Rage Against the Machine

Lyrics

[Intro]
Good evening
We want to just quickly send a nice friendly message to the, uh, Fraternal Order of Police in Philadelphia
Here's something nice and friendly
Here's something nice and friendly
Here's something nice and friendly
It goes a little something like this

[Verse 1]
Fuck the police comin' straight out the underground
A young nigga got it bad 'cause I'm brown
And not the other color, so police think
They have the authority to kill a minority
Fuck that shit, 'cause I ain't the one
For a punk motherfucker with a badge and a gun
To be beaten on and thrown in jail
We can go toe-to-toe in the middle of a cell
Fuckin' with me 'cause I'm a teenager
With a little bit of gold and a pager
Searchin' my car...
... is sellin' narcotics
You'd rather see me in the pen
Than me and Lorenzo chillin' in a Benz-o
... out of shape
And when I'm finished, bring the yellow tape
To mark off the scene of the slaughter
Still getting swole off bread and water...
A young nigga on the warpath
And when I'm finished, know there's gonna be a bloodbath
Of cops dying in L.A
Yo, I got something to say
[Chorus]
Fuck the police, come on, uh, what
Fuck the police, yeah, come on
Fuck the police, yeah

[Verse 2]
Fuck the police comin' straight out the underground
A young nigga got it bad 'cause I'm brown
And not the other color, so police think
They have the authority to kill a minority
Fuck that shit, 'cause I ain't the one
For a punk motherfucker with a badge and a gun
To be beaten on and thrown in jail
We can go toe-to-toe in the middle of a cell
Fuckin' with me 'cause I'm a teenager
With a little bit of gold and a pager
Searchin' my car, lookin' for the product
Thinkin' every nigga is sellin' narcotics
You'd rather see me in the pen
Than me and Lorenzo chillin' in a Benz-o
... out of shape
And when I'm finished, bring the yellow tape
To mark off the scene of the slaughter
Gonna get swole off bread and water
I don't know if they fags or what
Search a nigga down and grabbing his nuts
And on the other hand, without a gun, they can't get none
But don't let it be a black and a white one
'Cause they'll slam ya down to the street top
Black police showing out for the white cop
Yeah, this brother will swarm
On any motherfucker in a blue uniform
Just 'cause we in Washington D.C
Punk police are afraid of me, word
Brother on the warpath
When I'm gonna finish, it's gonna be a bloodbath
Of cops dying in L.A
Ayo, we got something to say
[Chorus]
Fuck the police
Come on, sing that shit loud, come on
Come on, one more time, here we go, here we go
Come on, one more, we gotta do it right now, come on
Yeah, check it out

F**k tha Police (Live at the benefit concert for Mumia Abu Jamal, Washington, D.C. - August 1995) is a powerful and controversial song performed by the iconic American rock band Rage Against the Machine. This electrifying rendition serves as a cover of NWA's equally provocative track of the same name, and it was included on their Live & Rare album. With politically charged lyrics and a fiery live performance, this song continues to resonate with audiences and spark important conversations about police brutality and social justice.

About F**k tha Police (Live at the benefit concert for Mumia Abu Jamal, Washington, D.C. - August 1995)

The live performance of F**k tha Police at the benefit concert for Mumia Abu Jamal in Washington, D.C. in August 1995 encapsulates the rebellious spirit and raw energy that Rage Against the Machine is renowned for. The band, consisting of vocalist Zack de la Rocha, guitarist Tom Morello, bassist Tim Commerford, and drummer Brad Wilk, took to the stage with a burning intensity, delivering a scathing critique of police misconduct and systemic oppression.

Originally written by NWA, a groundbreaking rap group known for their unapologetic social commentary, F**k tha Police became a controversial anthem upon its release in 1988. Rage Against the Machine pays homage to this influential song, infusing it with their own distinct musical style and amplifying its potent message.

What sets this live performance apart is its historical context. The benefit concert was held in support of Mumia Abu-Jamal, a prominent activist and former journalist who was convicted of murdering a police officer in 1981. Abu-Jamal's case garnered significant attention due to concerns about the fairness of his trial and the possibility of racial bias within the criminal justice system. The inclusion of F**k tha Police in the setlist became a rallying cry for those advocating for Abu-Jamal's release and demanding justice for communities affected by police violence.

As the band launches into the song, the crowd erupts in a fervent mix of anticipation, anger, and solidarity. The blistering guitar riffs of Tom Morello set the tone, providing an explosive backdrop for Zack de la Rocha's seething vocals. Through passionate delivery and incisive lyrics, de la Rocha highlights the abuse of power and systemic racism that plagues law enforcement agencies.

The song's lyrics confront the issue of police brutality head-on, meticulously detailing incidents of abuse and challenging the notion of law enforcement as protectors of justice. F**k tha Police deconstructs the myth of a fair and equal system, exposing the harsh realities faced by marginalized communities at the hands of those tasked with upholding the law. The live performance amplifies the urgency and outrage present in the original recording, its energy reverberating through the venue and leaving an indelible mark on the audience.

Rage Against the Machine's rendition of F**k tha Police serves as a profound example of music's potential to be a catalyst for social change. By giving a voice to the voiceless and shining a spotlight on deeply rooted injustices, the band challenges listeners to question the status quo and actively participate in the fight for equality and accountability.

Though the song's message may be controversial and confrontational, it remains an anthem for those demanding justice and an end to systemic oppression. F**k tha Police (Live at the benefit concert for Mumia Abu Jamal, Washington, D.C. - August 1995) by Rage Against the Machine stands as a testament to the power of music as a force for social transformation and a reminder of the ongoing struggle for a more just society.

• Release Date: June 30, 1998
• Artist: Rage Against the Machine