englishAlternative metal

Killing in the Name Lyrics

by Rage Against the Machine

13 views • Published on Sep 28, 2026

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 Ugh! Killing in the name of... Killing in the name of... Now you do what they told ya Now you do what they told ya Now you do what they told ya 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 Ugh! Killing in the name of... Killing in the name of... Now you do what they told ya Now you do what they told ya Now you do what they told ya 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! Ugh! Yeah! Come on! Ugh! 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! MOTHER-FUCKER!!!!!!!!!! UGH!!

Meaning of Killing in the Name

“Killing in the Name” explodes with a furious indictment of systemic oppression and blind obedience. Rage Against the Machine channels raw anger, fueled by the experiences of marginalized communities confronting police brutality and institutional racism. The repeated mantra “Killing in the name…” becomes a chilling echo of manipulated narratives used to justify violence against those resisting authority – specifically referencing figures associated with hate groups like burning crosses. The lyrics expose how individuals are coerced into self-destructive behavior through fear and propaganda, essentially "doing what they told ya,” highlighting the insidious nature of power structures. It’s a scathing critique of unquestioning loyalty and a desperate call for critical thinking, urging listeners to recognize the forces manipulating them and ultimately reject the justifications offered by those in control, demanding an end to the cycle of violence and injustice.

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