Township Rebellion
Rage Against The Machine · Rage Against The Machine [1992]
'Cause our people still dwell in hell
Locked in a cell
Yes, the structure's a cell
Mad is the story I tell
How long can we wait?
Come on, seein' what's at stake
Action for reaction
If your mind's in a somewhat complacent state
Get a check up
This is a stick up
Our freedom or your life
Lord, I wish I could be peacful
But there can be no sequel
Now freedom must be fundamental
In Johannesburg or South Central
On the mic, 'cause someone should tell 'em
To kick in the township rebellion
Yeah, what about that sucker?
Yeah, so you thought you could get with the hardlines
That fill your mind
Thoughts, battles fought
And lessons taught
Yes I'll display the fitness
Then flip like a gymnast
Raise my fist and resist
Asleep, though we stand in the midst
Of the war
Gotta get mine
Gotta get more
Keepin' the mic warm against the norm
'Cause what does it offer me?
I think often it's nothin' but a coffin
Gotta get wreck
'Till our necks never swing on a rope
From here to the cape of no hope
Now freedom must be fundamental
In Johannesburg or South Central
On the mic, 'cause someone should tell 'em
To kick in the township rebellion
Why stand on a silent platform?
Fight the war, fuck the norm (4 times)
(Guitar solo)
Why stand on a silent platform?
Fight the war, fuck the norm (4 times)
What's it gonna take?
Euuurrrggghhhhh!
Shackle their minds when they're bent on the cross
When ignorance reigns, life is lost
Shackle their minds when they're left on the cross
When ignorance reigns, life is lost
Shackled our minds when we're bent on the cross
When ignorance reigns, life is lost
Shackled our minds when we're left on the cross
When ignorance reigns, life is lost, lost, lost!
Shackle your minds and you're left on the cross!
When ignorance reigns, life is lost!
Just shackle your minds when you're bent on the cross!
When ignorance reigns, life is lost, lost!
Why stand on a silent platform?
Fight the war, fuck the norm (4 times)
Township Rebellion
From the 1992 self-titled debut album, Rage Against The Machine's 'Township Rebellion' stands as a defining anthem of the rap-metal genre. The track fuses the band's signature political activism with heavy, rhythmic guitar riffs and a driving drum beat, creating a sonic landscape that mirrors the social unrest of South Africa. Led by Zack de la Rocha's impassioned vocals, the song addresses the struggles of the townships and the broader fight against apartheid, blending hip-hop flow with punk energy. Its aggressive delivery and urgent message made it an immediate staple of the band's early discography, influencing countless artists who sought to merge political commentary with high-energy rock instrumentation. The recording remains a powerful example of the group's ability to translate complex socio-political themes into a visceral musical experience.