Ecstasy

Album: When I Woke (1994)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This politically charged song was inspired by Rusted Root lead singer Michael Glabicki's trip to Nicaragua in 1987 during the Contra War. Growing up in Pittsburgh, Glabicki spent his high school years on activism, fighting against apartheid, nuclear weapons, and racism. One of his causes was Central America, which led him to Nicaragua on a humanitarian mission to Pittsburgh's sister city, San Ysidro. He worked on improvements to their irrigation and drinking water systems, but also took note of the politics. "The country that I came from had really started the wars down there, and it didn't make sense to me," Glabicki told Songfacts, referring to the Reagan administration practice of arming the Nicaraguan rebel forces.

    In 2012, Rusted Root revisited political themes on their album The Movement, which was influenced by Occupy Wall Street.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes

Chris Robinson of The Black CrowesSongwriter Interviews

"Great songwriters don't necessarily have hit songs," says Chris. He's written a bunch, but his fans are more interested in the intricate jams.

Brandi Carlile

Brandi CarlileSongwriter Interviews

As a 5-year-old, Brandi was writing lyrics to instrumental versions lullabies. She still puts her heart into her songs, including the one Elton John sings on.

Fire On The Stage

Fire On The StageSong Writing

When you have a song called "Fire," it's tempting to set one - these guys did.

Barry Dean ("Pontoon," "Diamond Rings And Old Barstools")

Barry Dean ("Pontoon," "Diamond Rings And Old Barstools")Songwriter Interviews

A top country songwriter, Barry talks about writing hits for Little Big Town, Tim McGraw and Jason Aldean.

Penny Ford of Snap!

Penny Ford of Snap!Songwriter Interviews

The original voice of Snap! this story is filled with angry drag queens, video impersonators and Chaka Khan.