Township Rebellion
Rage Against The Machine · Rage Against The Machine
'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
Township Rebellion is a track by Rage Against The Machine from their self-titled 1992 debut album. The song exemplifies the band's signature fusion of heavy metal riffs with politically charged rap vocals, a defining characteristic of their early work. Released during a period of intense social activism, the recording addresses the 1921 Sharpeville Massacre in South Africa, a pivotal moment in anti-apartheid history. The lyrics detail the brutal police response to a peaceful protest, framing the event as a tragic uprising against systemic oppression. As one of the group's most anthemic compositions, the track remains a cornerstone of their discography, reflecting their commitment to using music as a vehicle for social commentary and resistance.