierra y ahora nos gobierna un sistema imperialista donde nos esclavizan para fines de lucro por eso elevo mi voz al cielo y grito:
LIBERTAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD!!!!!!!!!!
lucy
4 months ago
from killadelphia wrote:
Mr. De la Rocha: goddamn, RATM changed my life in 1992. Now--there is so much wrong with our involvement in Iraq; but i'm lookin around me here at home and it hurts so much i can't stand up straight. i work with youth in this city; everyday they are the victims of the worst of all of us. the activists here are sexist. racial justice is homophobic. i do want the kids to care about change; they want to make it to 18 without getting beat, raped, pregnant or shot. i still appreciate the calls to action, the messages in your poetry--but what the fuck can we do? where's the instruction manual?
The Patriot
4 months ago
from Minnesota wrote:
These people are right Zack, the country needs you. As "gen-xers" we had you to shine a liberal voice into our culture.

My younger siblings don't have that voice in their pop culture and it's a dangerous thing. There are less of them questioning things.

The fight against American evil is not won by violent spectacles of frustrated protest. It's won in the seconds and minutes of mundane life. Won with repetitive, intelligent rhetoric that infiltrates young minds as often as american idol does.

We all hope you find what you're looking for & look forward to the return of a well-seasoned ZDLR ready to fight. This time with a beautiful old-school latino twist.

Luis
4 months ago
from Los Angeles, CA wrote:
I just wanted to say that it is good to see you back with RATM. The only thing that I'm disappointed is that while you and the rest of "RAGE" was gone. "King" George W. was running the show for the last 8 years. I would have liked that you could have comeback and rally everyone here against the Republican machine against the war, the merging of corporations, and speaking against secret survaillance on Americans. In short everything has turned upside down. I wish you comeback to raise hell on the Republican convention this year to give a send off to the man who ran who abused power making it Nixon look tame. Give us a voice against the police state that Bush created.
Nefeli
4 months ago
from Greece wrote:
hey, i just wanted to thank you for making me feel that i am not lonely in this fucking world.Raise your fist and resist my baby!this is the only way to cut the ashes of the bustards...come to greece to wake us!!!!!!!!!!
islam
4 months ago
from chechenya russia wrote:
zack i hope u'll come to chechenya and will be sing for us. chechenya loves u
Gibbo
4 months ago
from England wrote:
The music is just him speaking like an idiot, he basiclaly did this to get more fans and make more money. He doesn't care about the Iraq war just the money he can make from it, you're no better than the fat businessman getting rich off the war.

Admin Response
Zack and DJ Shadow released this song free to the public in order to inform the ignorant (that would be you). They have not made a dime from this rhyme! Not a schilling; far from a killing!
Ant G
4 months ago
from Florida wrote:
Been there done that! Z keep hitting them hard with knowledge...maybe someday the masses will awake and demand PEACE LOVE AND HAPPINESS for All!!
mmm
4 months ago
wrote:
Wow, somebody tried to tell Zack to "wake up". There's no mindless endorsement of Islam here. "Islam peace, Islam stare into my eyes brother please off our knees". He's addressing a metaphorical Muslim and then immediately including him in the exhortation to get "off our knees". We're all in the same fight, against anyone trying to lead us into the march of death. Anyone who knows Zack's politics knows that would include loony-conservative imams.

p.s. I'm from Texas too, and like the Dixie Chicks I wish the "damn Yankee" would stop giving Texas a bad name.
Uriel
4 months ago
from Brazil wrote:
hey zack ...
come to brazil
there are a lot of fans waiting for u
independent with or without rage against !

we have to hear ur lirycs

and we need FREEDOM !

this place sux
Jeon
4 months ago
from Korea wrote:
Sorry for a typo.
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