Wide Awake

Album: Revelations (2006)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song is about the reaction to the Hurricane Katrina disaster in 2005. The band criticizes the government for a slow reaction and avoiding the problem (hence the line, "Pull the sheet over my eyes, so I can sleep tonight"). In the bonus DVD that came with the Revelations CD, guitarist Tom Morello describes this as "A song of fingerpointing," while bassist Tim Commerford overtly says, "It's a song about President Bush, and what an a--hole he is."
  • This was the first politically themed Audioslave song. When the supergroup first formed, Chris Cornell said he did not want it to be a political band like the rest of the band's old group, Rage Against the Machine.
  • This song was featured in the 2007 film remake of Miami Vice. Cornell often introduces this song at his solo concerts with: "I don't know how, but this song somehow ended up in Miami Vice, a movie that nobody saw. But if you watch the movie, it plays at the scene where the guy is f--king the girl." >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Bert - Pueblo, NM, for above 3

Comments: 3

  • Shanan from Huron, SdThis is probably my favorite song. I feel i relate to it personally and i get goosebumps whenever i listen to it. If you have not heard it then you are missing out.
  • Ef from Newaygo, MiOne of my favorite Audioslave songs. I've bled Audioslave since their first album came out, and this ranks in my top 5. Gives me the chills whenever I listen to it. Lyrics are just so great, as with most every song Chris Cornell has written.
  • Adrian from Brookings, SdIt's a shame the band had to break up just when they started to make really meaningful and large scale statements to a mass audience. I think that was one of the great things about Rage Against the Machine.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Dan Reed

Dan ReedSongwriter Interviews

Dan cracked the Top 40 with "Ritual," then went to India and spent 2 hours with the Dalai Lama.

Tom Johnston from The Doobie Brothers

Tom Johnston from The Doobie BrothersSongwriter Interviews

The Doobies guitarist and lead singer, Tom wrote the classics "Listen To The Music," "Long Train Runnin'" and "China Grove."

Boz Scaggs

Boz ScaggsSongwriter Interviews

The "Lowdown" and "Lido Shuffle" singer makes a habit of playing with the best in the business.

Rosanne Cash

Rosanne CashSongwriter Interviews

Rosanne talks about the journey that inspired her songs on her album The River & the Thread, including a stop at the Tallahatchie Bridge.

We Will Rock You (To Sleep): Pop Stars Who Recorded Kids' Albums

We Will Rock You (To Sleep): Pop Stars Who Recorded Kids' AlbumsSong Writing

With the rise of Kindie rock, more musicians are embracing their inner child with tunes for tots - here, we look at pop stars who recorded kids' albums.

Jonathan Edwards - "Sunshine"

Jonathan Edwards - "Sunshine"They're Playing My Song

"How much does it cost? I'll buy it?" Another songwriter told Jonathan to change these lyrics. Good thing he ignored this advice.