Album: Evil Empire (1996)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Rage Against The Machine frontman Zack de la Rocha hasn't explained the lyric to this one, but it seems to be about the terrible effects of domestic violence. The line, "Her body numbs as he approaches the door" paints a picture of a woman frightened of her abuser.

    RATM songs typically take on corporate malfeasance and government oppression, but they call out any abuse of power, and that could certainly extend to domestic violence.
  • "Revolver" is part of the second Rage Against The Machine album, Evil Empire. It wasn't released until 1996, four years after their debut. The band took their time before getting back in the studio, occupying themselves with live shows and activism. By the time the album was released, they had a fervent following that sent it straight to #1.

    They released just one more album of original songs during their tenure: The Battle Of Los Angeles in 1999. In 2000 they put out a covers album called Renegades after they broke up. They did have some reunions, but no new music came from them.

Comments: 4

  • Alex from Sydney, Australialove the chorus of this song de la rocha is so powerful with his lyrics and how he delivers them it doesn't matter if you agree with his politcs you still take notice because of how it is delivered straight between your eyes so you dont miss it
  • Larry from N'djamena,This is an odd as hell song

    Still great, but odd
  • Skylar from Tahlequah, Okdomestice violence, single mothers, a bad ass intro!
  • John Smith from Southington, CtSoft, heavy, soft, heavy. Love it
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Gary Brooker of Procol Harum

Gary Brooker of Procol HarumSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer and pianist for Procol Harum, Gary talks about finding the musical ideas to match the words.

Andy McClusky of OMD

Andy McClusky of OMDSongwriter Interviews

Known in America for the hit "If You Leave," OMD is a huge influence on modern electronic music.

Waiting For The Break of Day: Three Classic Songs About All-Nighters

Waiting For The Break of Day: Three Classic Songs About All-NightersSong Writing

These Three famous songs actually describe how they were written - late into the evening.

Donald Fagen

Donald FagenSongwriter Interviews

Fagen talks about how the Steely Dan songwriting strategy has changed over the years, and explains why you don't hear many covers of their songs.

Graham Nash

Graham NashSongwriter Interviews

Graham Nash tells the stories behind some of his famous songs and photos, and is asked about "yacht rock" for the first time.

Michael Sweet of Stryper

Michael Sweet of StryperSongwriter Interviews

Find out how God and glam metal go together from the Stryper frontman.