Rage Against the Machine - Killing in the Name Lyrics and Video

Killing in the Name by Rage Against the Machine, Music Lyrics and Video

Killing in the Name is a song by American rap metal band Rage Against the Machine, featured on their 1992 self-titled debut album. Released as the lead single from the album in November 1992, the song reached number 25 on the UK Singles Chart. In 2009 the song became the official UK Christmas number one!

In 2009 the song was part of a successful Facebook campaign to prevent The X Factor winner’s song from gaining the Christmas number one in the UK. The campaign provoked commentary from both groups and other musicians, as well as gaining coverage in national press. The song became the first single to reach Christmas number one spot on downloads alone.

Here is Rage Against the Machine performing the song live on BBC Thursday December 17, 2009.

Rage Against the Machine - Killing in the Name Lyrics

Killing in the name of!
Some of those that work forces, are the same that burn crosses
Some of those that work forces, are the same that burn crosses
Some of those that work forces, are the same that burn crosses
Some of those that work forces, are the same that burn crosses
Huh!

Killing in the name of!
Killing in the name of

And now you do what they told ya
And now you do what they told ya
And now you do what they told ya
And now you do what they told ya
And now you do what they told ya
And now you do what they told ya
And now you do what they told ya
And now you do what they told ya
And now you do what they told ya
And now you do what they told ya
And now you do what they told ya
But now you do what they told ya
Well now you do what they told ya

Those who died are justified, for wearing the badge, they’re the chosen whites
You justify those that died by wearing the badge, they’re the chosen whites
Those who died are justified, for wearing the badge, they’re the chosen whites
You justify those that died by wearing the badge, they’re the chosen whites

Some of those that work forces, are the same that burn crosses
Some of those that work forces, are the same that burn crosses
Some of those that work forces, are the same that burn crosses
Some of those that work forces, are the same that burn crosses
Uggh!

Killing in the name of!
Killing in the name of

And now you do what they told ya
And now you do what they told ya
And now you do what they told ya
And now you do what they told ya
And now you do what they told ya, now you’re under control (7 times)
And now you do what they told ya, now you’re under control
And now you do what they told ya, now you’re under control
And now you do what they told ya, now you’re under control
And now you do what they told ya, now you’re under control
And now you do what they told ya, now you’re under control
And now you do what they told ya, now you’re under control
And now you do what they told ya!

Yeah! Come on!

Fuck you, I won’t do what you tell me
Fuck you, I won’t do what you tell me
Fuck you, I won’t do what you tell me
Fuck you, I won’t do what you tell me
Fuck you, I won’t do what you tell me
Fuck you, I won’t do what you tell me
Fuck you, I won’t do what you tell me
Fuck you, I won’t do what you tell me
Fuck you, I won’t do what you tell me!
Fuck you, I won’t do what you tell me!
Fuck you, I won’t do what you tell me!
Fuck you, I won’t do what you tell me!
Fuck you, I won’t do what you tell me!
Fuck you, I won’t do what you tell me!
Fuck you, I won’t do what you tell me!
Fuck you, I won’t do what you tell me!
Motherfucker!
Uggh!

Song Information

Written about revolution against racism in security agencies, “Killing in the Name” is widely recognised as the band’s signature song, and has been noted for its distinctive guitar riffs and heavy use of strong language.

Released November 1992, December 4, 2009 (UK reissue)
Genre Alternative metal, rap metal
Length 5:14
Label Epic Records
Writers Rage Against the Machine
Producer Garth “GGGarth” Richardson, Rage Against the Machine