State Of The Union

Album: Siren Song Of The Counter Culture (2004)
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Songfacts®:

  • In this raging rocker, Rise Against give their own state of the union address, and it's not good:

    If we're the flagship of peace and prosperity
    We're taking on water and about to f--kin' sink


    At this time, America was embroiled in conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan in an effort to fight terrorism, but Rise Against and many other critics felt these were unjust wars initiated for political and financial reasons.
  • In live performances, lead singer Tim McIlrath would say that this song is a "F--k You to George Bush and his f--king war." >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Kes - Independence, VA
  • This is the first track on Siren Song Of The Counter Culture, Rise Against's third album, and their first with a major label: Geffen Records. The group was building a following playing festivals, and got some exposure on the Taste of Chaos Tour with Killswitch Engage and The Used. The band kept the momentum going, growing their following steadily over the next decade.

Comments: 2

  • Kelsey from Rustburg, VaBush is gone. This is Obama's fault now. I don't see anyone writing songs about him being a Jack-Ass and a failure. Idiots this it's racist because he's black. Start trashing the sucky new president and I'll be more open minded towards these other bands.
  • Mike from Presque Isle, MeI've never heard this song, but having read the lyrics, it proves that there's a market for stupidity and self-righteousness.
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