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.