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
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

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
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

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!

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


Lyrics submitted by piesupreme

Killing In The Name song meanings
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  • +10
    General Comment

    I advise anyone who is trying to figure out lyrics to listen half speed before jumping to conclusions. Another good trick is to watch some live video of the song and actually read their lips. Not always correct, as they sometimes change lyrics live, but useful. An example. The lyric is definitely "Some of those that work forces, are the same that burn crosses". Live, he sometimes says "Some of those that burn crosses, are the same that hold office". "Wearing the (also "a" and "you're") badge and you've chosen white". "Wearing a badge and you're clothed in white".

    My interpretation... be wary of authority. It can be immoral. Bigots can be anywhere. In political office, in the fire and police departments, schools, etc. Wearing a badge, of course, denotes authority (police, FBI, DEA, whatever). Clothed in white alludes to the cross-burning Ku Klux Klan. Chosen white is a metaphor for choosing the "good guys" or societal norms. Engaging in bigotry because you embrace the laws and rules which are inherently bigoted, without questioning their morality. The protagonist announces he can see through the deception. He's enlightened, and disagrees with the injustice he sees. He's going to play by his own rules.

    twistedcrosson June 18, 2012   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    I think it's about how cops ignore and even cover-up hate crimes, because they either agree with, or collaborate with, the murderers.

    Jigokusabreon April 12, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    Actually, the line a few of you are referring to says:

    "Some of those that WORK forces, are the same that burn crosses".

    Like deltajoy said, it's not just about police brutality either. White supremists are everywhere including the police force, the military, etc etc.

    Mermaidtreeon April 10, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    delta joy i agree with you on the idea of what the song is about, but on a rather political note, what the fuck are you talking about... with mumia abu jamal, he is a convicted cop killer, there is nothing else to it, where was the police brutality or discrimination in that?

    LiveUrLifeon April 19, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    I completely agree with Mermaidtree on the meaning of this song...very well put...and the lyrics you can clearly hear him say those lyrics in the song thanks

    KOOLKRISon April 25, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    The song appears under two different names. Depending on whether you look at the album tracklist, the single or compilations etc, it is either Killing in the Name, or Killing in the Name Of.

    randygophron April 30, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    i think delta joy was referring to the case of amadu dialo (sp?). that would seem logical.

    staleph1shon May 15, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    the guy from New york? yea that makes sense, i didnt mean to get hot headed about mumia abu jamal but i live in philly and we all hate the man and his supporters.

    LiveUrLifeon May 15, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    It is about a couple of things that were listed above, but i also think it involves not settling into the conformity of society. I may be wrong but that's what i get from hearing FUCK YOU i wont do what ya tell me! anyone agree

    hammboneon May 16, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    Yeah, im with ya

    X.kRystLe.Xon May 22, 2002   Link

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