Rise Above

Album: Damaged (1981)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is a somewhat hardcore punk anthem. It is all about "rising above" adversity and refusing to be controlled by society: "We are tired of your abuse/Try and stop us, it's no use/Society's arms of control/Rise above/We're gonna rise above."
  • This song features on Black Flag's debut studio album, Damaged. The version you hear on the album was intended for an earlier single release only. During the Damaged sessions, Black Flag recorded a new version of "Rise Above," but the band did not like it, so they decided to stick with the original.
  • In 2002, former Black Flag frontman Henry Rollins re-recorded this track with Public Enemy's Chuck D for Rise Above: 24 Black Flag Songs to Benefit the West Memphis Three. The benefit album raised money to help fund the legal defence of The West Memphis Three - three men convicted of the 1993 murders of three boys in West Memphis, Arkansas - who many believe to be innocent. Rollins told Ear Candy Magazine: "I thought the trial was a joke and if I were in their place, I would hope someone would be looking out for me. That's why I stepped up to help out." Iggy Pop, Ryan Adams, Ice-T and Faith No More front man, Mike Patton were among the other artists to contribute to the album.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Weezer

WeezerFact or Fiction

Did Rivers Cuomo grow up on a commune? Why did they name their albums after colors? See how well you know your Weezer in this Fact or Fiction.

90s Music Quiz 1

90s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

First question: Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson appeared in videos for what artist?

Kristian Bush of Sugarland

Kristian Bush of SugarlandSongwriter Interviews

Kristian talks songwriting technique, like how the chorus should redefine the story, and how to write a song backwards.

Mike Rutherford (Genesis, Mike + The Mechanics)

Mike Rutherford (Genesis, Mike + The Mechanics)Songwriter Interviews

Mike Rutherford talks about the "Silent Running" storyline and "Land Of Confusion" in the age of Trump.

Jimmy Webb

Jimmy WebbSongwriter Interviews

Webb talks about his classic songs "By the Time I Get to Phoenix," "Wichita Lineman" and "MacArthur Park."

Ron and Russell Mael of Sparks

Ron and Russell Mael of SparksSongwriter Interviews

The men of Sparks on their album Hippopotamus, and how Morrissey handled it when they suggested he lighten up.