Audioslave released three successful albums, received three Grammy nominations, sold more than eight million records worldwide, and became the first American rock band to perform an open-air concert in Cuba. Cornell issued a statement in February 2007 that he was permanently leaving the band "due to irresolvable personality conflicts as well as musical differences." As the other three members were busy with the Rage Against the Machine reunion, and Morello and Cornell had each released solo albums in 2007, Audioslave was officially disbanded.
Discography
2002 Audioslave
2005 Out of Exile
2006 Revelations
Set If Off
Audioslave Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Gathering the flock
And getting there with no directions
And underneath the arch
It turned into a march
And there he found the spark to
Set this fucker off
Set it off now children
Set it right
Set it off
Set it off now children
Set it off
Set it off now children
Set a fire
Set it off
Set it off now children
Suddenly a shot
Ripped into his heart
He lay in need of some attention
And there he played his card
Going into shock
The last thing that he said was
Set this fucker off
Set it off
Set it off now children
Set it right
Set it off
Set it off now children
Set it off
Set it off now children
Set a fire
Set it off
Set it off now children
Alright
Jesus at the back door
Everything is all right
All we need is some direction
Every time the wind blows
Everything you don't know
Turns into a revelation
And it all adds up inside your head
Time is wasting
Set it off
Set it off now children
Set it right
Set it off
Set it off now children
Set it off
Set it off now children
Set a fire
Set it off
Set it off now children
Alright
The lyrics to Audioslave’s song “Set It Off” describe a man standing on a rock in a field, gathering people around him to march forth together. He knows where they are headed but hasn’t been given specific directions. As they approach an arch, the march turns into a powerful movement and he finds the spark to “set this fucker off.” Suddenly, a shot is heard and the man falls, in need of attention. As he is dying, the last thing he says is to urge others to set it off once again. In the end, the song talks about not knowing what to do, but waiting for revelation and direction, and the urgency of taking action before time runs out.
The lyrics of “Set It Off” can be interpreted in different ways. The song seems to be calling people to action, to gather and start a movement towards something that is worth fighting for. The man standing on the rock represents a leader, organizing people and inspiring them to take action without explicit instructions. The arch can be seen as a metaphor for a barrier to be overcome, and the march that turns into a movement a manifestation of collective strength. The gunshot that kills the man could be interpreted symbolically as something that shakes the movement and tests its resolve, but also as a call for revenge and retaliation.
Line by Line Meaning
He was standing at the rock
He was in a firm, unwavering position
Gathering the flock
He was bringing people together
And getting there with no directions
He was making progress despite not having guidance
And underneath the arch
And in a place of significance and symbolism
It turned into a march
A movement or progression began
And there he found the spark to Set this fucker off
And there he found the motivation to start a significant change
Suddenly a shot
An unexpected attack or obstacle
Ripped into his heart
Caused significant emotional pain and distress
He lay in need of some attention
He required help or care to recover
And there he played his card
And there he made a calculated move
Going into shock
Experiencing a traumatic response to the situation
The last thing that he said was Set this fucker off
His last words were a call to continue the cause and make changes
Jesus at the back door
A sense of safety and salvation in the background
Everything is all right
Assurance that everything will be okay
All we need is some direction
The key to success is guidance and focus
Every time the wind blows
With every change or variable
Everything you don't know
Every unknown factor
Turns into a revelation
Becomes a significant and enlightening discovery
And it all adds up inside your head
All these experiences and thoughts accumulate and come together
Time is wasting
There is urgency to take action and make changes
Alright
An affirmation of readiness and agreement
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: TIMOTHY COMMERFORD, CHRIS CORNELL, TOM MORELLO, BRAD WILK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind