Mahanth S. Joishy is Editor of usindiamonitor

Editor’s note: this song is admittedly not for everyone, unless you are a fan of the highly unique blend of heavy metal and rap, a tiny niche genre that enjoyed its heyday in the 1990s and mostly faded from mainstream pop music culture. Township Rebellion punishes the eardrums unapologetically, especially if played loud the way I like it. The song is peppered with f-bombs and unadulterated anger. Township Rebellion was created by history’s ultimate rock/rap hybrid band, and perfectly epitomizes the timelessness and continued relevance of the passionate radical politics of Rage Against the Machine.

While this anthem may not be for everyone, it is very much for me. Since 1996 Rage Against the Machine has easily remained my favorite band despite their tragic breakup in 2000, and I’ve chronicled my journey of Rage in detail here. I have waffled back and forth on which of their many powerful songs is my favorite, but settled on Township Rebellion over the last few years because it contains everything I could ever want in a song.

More than a song, this is a lyrical political movement like no other that always grips me from the very first note. Township Rebellion just shouts from the rooftops. Raw, punishing power in primal form simply oozes from the guitar, bass, and drums, only to be matched by the insane, breathless, high-energy rapping of Mexican-American frontman Zach de la Rocha. Zach is more than just a rapper, for he snarls every line of his lyrics in a way that defies clean categorization. Meanwhile African-American guitarist and Harvard alum Tom Morello is legitimately considered one of the top guitarists of all time for belting out countless uniquely creative riffs and bizarre sound effects that demand your full attention. Bassist Tim Commerford and drummer Brad Wilk keep it all moving by never missing a beat. This applies to every last Rage song from all 4 superb albums. Seeing the band live for the first time in New York City was mind-blowing, and continues to be one of the top highlights of my life.

Township Rebellion is about fighting for what’s morally right, in our lives, for our societies, or at any other level that resonates with the listener. Like all Rage songs the deep lyrics are open to differing views on meaning. In my interpretation the “rebellion” is not about literal violence, but rather implores us to be unafraid to engage in any number of personal battles or conflicts for self-realization by actively participating in society, joining something bigger than ourselves despite the challenges. It means demonstrating a commitment by taking sides rather than staying silent, even when that’s not in vogue. Listening to Township Rebellion has never failed to pick me up and motivate me when times are tough. Although it was released as part of Rage’s self-titled debut studio album in 1992, to me Township Rebellion will never get old till the end of my days.

For your listening and reading pleasure, below is a link to click through to the song on YouTube, as it cannot be embedded outside of YouTube due to strong adult language. Despite that this melody has attained spiritual status in my life. The link is followed by a paste of all the lyrics, which are so transcendental, poetic and relevant that they send chills down my spine every time I hear them. If you choose to commit the 5 minutes for a listen, I’d recommend you follow along to the lyrics to experience the overarching power of this song’s message- whether you enjoy it musically or not.

[Verse 1]
Rebel, rebel and yell
‘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 peaceful
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, sucka?

[Verse 2]
Yeah, so you thought you could get with the hard lines
That fill your mind
Thoughts, battles fought, and lessons taught
Yes, I’ll display the fitness, and 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 ’til 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!

[Chorus]
Why stand on a silent platform?
Fight the war, f*** the norm
Why stand on a silent platform?
Fight the war, f*** the norm
Why stand on a silent platform?
Fight the war, f*** the norm
Why stand on a silent platform?
Fight the war, f*** the norm

[Guitar Solo]

[Chorus]
Why stand on a silent platform?
Fight the war, f*** the norm
Why stand on a silent platform?
Fight the war, f*** the norm
Why stand on a silent platform?
Fight the war, f*** the norm
Why stand on a silent platform?
Fight the war, f*** the norm

[Post-Chorus]
What’s it gonna take?

[Bridge]
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!!!

[Chorus]
Why stand on a silent platform?
Fight the war, f*** the norm
Why stand on a silent platform?
Fight the war, f*** the norm
Why stand on a silent platform?
Fight the war, f*** the norm
Why stand on a silent platform?
Fight the war, f*** the norm