Sinister Rouge
Bad Religion · The Empire Strikes First
Innocents burned,
alive at the stake
Tortured and dumped
In nameless graves
Centuries wane
Authority died
Scattering seeds of ancient lies
Sinister rouge
Coming back for more
To even the score
Sinister rouge
Coming back for more
To even the score
Child molesters
And Jesuits
Holding secret conference
Underneath the pontiff’s nose
And only God will ever know
Sinister rouge
Coming back for more
To even the score
Sinister rouge
Coming back for more
To even the score
Give us this day
Our daily bread
Your legacy
We'll not forget
Lick the wounds
Cleanse the land
The modern world
Rejects your hand
Sinister rouge
Coming back for more
To even the score
Sinister rouge
Coming back for more
To even the score
Sinister rouge
The nightmare comes in sinister rouge
alive at the stake
Tortured and dumped
In nameless graves
Centuries wane
Authority died
Scattering seeds of ancient lies
Sinister rouge
Coming back for more
To even the score
Sinister rouge
Coming back for more
To even the score
Child molesters
And Jesuits
Holding secret conference
Underneath the pontiff’s nose
And only God will ever know
Sinister rouge
Coming back for more
To even the score
Sinister rouge
Coming back for more
To even the score
Give us this day
Our daily bread
Your legacy
We'll not forget
Lick the wounds
Cleanse the land
The modern world
Rejects your hand
Sinister rouge
Coming back for more
To even the score
Sinister rouge
Coming back for more
To even the score
Sinister rouge
The nightmare comes in sinister rouge
Sinister Rouge
Bad Religion's "Sinister Rouge" appears on the 1992 album The Empire Strikes First, a pivotal release that solidified the band's evolution from punk rock to a more mature, politically charged sound. The track exemplifies the group's signature blend of melodic hooks and aggressive delivery, reflecting their ongoing commitment to social commentary and anti-authoritarian themes. Released during a period of significant cultural shift, the song contributes to the album's reputation as a defining work of the early 1990s alternative rock scene. Its enduring presence in the band's discography highlights their ability to maintain relevance while exploring complex lyrical ideas within the punk framework.