Rage Against the Machine (1999)
Sleep Now in the Fire by Rage Against the Machine addresses themes of greed, societal issues, and the consequences of capitalism. The lyrics personify greed and critique the impact of consumerism and imperialism on society, reflecting the band’s commitment to raising awareness and promoting change through their music.
When Rage Against the Machine released Sleep Now in the Fire in 1999, the airwaves were scorched with its searing critique of systemic greed and historical atrocities. The band, notorious for blending the raw, visceral energy of rock with a ferocious political message, delivered a track that is as much a call to arms as it is a historical ledger of corruption.
Digging into the lyrics of Sleep Now in the Fire requires a fearless dive into the inferno of societal and political issues the band highlights. This anthem is far from a simple verse-chorus affair; it’s an intricate manifesto encased in a molten shell of sound.
Sleep Now in the Fire brings it all home with some raw lyrical fire, funky-ass drumming and an ingenious guitar “solo” from the mind of Tom Morello. Lyrically, Sleep Now in the Fire touches upon many controversial acts committed by America during wartime, such as the use of chemical and atomic weapons. Meanwhile, the video features Rage in full on takeover mode playing at the New York Stock Exchange with documentary filmmaker Michael Moore behind the camera.
The world is my expense
The cost of my desire
Jesus blessed me with its future
And I protect it with fire
So raise your fists and march around
Just don’t take what you need
I’ll jail and bury those committed
And smother the rest in greed
Crawl with me into tomorrow
Or I’ll drag you to your grave
I’m deep inside your children
They’ll betray you in my name