Notes: This song is what it sounds like it is, a condemnation of those willing to just sit around when there’s stuff to fix, with a bonus parting shot at the fat cats running the system.
I remember the day in 1986 I bought ‘Life of Dreams.’ My friend Dan and I drove to the next town up the coast to check out its record store, having already gone scorched-earth on the bins in our hometown. The place had a great metal section (I had bought my first issue of Kerrang! there on a previous visit) and among the new eye-catching titles on hand were ‘Life of Dreams’ and Agnostic Front’s ‘Cause for Alarm,’ which he bought. We went back to his house, dubbed each onto cassette so we could both enjoy them fully, and called it a win, punk (Dan) and metal (me) having found the music in between: hardcore.
Go to the bottom of the post to see Mr. Bungle performing ‘Just Sit There’ earlier this year in Brooklyn.
Excerpt from ‘Unreality’ — Such a long face nowadays. Just sitting there.
Lyrics Sit there and let destruction take its course Sit there and let nothing occupy your mind But, I know that there’s something left inside Yes I know what the future will provide
It’s up to us to fight the war As Ronnie screws up more and more But he don’t care his life is past It’s up to us to make things last
Sit there and let destruction take its course Sit there and let nothing occupy your mind But, I know that there’s something left inside Yes I know what the future will provide
Brainwashed by hates and fears Jeopardizing precious years Fancy cars and diamond rings For they live the life of kings.
SIT THERE!
—
‘Protest 100’s mission is two-fold: dispelling the myth that heavy metal is a brainless, socially unaware music genre, and raising awareness of the issues facing our country in the Nov. 3, 2020 election. The path won’t be exclusively metal—some punk and rap and other stuff will be in here too, including the classics—and is not a ranking. All songs are songs I’ve heard while putting this list together, ordered in a manner designed to entertain and educate.
Notes: Cro-Mags came out swinging, ‘We Gotta Know’ being the first track on the band’s debut album, ‘The Age of Quarrel.’ The album’s title is derived from the Hindu expression for the current age, Kali Yuga (the final age before the annihilation of the universes), and even back in 1986 the call was out for us to use our brains and see through the lies perpetrated from above. “You’ve got young people that are confused, making mistakes and looking for the truth, looking for answers,” bass player Harley Flanagan said in his autobiography ‘Hard-Core: Life of My Own’ regarding the lyrics he and vocalist John Joseph wrote for Cro-Mags’ debut.
Go to the bottom of the post to see Refused feat. Joseph performing ‘We Gotta Know’ and Bad Brains’ ‘Attitude’.
Excerpt from ‘Unreality’ — “I know. I know, Captain. Ain’t a goddamn word of truth to any of it. But you buggin’ out freaked those muthafuckas down below. And we gotta give them something.”
Lyrics Strugglin’ in the streets just trying to survive Searchin’ for the truth is just keepin’ us alive Gotta break these shackles gotta break these chains Said the only way we’ll do it is if we use our brains Said there’s gotta be some meaning to the purpose of life I know there must be more than the struggle and strife Cause I’m looking for the answers and I need a clue Cause my mind’s so disturbed now what do I do?
Notice everywhere there’s mass confusion and packs of lies We gotta know! We’re starin’ down our enemies in the eyes We gotta know! These are the days of the cheaters and the cheated We gotta know! But we’re not gonna bend you know we won’t be defeated We gotta know!
Strugglin’ in the streets just trying to survive Searchin’ for the truth is just keepin’ us alive Gotta break these shackles gotta break these chain Said the only way we’ll do it is if we use our brains Said there’s gotta be some meaning to the purpose of life I know there must be more than the struggle and strife Cause I’m looking for the answers and I need a clue Cause my mind’s so disturbed now what do I do? Cause my minds so disturbed now What do I do? What do I do? What do I do?
This planet’s turnin’ into a hell And I figured out that things don’t really look too well Reactions coming they’re already starting to show But the question is who’ll go with the flow You know there’s gonna, be a fight! Cause somebody’s always tryin’ to keep ya From doing the right There’s always gonna be somebody Comin’ no matter where you go So now you know why we gotta know We gotta now!
—
‘Protest 100’s mission is two-fold: dispelling the myth that heavy metal is a brainless, socially unaware music genre, and raising awareness of the issues facing our country in the Nov. 3, 2020 election. The path won’t be exclusively metal—some punk and rap and other stuff will be in here too, including the classics—and is not a ranking. All songs are songs I’ve heard while putting this list together, ordered in a manner designed to entertain and educate.
Song: I Hope The Ghosts Of The Dead Haunt Yr Soul Forever
Album: Immortalizer
Producer: Jack Endino
Label: Volcom Entertainment
Year: 2008
Notes: And just like that…I’m back! Everybody ready for the final sprint to the finish line? Good. Today’s offering comes from Greenville, North Carolina’s Valient Thorr, a band that has overtly combined high-speed, party rock n’ roll with political lyrics since the first song off its debut album, ‘Showdown’ from 2005’s Total Universe Man). The track presented here addresses class warfare, the quest for oil, and native American rights all in just over three minutes. Jump in! The water’s fine!!
Excerpt from ‘Unreality’ — “You alright there, hoss?” Cookie asked. “You look like you just saw the ghost of yo mama’s cooch.”
Lyrics All these Caesars, slicker than the oil they own, scheme plans for years Crack their fingers and smile real big, While yer family drowns in tears
Someday, when your feet are up, you’ll soon be shouting NEVER! I hope the ghosts of the dead come haunt yer soul forever!
Whatcha gonna do? Money can’t save you AAAAAIGHHHHHH!!!! What was that? Gonna give yourself a heart attack! My family! They trust you! The ghosts of my family Will crush you!
Skeletons in closet Lawyer suing Natives reservations Casinos ruined, all nations! They trust you! The ghosts of all nations! Will crush you!
Drowns in tears Someday, when your feet are up, you’ll soon be shouting NEVER! I hope the ghosts of the dead come haunt yer soul forever!
Its too late to save your skin! Playing the role of dumb, religious men you’ll regret all those you’ve fucked when your demons eat you up.
(All these Caesars, slicker than oil) Can’t get forgiveness, its too late (All these years, still the same) So many wishes drowned in hate (I would make the more adequate decisions) For all of those lives that you made rough (To not follow in my fathers name) instant karmas not enough.
All these Caesars, slicker than the oil they own, scheme plans for years Crack their fingers and smile real big, while yer family drowns in tears.
Someday when your feet are up You’ll soon bem shouting NEVER! I hope the ghosts of the dead come haunt yer soul forever!
—
‘Protest 100’s mission is two-fold: dispelling the myth that heavy metal is a brainless, socially unaware music genre, and raising awareness of the issues facing our country in the Nov. 3, 2020 election. The path won’t be exclusively metal—some punk and rap and other stuff will be in here too, including the classics—and is not a ranking. All songs are songs I’ve heard while putting this list together, ordered in a manner designed to entertain and educate.
Notes: Not so much a protest as a calling out of America’s small-minded to step up and get what’s coming to them. It takes a variety of balls. Then again vocalist Randy Blythe voluntarily returned to the Czech Republic to stand trial for manslaughter after a fan died as result of injuries sustained at a Lamb of God concert, so he’s not lacking.
Blythe could have hidden behind the US flag and just never gone back. But he’s an actual man, and beyond that a feeling human, so he wanted to do the right thing. After his acquittal he had this to say: “While I am relieved that my innocence was proven and apparently I shall not be going to prison, I am in no way, shape or form a happy man right now. A young man is still dead, and his family still suffers…Now I will go home and try to see what good I can make come out the destruction that occurred here – it is the only correct thing to do.” Imagine.
Lead by example. And if you can’t do that, shut up and get out of the way.
P.S. – It’s not all po-faced groaning in LoG-land. They made an entertaining video for this song you can check out at the bottom of the post! Plus, bonus-bonus, some great live action from just last year.
Excerpt from ‘Unreality’ — Good feelings had also led to good deeds. Someone had cleaned up the pile that was once Redneck Boy. The only thing left was the burn mark on the floor.
Lyrics So goddamn easy to write this You make it spill on the page So drunk on yourself, self-righteous A laughing stock of your own fucking stage
Oh but I ain’t one to call names Or throw stones in a house of glass You try me
This is a motherfuckin’ invitation The only one you could ever need This is a motherfuckin’ invitation You try me
Just one time you got a reason Heard you had nothing to lose A blind preacher for the pin-eyed congregation It must be easy to lose
Oh but I ain’t one to call names Or throw stones in a house of glass You try me
This is a motherfuckin’ invitation The only one you could ever need This a motherfuckin’ invitation You try me
You can tell the same lie a thousand times But it never gets any more true So close your eyes once more and once more believe That they all still believe in you
Just one time This is a motherfuckin’ imitation The only one you could ever need This a motherfuckin’ invitation Just one time
This is a motherfuckin’ invitation Ya’ try me
Just one time (ya’ try me) Just one time (ya’ try me) Ya’ try me
—
‘Protest 100’s mission is two-fold: dispelling the myth that heavy metal is a brainless, socially unaware music genre, and raising awareness of the issues facing our country in the Nov. 3, 2020 election. The path won’t be exclusively metal—some punk and rap and other stuff will be in here too, including the classics—and is not a ranking. All songs are songs I’ve heard while putting this list together, ordered in a manner designed to entertain and educate.
Notes: Think, dammit! It’s not too late!! Renounce the hate. Take action. Change. Syracuse’s Earth Crisis asked a lot on their third full-length (and only Roadrunner) release. But not any more than they were doing themselves. And not any more than any of the rest of us can do if we simply decide to.
Excerpt from ‘Unreality’ — He decided to wait a few minutes, the full effect of everything already consumed having not yet taken hold.
Lyrics Designed to deceive myths of supremacy. A climate ingrained of fear and disdain. Spawning murderers since time began. Borders redefined, the aggressors rule. Demons have their day of every race in every land. Survivors of massacres live on enslaved. One half of the world in five centuries has been under European supremacist rule. Hatred forced into each of all our minds. There’s still time to set ourselves free. Hatred forced into each of all our minds. There’s still time to set ourselves free. Architects of conspiracies created to subjugate. Conquered peoples by believing their oppression is divine will. Breed the killers of the lies. Unveil the truth throughout the past. Until achievements are known. Until inventions are known. Until contributions are known humanity lives in lies. Hatred forced into each of all our minds. There’s still time to set ourselves free. Hatred forced into each of all our minds. There’s still time to set ourselves free.
—
‘Protest 100’s mission is two-fold: dispelling the myth that heavy metal is a brainless, socially unaware music genre, and raising awareness of the issues facing our country in the Nov. 3, 2020 election. The path won’t be exclusively metal—some punk and rap and other stuff will be in here too, including the classics—and is not a ranking. All songs are songs I’ve heard while putting this list together, ordered in a manner designed to entertain and educate.
Notes: And now, the up-to-date tip. History can be taught. We can learn. But only if we’re willing to do so. Oh yeah…and VOTE!
“We have reached a pivotal point in history where artists not only have an incredible opportunity but a responsibility to use their talents to raise awareness and provoke change,” producer John Robie told Rolling Stone. “An aggressively old-school jam whose production was purposely meant to fit into a self-penned musical set in the Eighties became transformed by a covenant that Biggs and I have had for many years, to bring meaning and message back into music. To create something turbulent, timeless and timely. And when Bun B graciously joined forces with us to help spread the word, just like the movement to end racial inequality itself, there was no stopping us.”
Robie began his career (and his partnership with Biggs) as co-writer and synth player with Afrika Bambaataa & the Soul Sonic Force, including on the seminal ‘Planet Rock.’
Excerpt from ‘Unreality’ — There was no more worrying about doing the right thing or wondering about the future.
Lyrics We try to douse the fire, it continues to burn/Like the Boogie Down Bronx, it continues to burn/Like that cross in the yard, it continues to burn/Can’t you see the fire, it continues to burn
[That’s the chorus. Ya’ll got to watch the video for the rest. Which you should do anyway. It’s a journey.]
—
‘Protest 100’s mission is two-fold: dispelling the myth that heavy metal is a brainless, socially unaware music genre, and raising awareness of the issues facing our country in the Nov. 3, 2020 election. The path won’t be exclusively metal—some punk and rap and other stuff will be in here too, including the classics—and is not a ranking. All songs are songs I’ve heard while putting this list together, ordered in a manner designed to entertain and educate.
Notes: This one goes back almost to the beginning, and it let people know in no uncertain terms that hip-hop was going to be as much about teaching as jiving. The song catalogs society’s woes, but also exhorts the listener to not give up, to pursue knowledge, and to never feel like they’re alone in the search for meaning. The Lord even gets a shout out, and we a reminder that prince or pauper, black or white, our fate is the same.
Run (Joseph Simmons) is now a reverend. From NPR in 2012: “When I started going to church I started to feel better. Things were starting to look brighter for me. I started to see that learning the principles of God was helping to shape my life better.”
The song was released as a cassette single with ‘Sucker M.C.s’ in 1983 and appeared the next year on the group’s debut album.
Excerpt from ‘Unreality’ — “It’s not wrapped clean sir. It’s layered, twisted.”
Lyrics [Run] Unemployment at a record high People coming, people going, people born to die Don’t ask me, because I don’t know why But it’s like that, and that’s the way it is
[D.M.C.] People in the world tryin to make ends meet You try to ride car, train, bus, or feet I said you got to work hard, you want to compete It’s like that, and that’s the way it is Huh!
[Run & D.M.C. alternate lines for the remainder of the song] Money is the key to end all your woes Your ups, your downs, your highs and your lows Won’t you tell me the last time that love bought you clothes? It’s like that, and that’s the way it is
Bills rise higher every day We receive much lower pay I’d rather stay young, go out and play It’s like that, and that’s the way it is Huh!
Wars going on across the sea Street soldiers killing the elderly Whatever happened to unity? It’s like that, and that’s the way it is
Disillusion is the word That’s used by me when I’m not heard I just go through life with my glasses blurred It’s like that, and that’s the way it is Huh!
You can see a lot in this lifespan Like a bum eating out of a garbage can You noticed one time he was your man It’s like that (what?) and that’s the way it is
You should have gone to school, you could’ve learned a trade But you laid in the bed where the bums have laid Now all the time you’re crying that you’re underpaid It’s like that (what?) and that’s the way it is Huh!
One thing I know is that life is short So listen up homeboy, give this a thought The next time someone’s teaching why don’t you get taught? It’s like that (what?) and that’s the way it is
If you really think about it times aren’t that bad The one that flexes with successes will make you glad Stop playing start praying, you won’t be sad It’s like that (what?) and that’s the way it is Huh!
When you feel you fail sometimes it hurts For a meaning in life is why you search Take the bus or the train, drive to school or the church It’s like that, and that’s the way it is
Here’s another point in life you should not miss Do not be a fool who’s prejudiced Because we’re all written down on the same list It’s like that (what?) and that’s the way it is Huh!
You know it’s like that, and that’s the way it is Because it’s like that, and that’s the way it is
(Repeat these lines til fade)
—
‘Protest 100’s mission is two-fold: dispelling the myth that heavy metal is a brainless, socially unaware music genre, and raising awareness of the issues facing our country in the Nov. 3, 2020 election. The path won’t be exclusively metal—some punk and rap and other stuff will be in here too, including the classics—and is not a ranking. All songs are songs I’ve heard while putting this list together, ordered in a manner designed to entertain and educate.
Notes: Don’t believe what anyone in power tells you. You might get sold into slavery. Or find someone trying to help you out of it, but only for their own purposes. And good luck getting money together when you start off at the bottom. As Chuck D told Melody Maker in 1991: “’Can’t Truss It’ is about how the corporate world of today is just a different kind of slavery. We don’t control what we create. And because of the media, we don’t control the way we think or run our lives. We’ve got to limit working for a situation that’s other than ours. We have no ownership of anything. If you don’t own business, then you don’t have jobs. White people have jobs because they have business. They have institutions that teach them how to live in America. Black people don’t have institutions that teach them how to deal with s–t. The Number One institution that teaches you how to deal is the family, but slavery f–ked that up. So the song is about the ongoing cost of the holocaust. There was a Jewish holocaust, but there’s a black holocaust that people still choose to ignore.”
Excerpt from ‘Unreality’ — It wouldn’t be too long before they’d start wondering anew about each other, trying in vain to figure out who could and could not be trusted. The entire circle would be made whole again; rival schools trying to outdo each other rather than face a common problem.
Lyrics [Intro: Chuck D (& Flavor Flav)] (Confusion) Here come the drums Alright, alright, yeah, yeah Alright, alright Here come the drums Alright, alright, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah Alright, alright
[Chuck D] Bass in your face, not an eight track Gettin’ it good to the wood So the people give you some of that reactin’ to the facts That I kick and it stick and it stay around Pointin’ to the joint, put the Buddha down Goin, goin, deep to the roots Ain’t givin’ it up, so turn me loose But then again I got a story that’s harder than the hardcore Cost of the holocaust, I’m talkin’ ’bout the one still goin’ on I know where I’m from, not dum diddie dum From the base motherland, the place of the drum Invaded by the wack diddie wack And fooled the black, and left us faded King and chief, probably had a big beef Because of that now I grit my teeth So here’s a song to the strong ‘Bout the shake of the snake and the smile went along With that, can’t truss it
[Break: Flavor Flav] You can’t truss it Let them know You can’t truss it Yo, let them know You can’t truss it Let them know
[Chuck D] Kickin’ wicked rhymes like a fortune teller Cause the wickedness done by Jack Where everybody at divided and sold For liquor and the gold Smacked in the back for the other man to mack
[Break: Flavor Flav] What? Wicked man, wicked man Get back, step back, kick it man
[Chuck D] Now the story that I’m kickin’ is gory Little Rock where they be dockin’ this boat No hope, I’m shackled, oh plus, gang tackled By the other hand swingin’ the rope “god damn” Wearin’ red, white and blue, Jack and his crew The guy’s authorized beat down for the brown Man to the man, each one, so I teach one Born to terrorize sisters and every brother One love who said it, I know Whodini sang it But the hater taught hate that’s why we gang bang it Beware of the hand when it’s comin’ from the left I ain’t trippin, just watch your step Can’t truss it
[Break: Flavor Flav] Can’t truss it Yo, let them know Can’t truss it Yo, let them know Can’t truss it Yo, let them know Can’t truss it, can’t truss it Can’t truss it, can’t truss it Can’t truss it, can’t truss it
[Chuck D] And I’ll judge everyone, one by the one Look here comes the judge, watch it here he come now (Don’t sentence me judge, I ain’t did nothin’ to nobody) I can only guess what’s happenin’ Years ago he woulda been the ship’s captain Gettin’ me bruised on a cruise, what I got to lose Lost all contact, got me layin’ on my back Ugh, rollin’ in my own leftover When I roll over, I roll over in somebody else 90 damn days on a slave ship Count them fallin’ off 1, 2, 3, 4 hundred at a time Blood in the wood and it’s mine I’m chokin’ on, spit, feelin’ pain Like my brain bein’ chained Still gotta give it what I got But it’s hot in the day, it’s cold in the night But I thrive to survive, I pray to god to stay alive Attitude boils up inside And that ain’t it, you think I ever quit Still I plan to get my hands around the neck of the man with the whip 3 months passed, they brand a label on my ass To signify our owned, I’m on the microphone Sayin’ 1555, how I’m livin’ We been livin’ here, livin’ ain’t the word, I been givin’ Haven’t got, classify us in the have-nots Fightin’ haves cause it’s all about money “damn” When it comes to Armageddon mean I’m getting mine Here I am turn it over Sam 427 to the year, do you understand That’s why it’s hard for the black to love the land
[Chuck D] Once again, bass in your face, not an eight track Gettin’ it good to the wood So the people give you some of that reactin’ to the facts That I kick and it stick and it stay around Pointin’ to the joint, put the Buddha down Goin, goin, gettin’ to the roots Ain’t givin’ it up, so turn me loose But then again I got a story that’s harder than the hardcore Cost of the holocaust, I’m talkin’ ’bout the one still goin’ on I know where I’m from, not dum diddie dum From the base motherland, the place of the drum Invaded by the wack diddie wack And fooled the black, and left us faded King and chief, probably had a big beef Because of that now I grit my teeth So here’s a song to the strong Bout the shake of the snake and the smile went along With that, can’t truss it
[Outro: Flavor Flav] Can’t truss it, can’t truss it You can’t truss it, you can’t truss it You can’t truss it, you can’t truss it You can’t truss it, you can’t truss it You can’t truss it, you can’t truss it
[Chuck D] Watch him, here he comes now Watch him, here he comes now
—
‘Protest 100’s mission is two-fold: dispelling the myth that heavy metal is a brainless, socially unaware music genre, and raising awareness of the issues facing our country in the Nov. 3, 2020 election. The path won’t be exclusively metal—some punk and rap and other stuff will be in here too, including the classics—and is not a ranking. All songs are songs I’ve heard while putting this list together, ordered in a manner designed to entertain and educate.
Notes: Check the time stamp on this one. Yes, things are worse now. But the oppressor has always been active. The shepherd can be the wolf. Vigilance is a full-time job. Nothing changes without it. Look away and the game is reset.
Excerpt from ‘Unreality’ — More troubling than their transparency is that they include simple gestures and turns of phrase most use naturally and unconsciously, but which he contemplates as if they were some secret code of behavioral control that he alone has tapped into.
Lyrics Under the boot of great oppression we slither and crawl. On the path for annihilation but in the name of god? Manifest Decimation, we stumble and fall. Manifest Decimation, to suppress us all.
Under the boot of great oppression, a dark figure conquers us. Manifest Decimation, when all hope is crushed.
Crushed.
—
‘Protest 100’s mission is two-fold: dispelling the myth that heavy metal is a brainless, socially unaware music genre, and raising awareness of the issues facing our country in the Nov. 3, 2020 election. The path won’t be exclusively metal—some punk and rap and other stuff will be in here too, including the classics—and is not a ranking. All songs are songs I’ve heard while putting this list together, ordered in a manner designed to entertain and educate.
Notes: You are what you do; as a person and as a society. Science is value neutral. Until you do something with it.
Excerpt from ‘Unreality’ — To which the beast replied, with its typical cunning, ‘no money shall be thine. Your path is paved with riches beyond wealth.’
Lyrics Children burning, crawling, dying Knowledge and science used like toys Splitting neutrons we made us a bomb No advances, just death of man
Sum of your achievements Sum of your achievements Sum of your achievements You call this something to be proud of?
Achieve destruction, obliteration How the west has won Going further back to discover new arms Science is working to destroy us all
Sum of your achievements Sum of your achievements Sum of your achievements You call this something to be proud of?
Sum of your achievements (Nagasaki) Sum of your achievements (Hiroshima) Sum of your achievements (All of us…) Sum of your achievement
—
‘Protest 100’s mission is two-fold: dispelling the myth that heavy metal is a brainless, socially unaware music genre, and raising awareness of the issues facing our country in the Nov. 3, 2020 election. The path won’t be exclusively metal—some punk and rap and other stuff will be in here too, including the classics—and is not a ranking. All songs are songs I’ve heard while putting this list together, ordered in a manner designed to entertain and educate.
Chris Smith, Author 