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

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
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


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 burn crosses, are the same that hold office
Some of those that burn crosses, are the same that hold office
Some of those that burn crosses, are the same that hold office
Some of those that burn crosses, are the same that hold office


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
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

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
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

Motherfucker!



Lyrics submitted by ordeal

Killing In The Name (Live) song meanings
Add Your Thoughts

9 Comments

sort form View by:
  • 0
    General Comment

    When Rage play this song live Zach de la Rocha adds a little extra hard hitting verse. On the album version he says that some "who work forces" ie the police are white supremists wether overtly, in that they burn crosses, or covertly. But when playing live he adds that the same goes for those in the white house. GENIUS!!

    ordealon October 03, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    damn right man. great little verse! bet he'd thought of it while recording!

    VodkaLixon October 11, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    U think that epic told him not to put it in?

    P.S hopefully we can have a discusion about this gr8 song without the arguements, ignorance and people just saying "This song is good", that are on the other entry for it.

    ordealon October 23, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    There's also another version of killing in the name, where Zack does the same thing with the second verse but instead of "hold office", its "some of those that work forces, are the same that burn churches!". not as ryhthmically sweet, but still a great line.

    Calm Like a Bombon December 05, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    I think he goes, "Some of those that burn crosses, are the same that hold office"

    Badass song

    adam07on April 05, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    R.A.T.M is my favorite band of all time no questions asked. this exemplafies their work

    insane metal fanon April 10, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    rage against the machine... they r brilliant. i bow for their brilliance... looks up and sees u guys lookin at me as if i'm a mental patent. WHAT??! BOW U IDIOTS!!!

    Allamahon April 16, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    This is wicked song...especially when played live at the Democratic Convention 2000 when the riots broke loose...and he hates american politics....great work Zac

    Meekatharra Bushmanon May 24, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    Zach de La Rocha is really a government agent.

    kufiron November 26, 2007   Link

Add your thoughts

Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.

Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!

More Featured Meanings

Album art
Mental Istid
Ebba Grön
This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
Album art
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
Album art
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example: "'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Album art
Magical
Ed Sheeran
How would you describe the feeling of being in love? For Ed Sheeran, the word is “Magical.” in HIS three-minute album opener, he makes an attempt to capture the beauty and delicacy of true love with words. He describes the magic of it all over a bright Pop song produced by Aaron Dessner.
Album art
Punchline
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran sings about missing his former partner and learning important life lessons in the process on “Punchline.” This track tells a story of battling to get rid of emotions for a former lover, whom he now realized might not have loved him the same way. He’s now caught between accepting that fact and learning life lessons from it and going back to beg her for another chance.