Settle For Nothing

Album: Rage Against The Machine (1992)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song was written in the first person from the point of view of a frustrated youth from the slums. His life is so brutal, he prefers being in jail.

    It's part of the first (self-titled) Rage Against The Machine album and was often part of their setlists in their early years.
  • The song's message is spelled out at the end when lead singer Zack de la Rocha screams:

    If we don't take action now
    We settle for nothing later
    We'll settle for nothing now
    And we'll settle for nothing later


    "Never settle" was a credo for the band. When they entered the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2023, Tom Morello told fans: "Dream big and don't settle." (Morello was the only member of the group to attend; by this time they were essentially broken up.)

Comments: 5

  • Henry from Marion, MtGotta be one of Rage's heaviest, angriest songs but that is their forte. AWESOME!!!
  • Andrea from Redondo Beach , CaI love this song. I feel it talks about being part of a lower class. How you are caught in the middle. You need money to do anything. He was nothing until he made a name for himself. "I gotta 9, a sign, a set and now I gotta name."
  • Andrea from Redondo Beach , CaAlso, a favorite RAGE quote, "If ingnorance is bliss, then knock the smile off my face." Hell yeah. I love RAGE with a passion.
  • Zackattack from Sacramento, Cai Got the idea it might have something to do with his Dad also
  • Jarred from Narre Warren, Victoria, AustraliaWhat can I say... Awesome song. Love the rap/talking bit at the start, the bass directly after it is soooo good. Probably my favorite RATM song ever...
see more comments

Editor's Picks

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.

Grammar In Lyrics

Grammar In LyricsMusic Quiz

Lyrics don't always follow the rules of grammar. Can you spot the ones that don't?

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And Scandals

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And ScandalsSong Writing

Surprise exits, a catfight and some very memorable performances make our list of the most memorable Idol moments.

Graham Parker

Graham ParkerSongwriter Interviews

When Judd Apatow needed under-appreciated rockers for his Knocked Up sequel, he immediately thought of Parker, who just happened to be getting his band The Rumour back together.

Mark Arm of Mudhoney

Mark Arm of MudhoneySongwriter Interviews

When he was asked to write a song for the Singles soundtrack, Mark thought the Seattle grunge scene was already overblown, so that's what he wrote about.

Matt Sorum

Matt SorumSongwriter Interviews

When he joined Guns N' Roses in 1990, Matt helped them craft an orchestral sound; his mezzo fortes and pianissimos are all over "November Rain."