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
Seven Nation Army
Audioslave Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A seven nation army couldn't hold me back
They're gonna rip it off
Takin their time right behind my back
And I'm talkin to myself at night
Because I can't forget
Back and forth through my mind
And the message coming from my eyes
Says to leave it alone
Don't want to hear about it
Every single one's got a story to tell
Everyone knows about it
From the Queen of England to the hounds of hell
And if I catch it coming back my way
I'm gonna serve it to you
And that ain't what you want to hear,
But that's what I'll do
And the feeling coming from my bones
Says to find a home
I'm going to Wichita
Far from this opera forever more
I'm gonna work the straw
Feel the sweat drip out of every pore
And I bow down and swallow m'pride
Cause my blood is red
I've gotta stick to you till I am dead (yeah)
And the stains coming from my blood
Says go back home
Go back home
Go back home
The lyrics to Audioslave's "Seven Nation Army" are an interesting commentary on the power of determination and the struggle to stand up against opposition. The opening line of "I'm gonna fight 'em off" aptly sets the tone for the rest of the song, showcasing the singer's determination to overcome any obstacle in his way. The line "a seven nation army couldn't hold me back" emphasizes the scale of the challenge that he's facing and his confidence in his own ability to overcome it.
The second line, "They're gonna rip it off, takin their time right behind my back" suggests that the opposition is patient and methodical in their efforts to undermine the singer. The allusion to being "ripped off" speaks to a sense of injustice or betrayal that the singer feels at the hands of those opposing him.
The next verse turns more introspective, with the singer confessing to "talking to myself at night" because he can't forget about the challenge he's facing. The lyrics "back and forth through my mind, behind a cigarette" paint a picture of someone restless and consumed by their thoughts. The message coming from his eyes to "leave it alone" suggests that he's aware of how all-consuming this challenge can be and is trying to fight against it.
The chorus, with the repetition of "don't want to hear about it," "everyone knows about it," and "that ain't what you want to hear," speaks to an almost dismissive attitude towards opinions or advice from others. The singer isn't interested in anyone else's story; he's focused solely on his own struggle. The line "and the feeling coming from my bones says to find a home" suggests that he's seeking a sense of belonging or security amidst all the turmoil.
The final verse sees the singer sign off with a plan to leave everything behind and start anew in Wichita. The lines "I'm gonna work the straw, feel the sweat drip out of every pore" conjure up an image of a man starting from scratch, willing to do whatever it takes to build a life for himself. The final line, "the stains coming from my blood says go back home" seems to be a reminder that his past is always going to be a part of him, but he can still move forward.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm gonna fight 'em off
I'm gonna resist and oppose the forces that are trying to bring me down.
A seven nation army couldn't hold me back
I'm so determined and strong-willed that not even a full-fledged army could stop me from achieving my goals.
They're gonna rip it off
Those who oppose me will try to destroy or take away what I've worked so hard for.
Takin their time right behind my back
My enemies are taking their time and planning their actions carefully, waiting for an opportunity to strike when I'm vulnerable.
And I'm talkin to myself at night
When I'm alone and reflecting on my situation, I have conversations with myself to try and make sense of everything that's going on.
Because I can't forget
The events that have led me to this point are so significant that I can't forget them and they continue to shape my thoughts and actions.
Back and forth through my mind
I'm constantly thinking and analyzing my situation, going back and forth between different possibilities and outcomes.
Behind a cigarette
Smoking is a way for me to cope with stress and anxiety, and helps me clear my mind when I'm feeling overwhelmed.
And the message coming from my eyes
My eyes convey a message to others that I want them to leave me alone and not interfere with my life.
Says to leave it alone
The message my eyes convey tells others to stay away and not to try to intervene in my life.
Don't want to hear about it
I don't want to hear other people's stories or problems, as I'm too focused on my own situation.
Every single one's got a story to tell
Everyone has their own unique experiences and challenges that shape their lives and contribute to who they are as a person.
Everyone knows about it
News and gossip travel fast, and it seems like everyone knows everything that's going on in the world, even if it doesn't directly affect them personally.
From the Queen of England to the hounds of hell
News travels so quickly that even someone as powerful and distant as the Queen of England is aware of what's happening, as are those at the lowest levels of society.
And if I catch it coming back my way
If someone tries to harm me or interfere with my life, I will retaliate and take action to protect myself.
I'm gonna serve it to you
I will fight back and make you pay for your actions against me.
And that ain't what you want to hear
You don't want to hear that I'll fight back, as it means you'll be on the receiving end of my wrath.
But that's what I'll do
Despite what you may want or expect, I will follow through with my promise to fight back and defend myself.
And the feeling coming from my bones
I have a deep, instinctual feeling that I need to find a place to call home, where I can be safe and secure.
Says to find a home
The feeling that comes from deep within my being tells me that I need to prioritize finding a place where I feel safe and content.
I'm going to Wichita
I'm leaving my current location to start a new life in Wichita, where I hope to find the safety and security I crave.
Far from this opera forever more
I'm leaving behind the chaos and drama of my current life behind and never looking back.
I'm gonna work the straw
I'm going to work hard and do whatever it takes to make a new life for myself in Wichita.
Feel the sweat drip out of every pore
I'm going to put in the effort and hard work needed to succeed, and it's going to be a tough and sweaty journey.
And I bow down and swallow m'pride
I recognize that I've made mistakes and that my pride has gotten in the way in the past, and I'm ready to let go of that and humble myself to achieve my goals.
Cause my blood is red
I'm human like everyone else, and I bleed the same way when I'm hurt or injured.
I've gotta stick to you till I am dead (yeah)
I'm committed to seeing this through to the end, no matter how difficult it may be, and I won't give up until I reach my goals.
And the stains coming from my blood
The stains on my clothes from my bleeding are a tangible reminder of what I've gone through and the challenges I've faced.
Says go back home
The stains on my clothes remind me of where I came from and the need to find a place to call home.
Go back home
I need to find my way back to a place where I feel safe and secure, free from the challenges and hardships of my current life.
Contributed by Jordyn Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Janet Bentley
Chris Cornell could cover anyone and always made it as good or better. His was a rare gift. We are so lucky he shared so much with us.
Josey Wales - Entertainment Media
If I'm not mistaken, The White Stripes were a relatively new band back then. To have someone like Chris Cornell sing their song, wow!
Joomer (Expanded World)
it was new to the public but they had already made 3 albums before
Bob Crisco
Nah they had already blown up
Jen
He loves The White Stripes 💚
Joel .Unger
You are mistaken this was their fourth album and this song won the Grammy for best rock song that year
Joel .Unger
More like audioslave wanted to have a current hit vibe not the old stuff vibe they had
In their story they had a super successful first album but didn't really tour
This 2nd album was their first real tour and last too but to present themselves as a band
Gustavo Mendieta
I don't think I knew of the existence of this version before, and I'm a huge Cornell fan. He's the gift that keeps on giving, and even from beyond he doesn't stop amazing me.
becca77656
I think every song EVER should be covered by Chris Cornell...this man is a fucking genius!
macadociousify
can't wait to see him at the world renounced sheldon music hall dec. 28th..just me and 700 lucky other ticket holders