Lyric discussion by sk8er1al 

Cover art for War Within a Breath lyrics by Rage Against the Machine

this is song is about the zapatista movement in mexico. MARCOS is leading the indenginous poor people in a revolt angainst the mexican government. southern fist- the first city the zapatistas took was in the very south of mexico. black flag, red star- those are the colors of communism/socialism. and thats what the zapatistas want reach for the lessons the masked pass on-this is talking about the zapatista leader MARCOS who when he gives speeches always has on a black ski mask. rising sun looming over LA-this refers to the number of mexicans that are living in LA.