Listen first
Explicit language, war themes, political unrest
Detailed Analysis
This song, 'Wake Up' by Rage Against the Machine, contains explicit language (repeated use of 'fuck'), strong political commentary, and references to war, violence, and systemic inequality. The lyrics critique military conflict, political hypocrisy, and the exploitation of the poor in warfare. Imagery such as 'blowing up the sunshine,' 'hangars ceiling dripped in oil,' and 'breaking into Fort Knox' contributes to a tone of political unrest and disturbing societal commentary. There is no sexual content or drug/alcohol references. The profanity and mature political themes make this more suitable for older teens who can contextualize the message critically.
Themes
political protest
war critique
class inequality
anti-establishment
profanity
hypocrisy
Lyrics
You! Why do they always send the poor? Barbarisms by Barbaras With pointed heels Victorious, victories kneel For brand new spankin' deals Marching forward hypocritic And hypnotic computers You depend on our protection Yet you feed us lies from the tablecloth La-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la, ooh-ooh Everybody's going to the party, have a real good time Dancing in the desert, blowing up the sunshine Kneeling roses disappearing into Moses's dry mouth Breaking into Fort Knox, stealing our intentions Hangars ceiling dripped in oil, crying "Freedom" Handed to obsoletion Still you feed us lies from the tablecloth La-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la, ooh-ooh Everybody's going to the party, have a real good time Dancing in the desert, blowing up the sunshine Everybody's going to the party, have a real good time Dancing in the desert, blowing up the sunshine Blast off, it's party time And we don't live in a fascist nation Blast off, it's party time And where the fuck are you? Where the fuck are you? Where the fuck are you? Why don't presidents fight the war? Why do they always send the poor? Why don't presidents fight the war? Why do they always send the poor? Why do they always send the poor? Why do they always send the poor? Why do they always send the poor? Kneeling roses disappearing into Moses's dry mouth Breaking into Fort Knox, stealing our intentions Hangars ceiling dripped in oil, crying "Freedom" Handed to obsoletion Still you feed us lies from the tablecloth La-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la, ooh-ooh Everybody's going to the party, have a real good time Dancing in the desert, blowing up the sunshine Everybody's going to the party, have a real good time Dancing in the desert, blowing up the sun Where the fuck are you? Where the fuck are you? Why don't presidents fight the war? Why do they always send the poor? Why don't presidents fight the war? Why do they always send the poor? Why do they always send the poor? Why do they always send the poor? Why do they always send the poor? Why do they always send the poor? Why do they always send the poor? They always send the poor They always send the poor
Remember: You know your child best. Use LyricsRay as a tool to inform your decisions, but always trust your parental instincts and family values when determining what's right for your children.
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Analysis performed on October 6, 2026