The band broke up in 2023 following sexual assault allegations against Sane and their social media accounts being deleted. Various sources close to the band state that the breakup was made exclusively by Sane, with the other band members being unaware of the allegations until after.
Exodus
Anti-Flag Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Then they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out.
Next they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out.
AND THEN THEY CAME FOR ME
This is autonomy- My American Dream
Stepped over on the street - Stars and stripes blinding me
Their contagious air we breath - My American Dream
This is the second time, we will not fall in line,
No you can't stop this exodus
No you won't stop this exodus.
No you can't stop this exodus
No you won't stop this exodus.
A hooded prisoner on the bay - These truths let freedom ring
A child Darfur refugee - Home of the free and brave
The ghosts of war who will not sleep - These truths let freedom ring
The poor who drown in bigotry - Will mark your grave
This is the second time, yeah, it's the second time, we will not fall in line,
No you can't stop this exodus
No you won't stop this exodus.
No you can't stop this exodus
No you won't stop this exodus.
Fight forever more - The movement of the people
Fight forever more - The voice of the emigre
Fight forever more - The movement of the people
Fight forever more - No concession, no compromise
First they came for the Communists, and I did not speak out.
Then they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out.
AND THEN THEY CAME FOR ME
No you can't stop this exodus
No you won't stop this exodus.
No you can't stop this exodus
No you won't stop this exodus.
This is the second time; we will not fall in line!
The lyrics of Anti-Flag's song Exodus are a powerful statement on the importance of speaking out against oppression and standing up for marginalized communities. The first verse of the song references the famous poem by German Lutheran pastor Martin Niemöller, which reads, "First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—Because I was not a Socialist...Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me." This verse highlights the dangers of remaining silent in the face of injustice, as eventually, even those who are not directly affected will be targeted.
The following verses of Exodus continue this theme, discussing the inequalities and injustices present in American society. The chorus declares that this is the "second time" that people have fought back against oppression, showing that these struggles are ongoing and far from over. In the second half of the song, the lyrics reference specific issues such as the treatment of political prisoners in Guantanamo Bay and the plight of refugees from war-torn countries. By tying these current events to the larger themes of oppression and resistance, Anti-Flag is drawing attention to the ongoing struggles faced by marginalized communities both in America and around the world.
Overall, Exodus serves as a call to action for listeners to speak out against oppressive systems and fight for a more just society. By highlighting the dangers of remaining silent and connecting current events to larger historical struggles, Anti-Flag is urging its listeners to become part of the movement for change and to never give up fighting for what is right.
Line by Line Meaning
First they came for the Communists, and I did not speak out.
The singer did not speak up when the Communists were oppressed.
Then they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out.
The singer did not speak up when the socialists were oppressed.
Next they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out.
The singer did not speak up when the trade unionists were oppressed.
AND THEN THEY CAME FOR ME
The artist was ignored when they were oppressed.
This is autonomy- My American Dream
The idea of autonomy is central to the artist's American Dream.
Stepped over on the street - Stars and stripes blinding me
The American flag masking oppression is blinding the singer.
Their contagious air we breath - My American Dream
The oppressive atmosphere of society is clouding the singer's American Dream.
Classism the black plague - Will mark your grave
Classism is a harmful disease that could ultimately lead to one's demise.
This is the second time, we will not fall in line,
This is not the first time the artist has resisted oppression, and they will continue to do so.
No you can't stop this exodus
The oppression and resistance described is an exodus that cannot be stopped.
No you won't stop this exodus.
The oppressors will not be able to stop this exodus.
A hooded prisoner on the bay - These truths let freedom ring
The artist sees the irony in a hooded prisoner being oppressed in a country that brags about its freedom.
A child Darfur refugee - Home of the free and brave
The singer sees the hypocrisy in a child refugee being oppressed in a country that claims to be free and brave.
The ghosts of war who will not sleep - These truths let freedom ring
The singer recognizes that the trauma of war impedes on one's freedom and ability to sleep.
The poor who drown in bigotry - Will mark your grave
Those who perpetuate bigotry will eventually be remembered for their cruelty and ignorance.
Fight forever more - The movement of the people
The artist believes that fighting oppression is an ongoing movement led by the people.
Fight forever more - The voice of the emigre
Immigrants and refugees have a valuable perspective and voice in the fight against oppression.
Fight forever more - No concession, no compromise
The singer is committed to the fight against oppression with no intention of backing down or compromising.
Contributed by Lily C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Mike Hunt
I don't see how "Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God" makes any sense when God according to the Bible is probably the biggest Tyrannt there has ever been. Also, Benjamin Franklin originally said that didn't he?
AmyranthLovely
Never a more apt time than now.
Lauren
Or now. 😬
IconMatthew1
great song with great message!
James Conklin
love this song
XxhuaJaxX
one of the best songs ever
Annslie Rustad
"Emigre" was originally called "Exodus" on the promo version of the album. Great song
XxhuaJaxX
ui love this song!!!!!!!!!!!!!
lilsun
ohh right, well, the one in Poland it's just amazing, there's no violence or anything like that, literally love & peace ;) you should come because it's really worth it
liveinthemoshpit
How the hell can u like MCR as much as AF? thats messed up! i kinda like mcr, but not nearly as much!