In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
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
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
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This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
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I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
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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.
I think it's about how cops ignore and even cover-up hate crimes, because they either agree with, or collaborate with, the murderers.
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.
@Mermaidtree correct. White supremacists ARE everywhere. Behind bushes, in your head, up your skirt and even directing BLM and NAACP. Be very afraid.
@Mermaidtree forces can technically be ANYTHING r ANYONE that's actively working against you. "are the same that bear crosses" so whatevers or whomever is working against you, also has there own troubles. looking back at this song, it almost describes the ULTRA WOKE Cancel Culture. so has your cheering while another poor soul is snuffed out, take a pause and say a prayer it doesn't come for you next. the woke always eat there own.
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?
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
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.
i think delta joy was referring to the case of amadu dialo (sp?). that would seem logical.
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.
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
Yeah, im with ya