RISE
PiL Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I could be wrong
I could be right
I could be wrong
I could be wrong
I could be right
I could be black
I could be white
I could be right

I could be wrong
I could be white
I could be black
Your time has come
Your second skin
The cost so high
The gain so low
Walk through the valley
The written word is a lie
May the road rise with you
May the road rise with you
May the road rise with you
I could be wrong
I could be right
I could be wrong
I could be right
II could be wrong
I could be right
I could be wrong
I could be right
could be black
I could be white
I could be right
I could be wrong
I could be black
I could be white
They put a hot wire to my head
'cause of the things I did and said
They made these feelings go away
Model citizen in every way
May the road rise with you
May the road rise with you
May the road rise with you
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy
May the road rise with you
May the road rise with you
May the road rise with you
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy
I could be wrong
I could be right
I could be wrong
I could be right
I could be wrong
I could be right
I could be black
I could be white
I could be right
I could be wrong
I could be black
I could be white
Your time has come your second skin
Cost so high the gain so low
Walk through the valley
The written word is a lie
May the road rise with you
May the road rise with you
May the road rise with you
I could be wrong
I could be right
I could be wrong
They put a hot wire to my head
'cause of the things I did and said
They made these feelings go away
A model citizen in every way
Your time has come your second skin
Cost so high the gain so low
May the road rise with you
May the road rise with you
May the road rise with you
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy

Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy (repeat)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to PiL's "Rise" are open to interpretation, but there are a few themes that emerge. The first half of the song focuses on the idea of identity - the singer could be black or white, right or wrong. These lines suggest a fluidity of self that runs counter to the idea of fixed identities based on race or other external factors. Later in the song, the lyrics touch on themes of power, subjugation, and rebellion. The lines "They put a hot wire to my head 'cause of the things I did and said/They made these feelings go away" suggest that the singer's non-conformity and dissent have led to punishment and the suppression of his inner life. The repeated phrases "May the road rise with you" and "Anger is an energy" reinforce that underlying sense of rebellion and the desire to fight against the forces that seek to limit the singer's personal and collective power.

Line by Line Meaning

I could be wrong
I may not have the correct opinion

I could be right
I may have the correct opinion

I could be black
My race may be black

I could be white
My race may be white

Your time has come
It is your moment to take action

Your second skin
The facade you present to the world

The cost so high
The price of the outcome is steep

The gain so low
The outcome is not worth the effort

Walk through the valley
Endure difficult times

The written word is a lie
You cannot always trust what is written

May the road rise with you
I wish you well on your journey

They put a hot wire to my head
They tried to control my thoughts and actions

'Cause of the things I did and said
Due to my past behavior and statements

They made these feelings go away
They suppressed my emotions

Model citizen in every way
I now conform to society's expectations

Anger is an energy
Harness your anger to fuel your actions

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Peermusic Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BILLY THORPE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS

No Related Genres

More Genres

No Artists Found

More Artists Load All

No Albums Found

No Tracks Found

05This Is Not a Love Song5:01

06Flowers of Romance8:32

PT6M18S

Genre not found

Artist not found

Album not found

Search results not found

Song not found

Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@g__wizz

7y↑7

cost so high, gain so low.

I could be black, I could be white
They put a hot wire to my head
'Cause of the things I did and said
They made these feelings go away
Model citizen in every way

nwo ish... :/

@mikek545

1y↑26

I could be wrong, I could be right
I could be wrong
I could be wrong, I could be right
I could be black, I could be white
I could be right, I could be wrong
I could be white, I could be black
Your time has come your second skin
The cost so high the gain so low
Walk through the valley
The written word is a lie
May the road rise with you
May the road rise with you
May the road rise with you
May the road rise with you
Could be wrong, I could be right
Could be wrong, I could be right
I could be wrong, I could be right
I could be black, I could be white
I could be right, I could be wrong
I could be black, I could be white
They put a hot wire to my head
'Cos of the things I did and said
And made these feelings go away
Model citizen in every way
May the road rise with you
May the road rise with you
May the road rise with you
May the road rise with you
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy
May the road rise with you
May the road rise with you
May the road rise with you
May the road rise with you
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy
Could be wrong, I could be right
Could be wrong, I could be right
I could be wrong, I could be right
I could be black, I could be white
I could be right, I could be wrong
I could be black, I could be white
Your time has come your second skin
Cost so high the gain so low
Walk through the valley
The written word is a lie
May the road rise with you
May the road rise with you
May the road rise with you
May the road rise with you
Could be wrong, I could be right
Could be wrong
They put a hot wire to my head
'Cos of the things I did and said
And made these feelings go away
Model citizen in every way
Your time has come your second skin
Cost so high the gain so low
May the road rise with you
May the road rise with you
May the road rise with you
May the road rise with you
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy

All comments from YouTube:

@DonaldGibson-bg1pq

20w↑25

Thank you Johnny. Your always fun. I just turned 67. In good health. Just came home to key west after 15 years; working. Working was killing me. Found out; 7 of about 10 of my friends here died. “ All these people died! They were all my friends; and they died. Got me thinking about mortality a lot. Been listening to the ocean waves here late at night; when I wake up. Last night I heard sounds; that I’ve never heard before. Made me think; that I’ve been missing something very important. Celebrating my birthday now; with another one of your tunes. Salad Johnny. Don

@Lori5564

Sorry for the loss of your friends. There's no place better to be then in the Keys.

@robertwhitley6233

5y↑394

The rug is an underrated musical instrument.

@OhanaFilms

4y↑12

Robert Whitley Totally! I got a used rug last year but it was way harder to play than I expected.

@DragonErin2

4y↑5

Lmao

@HOWYOUDOIN884

3y↑2

Steve Vai is certainly amazing.

@romankotas448

3y↑6

It really ties the video together

@matthewchunk3689

3y↑1

Better post Sex Pistols career: Johnny or Sid?

7 More Replies...

@Jazna1

17w↑41

Here we are, December of 2023, and this song still sounds good to me. This was a favorite of mine years ago when I lived in San Francisco. Thinking of those who have lost loved ones this year. Love and best wishes to all from Seattle.

@dmitriyN73

13w

О чем эта песня?

@thomasleonhighbaugh509

12w

Greetings from San Francisco, it still stinks, city is still run by idiots but the weather is still the best God allows in His Creation and we await the Big One to send the techies back to the East Coast where they came from.

@buddhahead27

11w↑1

Only watch this because Jordan Peterson says did a great job of expressing anger in this video and I love it and this is how I discovered this Johnny rotten character LOL he's gr8

@lewasil

Hello from Seattle as well. ❤❤❤❤

@steveoh9285

1y↑150

One of the most epic anthems from the 80’s, just brilliant.

@ProjectRedfoot

1y↑7

So good!

@bovinityleak2066

32w↑6

I looove this song
At 10 yrs old (1978ish) the sex pistols came to bible belt atlanta. The news made it seem like the sky was falling because satin was afoot 😱Naturally i had to check them out as a teen and have loved them ever since as well as PIL
Thank you jesus 🙏🏻😉

@BarryHart-xo1oy

Very,very true.

@DukePonds-oi5xw

27w↑28

Johnny R will live to be 100. Anger is his energy and it burns bright. Stay angry John.

@ValeryBoikov

37w↑13

I don't know why but Johnny's smile is so appealing.

@chortleboy

He’s a genius at acting crazy

@TheRampagingGallowglass75

41w↑86

Is it me or does this amazing musical masterpiece seem almost ten years ahead of its time? It's so incredible & inspirational that it's impossible for me not to become powerfully mesmerized every time its unmistakable sounds are poured into my ears. An underrated classic for sure. And one to cherish for centuries to come. Johnny Lydon was & is a true musical genius, one who is largely unheralded. May the road rise with you all!

@cdxxIV424

35w

Hey loser stop commenting the word masterpiece on every comment

@BronxApartments

34w↑6

you could wrong...

@TheRampagingGallowglass75

34w↑6

@@BronxApartments Yes. True. Yet...I could be right 😜😉

@leegoddard1253

34w↑2

@@BronxApartments but heeeeez NOT xxx

@xnomadx5686

23w↑5

Somehow? After near to 25 years?? The song IS all the more relevant. Ahead of his time?! Same time.. look who your talking about. Sadly it probably?? For all it’s success?? Was well over peoples heads as well… “kind of like an aeroplane Rick”

7 More Replies...

@joedotson7678

6y↑1.4K

The only thing better than a John Lydon song is watching someone try and interview him.

@jaygo71

6y↑34

Hearing him call Robert Smith a fat bloke wanker..

@NinjaTylerBlack

5y↑42

Had no clue until today that this was Johnny rotten

@AdolfStalin

5y↑38

he's a hoot. Lydon is Irish and living in the UK. we're all fucked up people.

@timkjazz

5y↑61

One of the best interviews is with Conan O'Brien who kept the interview moving, kept Lydon engaged and asked questions that Lydon actually didn't seem to mind answering or elaborating on.

@lauralee5722

5y↑9

You're in for a treat come Mar 11th on Epix. XD

91 More Replies...

@S.P.E.A.K.

1y↑31

Rest in peace to John’s beautiful wife and love of his life, Nora. Thoughts are with his family today.

@kennylovejoy1404

6y↑153

This moves me like Dylan, yet expresses my anger like punk. Johnny looks possessed, and crazy, and I love it! What a fn genius this man is. I can't get enough of this tune, or it's video.

@charlesmelchiorre4109

2y↑1

For years..

@zed6095

40w↑2

I'm still quoting this in 2023

@eddiehanley2864

26w

Love the song, and agree that John is a pioneer.

@Abegoldhatch

33w↑11

One of the best songs of 80s. I love John’s red hair, it fits with his Irish ancestors. May the road rise with you.

@djsi38t

7y↑60

This is the song that introduced me to pil.Thank god for alternative radio in the eighties.Wfnx-Boston Phoenix radio 101.7

@gus4u2c

4y↑5

The 1st time I heard this song was on V66, the local video station. It also introduces me to alt-rock artists like Kate Bush, the Cure, Depeche Mode, and REM.

@BarryHart-xo1oy

7w↑1

I’m so glad you referenced WFNX and the Boston Phoenix-they were beacons of alternative/dissident music and culture in the Boston area.

@RupertWaldron

17y↑99

'Anger is an energy', too bloody right it is. Upmost respect Mr Lydon

@chrisd.3319

5y↑130

Even us metalheads loved P.I.L. and Mr. Lydon in my high school days in the early to mid '80's. We all had a Sex Pistols or PIL patch or button on our denim vests over our leathers! My notebooks were adorned with the Van Halen, Iron Maiden, Ozzy, Judas Priest and P.I.L logos...... glorious times indeed.

@osiruskat

2y↑12

Loved that Steve Via did all of the guitar solos on this album.

@godricmclauchlan6842

2y↑1

Nailed it mate

@miahconnell23

2y↑6

I wanna know when and where you grew up, Bro ! Because in my area, the metalheads and punks only marginally, barely, got on well before 1991. In our high school’s smoking section, the metalheads smoked Marlborough Reds and the Punks smoked Camels, and some would have disagreements if D.R.I. Or Slayer was ‘faster.’ But it felt really cool to win someone over to a new {new to them} band, or make a friend while breaking expectations about social groups and cliques. And we punks and metalheads all made music, and I believe that helped ALL of us deal with our bad feelings and tough adolescence that came from neglectful, absent, or abusive parents.

@chrisd.3319

2y↑3

@@miahconnell23 I grew up on Long Island in a town called Baldwin. A suburb about 20 mins from NYC. I was a teenager in the 80's and used to frequent all of the rock/metal clubs like Lamour, Lamour East & Sundance. We had our hometown band called CRUMBSUCKERS. We all went to school together and to all of their shows. Then the whole "crossover" thing happened.... You'd go to Lamour on Friday night to see CRUMBSUCKERS do a thrash show with Anthrax & Nuclear Assault then you'd go to CBGB's to see CRUMBSUCKERS do a Sunday matinee with Gorilla Biscuits & Bad Brains.... Next thing you know all of the NYHC bands are doing shows with thrash bands! You'd see the punks at the metal shows and the longhairs at hardcore shows at places like A7 and CBGB's. It opened us up to so many other bands.... The metal & hardcore punk scenes in NYC were nearly indecipherable from '85 through '89..... Glorious times indeed!

@Diana-qy4mc

21w↑1

Not exactly 20 minutes, I'm from LI too. We are part of the fee ❤

1 More Replies...

@ZombiePete1

3y↑58

haven't heard this song in years. something made the words rattle around my head and made me seek it out. I had forgotten how awesome this song is.

@typerexc

3y↑4

Same. Same here. And when I found it, it was absolutely what I was looking for.

@victoriavanwolfen4160

3y↑2

Same....woke with it in my head this a.m.

@ZombiePete1

3y↑6

@@typerexc There is something about it that is like... militant caring. As I have gotten older, things seem to matter more. Humans matter more. I am angry at how unfair our world is. Children should not be hungry, or scared. They should be loved, and injustice to one, is injustice to all.

@ZombiePete1

3y↑1

@@victoriavanwolfen4160 There is something about it that is like... militant caring. As I have gotten older, things seem to matter more. Humans matter more. I am angry at how unfair our world is. Children should not be hungry, or scared. They should be loved, and injustice to one, is injustice to all. (copied and pasted, just my thoughts, pardon)

@Starry_Night_Sky7455

5y↑30

He looks psychotically honest. I like it.

@jlouis4407

2y↑11

It’s a miracle that this was a huge hit. One of the best of the ‘80s.

@jacobwinans5369

27w↑1

go figure

@andrewc.2952

7y↑160

I love this guy. He's got a brilliant mind and isn't afraid to speak it.

@RishPanjeetJr

11w

💯

@jonathanperry2477

2y↑12

Anyone else watching this because Jordan Peterson mentioned it in the Modern Wisdom Podcast? I had never heard this song, or watched the video before.

@NewbCh8surr

12w↑2

did he? Crazy that I like them both and never knew they overlapped

@NewbCh8surr

12w↑1

i found this song from beavis and butthead

@photoshoott2022

1y↑20

Oh yeh, this is the song, we loved it, danced to it, slam danced to it and enjoyed life and friends that we were with. We went to new wave clubs and just met people and hang out, enjoyed great music and this one one of them, all back in the 80s. Still love this music and enjoy it up to this day and brings back a lot of great memories, timeless and ageless music.

@Lori5564

7w↑1

The New Wave clubs were the best. Great people and the best music ever ! ❤

@photoshoott2022

@@Lori5564 absolutely was. We loved that scene.

@johnnyloaps5034

10y↑476

"huh huh...she's beating her carpet!" -Butthead

@edpor68

6y↑10

I remember that.....classic 👍

@Dr.VonBraun

6y↑3

Johnny Loaps DoRk 🤪

@drunkroku4054

5y↑1

Gay.....

@davidusmkelittle210

Johnny Loaps lmfaooooooo

@mattybarker1058

5y↑2

Hehehe, hey Beavis, this dude has a disease

10 More Replies...

@bendyer1465

2y↑15

Tony Williams on drums. The greatest jazz drummer in history!!!!

@bluecollar825

1y↑4

Right it surprises me how many talented musicians have worked with Lydon.

@prod6mill.512

15w↑1

No mf way

@johnallison6474

7w↑1

Steve Vai on guitar

@sensorycircuits1338

38w↑17

The starts aligned perfectly on this album. How Steve Vai channeled the spirit of Johnny Rotten through his guitar is a mystery for the ages.

@miahconnell23

24w↑2

Ginger Baker is on this record, too !!

@te9591

20w↑2

Steve vai worked on this?

@sensorycircuits1338

20w↑3

@@te9591 Yes, he actually said he thought of it as some of his best work.

@te9591

20w↑2

@@sensorycircuits1338 that's awesome, steve vai seems likeable during interviews but ive always chalked him up to being TO virtuoso and making inaccesible music. He's also a long hair, and it's neat to see a punk mix with a long hair and make great art.

@sensorycircuits1338

20w↑1

@@te9591 Yeah it's cool that Mr. Rotten actually appreciated complex music. Legend has it that he was discovered while wearing a "I hate Pink Floyd" t-shirt. I would have never imagined him as a Zappa fan.

3 More Replies...

@user-tb7if5ul9i

5w↑2

What a strong power well arranged,conducted and orchestrated production! Rise has such an extremely power delivery appeal - We ❤ it Wholehearted.

@lordsangone

6y↑101

I once saw these guys performing with Nitzer Ebb. They opened up for New Order in Columbia MD. The good old days of progressive and new wave music.

@CantinaTurner

6y↑7

The current lineup is really good, which is a shock. It's the most stable it's ever been for PiL! I'd recommend checking them out now if you haven't already - though I am incredibly jealous of you, haha.

@BrianAchterberg928

5y↑4

Lord Sango I saw them in Chicago in 2015 on their What the World Needs Now tour. Fucking brilliant show!!!
May the road rise with you bro!! 🍺🍻🍺

@joneshugh

5y↑1

Y lucky bastard!!!

@Lenyxx3

4y↑2

Lord Sango tha is god someone else out there gets it too. Not many of us out there, that even know what your talking about. My absolute favorite genre of music.

@paineoftheworld

3y↑3

Merriweather. Post. Pavilion.

1 More Replies...

@velvetmoth4471

8y↑169

I love it when he shows his soft side.

@mikereiss4216

6y↑7

Soft side? Lol.

@joebanana4697

6y↑5

This is politically correct for this time in history more so than when it was made,I was 14 when this came out...I agree this is Johns softer side.

@shadowzsgaming3968

5y↑6

My favourite lyric from had soft side is "Anger is energy"

@zacharycrowe8051

Soft or sweet?

@davida.quinnsr.8847

How long have you been "a fan?"

1 More Replies...

@jgeoff

3y↑9

Saw them in '84/'85 when I was a student at Rutgers. Got the whole singing-spit mist from the front row lol. Loved it, and still do!

@duotronix2305

24w↑3

I could be wrong, but this one of the greatest tunes ever.

@Dredd73

1y↑7

What amazes me is the jangly guitar work of Steve Vai in this song. Makes an epic song even more likable

@nataliegraves3977

27w↑4

May the road rise with you..!!!🥳🥳🥳🙏🙏🙏👊👊

@MrAcespaders

1y↑81

The black or white lyrics are so far ahead of their time that the world still hasn’t actually caught up yet. Pure genius

@ziraprod6090

43w↑7

WRONG.

@DanielReyes-zu8em

43w↑2

Was thinking the same thing, mate!

@MrAcespaders

42w

Well a one word statement sounds about right for a pair of morons. You could be wrong you could be right

@compostwise

37w

Indeed... Why is the Devil so far right? 2023 and the same bullshit is still writing humanity into history as being the most pathetic life form in an infinite universe. Area 51 could only be a conspiracy! How could it be fathomable to imagine intelligent life would ever consider narrowing the distance between itself and us. And just when we thought it couldn't get any worse than it is or has been, Trump arrives and is holding hands with the church... "I could be wrong I could be right, I could be right I could be left" 😂

@derkeheath5172

35w↑5

Nah. He's DEFINITELY white.

3 More Replies...

@tubeboob

4y↑46

This song popped into my head over the weekend, hadn't heard it for at least a quarter of a century, very poignant at the moment, always will be, great stuff. "Anger is an Energy!"

@Tomes23

2y↑1

Same fortunately I found it easily enough.

@Asaman854

1y↑1

Isn’t it funny how that happens?

@Moongoddess3336

1y↑1

That’s what happened for me today! 😊

@nevillejudecharles3357

44w↑1

That's because this song is more relevant in today's world more than ever.

@markothwriter

8y↑374

I love this song. Couple classic lines. "May the road rise with you" and "Anger is an energy".

They were an under-rated band, so much better than other bands that were more popular.

@erickmeier1820

8y↑4

hell yeah

@JoJo-wd7yy

8y↑26

We had the Irish Blessing "May the road rise with you" on our wall growing up.In fact it is still on my folks wall!

@mattsvolta

7y↑10

Mark ONeill "the written word is a lie" seems relevant

@markothwriter

7y↑10

sure, and we're all full of shit

as an Irishman, I can attest

@g__wizz

7y↑7

26 More Replies...

@rosez2980

4y↑21

Never heard the song before, never knew the band before, just randomly clicked on the video but the moment I heard the music it instantly brought a smile to my face.

@LawrenceDunnivan-vc6pu

34w↑1

Sex Pistols too. Blessings

@ivanklein1783

9y↑295

John Lydon is a terrific singer and performer.A TRUE ORIGINAL.

@kennethsusoeff73

6y↑7

you may want to expand your musical horizons a bit (like outside of mid 80s punk pop) before making a statement like this.

@michaelhermanson2755

6y↑21

@@kennethsusoeff73what does pop or punk have to do with his statement? John lydon is truly a great performer, personality, and a truly original singer... this is a widly shared opinion and has been well documented over the years.

@theliquor2603

5y↑9

michael hermanson id agree he’s an original singer but I wouldn’t exactly say he has a good voice. His voice is perfect for the Sex Pistols though

@whlewis9164

5y↑3

@@theliquor2603 this is PIL, not Sex Pistols.

@theliquor2603

5y↑6

WH Lewis yeah no fucking shit

11 More Replies...

@lancetop

17y↑140

P.I.L. is a totally underated band. This is awesome stuff. From the early 80s, but eons ahead of it's time. Lydon actually has a pleasant singing voice.

@Wolfsheim23

2y↑2

He sounds just like Talking Heads lead singer, I didn't even know it was John Lyndon.

@bigrebone

2y↑2

They have some great lyrics!

@Ave_Satana666

Y'all really acting like he's not just a speed addict

@Ave_Satana666

Look at his eyes bugging out of his head my guy his hairline is receding dude is on f**** crack

@Ave_Satana666

What's more crazy in impactful is to think about how many crack addicts died listening that a song The last lyrics they'll ever hear derivative uninspired bog water

6 More Replies...

@mikek545

1y↑26

@vivianmcalexander9999

5y↑26

My favorite song of all! Rage against tyranny! When I die I want this played at my funeral! I love John Lydon!

@austinechomusic

25w↑2

I must’ve watched this video 1,000 times. Remarkable. This is the way forward!

@ChuChu353

17y↑25

If I were to run into Johnny Lydon in a pub, I would be more than happy to buy him a beer and spend a couple of hours talking to him :) A true punk legend!

@celticbro2828

47w↑4

I remember hearing this in the mid 80s on MTV and though I loved the song immensely, I never really got deep into the punk, post-punk or hard core in the 80s. I was a classic music fan before "classic music" became a term later in the late 80s. But I have listened to other PiL since then, and I love a vast majority of it. The musicality of Rise is just unbelievable, with the pretty mandolin(?) chords, violin and excellent (fretless?) bass with those stomping bodhran drum quarter notes.

Very Celtic and old style English sounding, but with a hard hitting, yet necessary message for the time. When many artists were afraid to speak or sing out against apartheid and injustices in the world, thankfully we had the punks and post-punks to come through. Most certainly Johnny Rotten/John Lydon. I've used this song, one of many, as an inspirational and fire-me-up song when I'm feeling low or lacking energy or hope in the day. But Lydon sums it up for all of us: "Let The Road Rise With You."

@MegaJetJaguar

3y↑6

May the road rise with you.

@soft_serve_666

2y↑22

Hearing "Anger is an energy" as a hormonal, geeky teenager was life changing. I just love this band so fucking much.

@TimSPC

8y↑310

Homie almost never blinks.

@danielmccammon4238

6y↑12

TimSPC holy fuck shit

@gjkvcnjhygfccccccccc

6y↑1

He's got the cancer.

@iandale3341

6y↑8

It's all part of the act.....

@PurpleCloud619

6y↑28

Sometimes we blink and next thing ya know, 10 years rolled right the Fuck on by.

@gjkvcnjhygfccccccccc

6y↑3

Madcap Mickey doesn't it man, isn't it funny how our problems then mostly, and I say mostly,are so vauge and inconsequential now.

17 More Replies...

@user7272

9y↑63

Anger is an energy...........yup , great tune

@ashleymonday298

2y↑2

The "anger is an energy" part in this video used to scare the shit out of me when I was a kid.

@FoghornLeghorn66

9y↑140

It was and still is brilliant. Rise is not my favourite PIL song, but this was perfect for its time. Lydon, while an arse, was a master of puppets. He actually, kind of, out-smarted Malcolm. it's a bit funny now. John was really trying, even when he tried to pretend he was not, and we recognize and adore it. It's quite ironic.

@applejellypucci

4y↑5

He outlived him too. Great comment.

@damien1351

3y↑2

Fair play mate. Well put.

@gonderage

3y↑3

calling any context squad units, what did this person mean?

@niandra_t

3y↑7

@@gonderage Malcom McLaren was the Sex Pistols manager. John sued him for rights to the Sex Pistols songs and won after 7 years.

@Wolfsheim23

Yea that kinda comes out in the Series Pistols. Check it out, it's really great!

2 More Replies...

@paradiddle16

38w↑7

I loved that song when It came out. Simple but really catchy and the drums really propel it.

@TheMtnManFromTennessee

9y↑53

May the road Rise with you...

@BrianAchterberg928

TheMtnMan From Tennessee And also with you mate!

@savethetomboys815

And rise with you also. Wait! am I in church?

@dmelvinable

4y↑5

I believe that it's based on an Irish greeting, "May the road rise to meet you."

@shannonnonnahs6943

3y↑1

You too✌

@AfricanGoddessAmericanPrincess

3y↑12

My first job was when I was 15 at the GAP and dear god they played this song every 2 minutes it’s been stuck in my head every since🤣

@matthewwarbasse6621

2y↑1

The other very uncool memory I have is that I first was introduced to this song by it’s repeated use on MTV’s “The Real World 2”.

@DPG214

3y↑3

The imagery wonderfully captures that Irish and Jamaican neighbourhood mix that people like me (and John Lydon) grew up with. And to also note that 25% of Jamaicans have Irish ancestry. So may the road rise with you too...

@StoicNature444

15w↑2

The written word is the word of God. Jesus is God. God bless Johnny Rotten.

@eckyx9019

13w

Bullshit

@antokent

34w↑1

Even my dad, whos now 78, understood how good this song was

@salvadordollyparton4826

14w↑2

how did i never hear this? way ahead of his time, again...

@thejimdoherty

6y↑8

I loved this video when I first saw it back in the day, and my love it has not changed. Lydon is compelling as Hell, you can't take your eyes off him!

@miltonhowe2556

2y↑4

Who knew, after all these years, that this would be the most imminently listenable punk song, despite coming out years after so-called "post-punk".
I could listen to this song over and over. And I do. Well done Johnny Rotten. Chapeau.

@johnnyrotten4630

1y↑1

What's pop spelled backwards 🤔 😏

@VyktorAbyss

37w↑2

Shocked this hasn't been used in some major TV series or whatever yet.... Amazing song, and JL at his peak here... way better than Question Time... Anger is an NRG!!! :)

@user-gw2bm3vx4p

Legend! John was so cute back in the day. ❤

@lauralewis2542

5y↑36

Long live Johnny (Rotten) Lydon! And those crazy eyes of his! 😁

@Beelzebubba2823

Those eyes of yours ❤☺☺. Did u ever see him on judge judy??

@douglastlang4492

2y↑4

Jazz legend Tony Williams on drums channeling his inner hard hitting hard rock drummer as he was wont to do. after Miles.Love it.

@cmdraven

3y↑27

My second-favourite PIL song (first is Public Image). Stellar production and made to be played loud. Love that guitar work by Vai, and the explosive drums and fretless bass give it a great groove. Musicians who played on this are:
John Lydon – lead vocals
Steve Vai – guitar
Ryuichi Sakamoto – Fairlight CMI
Bill Laswell – fretless bass
Tony Williams – drums
L. Shankar – violin

@jimjam1719

2y↑3

yes, i agree, i think the guitar work makes this song shine, vai is a genius. love the guitar work along with john, and yes, public image is a great song. i forgot the guitarist's name at that time.?. wasn't he the one that some people say that "the edge" of u2 stole his style and put it into mainstream?? i could be wrong,,,,, i could be wright.

@cmdraven

2y↑3

@@jimjam1719 Keith Levene.

@jimjam1719

2y↑2

@@cmdraven thanks brother.

@thecocktailian2091

3y↑22

They will NEVER get the credit, but they are truly one of the best bands ever. Ten + albums, from First Issue, to Flowers of Romance, Happy, This is what you want... The range is greater than any band, musicianship of Baker, Vai, Edmonds, is top notch, though not consistently with the band. Lyrically surprisingly deep, Rise is about Johnny's fight with a childhood illness and coming out the other side, Anger was his salvation.

@Wolfsheim23

2y↑1

Probably because everyone thought this was Talking Heads. Including me.. LOL

@sleg21

Yes it's crazy casting !

@anneliamohara2842

Classic song ! ☘️☘️

@Dmnthygtshlds2

@@Wolfsheim23 the music I can see but confusing David Byrne for lydons voice is a hard stretch. I see what you mean though

@marksims68

16y↑8

Anger is an energy. He is not wrong there, John Lydon is an awesome lyricist and brilliant man to boot.

@ylais

17y↑16

he's so cute. with his cheeky grin. and i love it all of it. the music. everything.

@41bmc

8y↑27

30 years later and I still enjoy this song and PIL in general...

@martigrant3707

5y↑4

Excellent Johnny as usual. Influences of Celtic, punk, rap, rock, genius.

@davidcollins3906

45w↑3

Fantastic song. That album is one of my favorites. With Steve Vai on guitar

@grimmertwin2148

39w

Vai? Really?
Rings a bell possibly.
I watched Steve Vai on Jonesy's Radio show a while back. Maybe that's where I heard that. I recommend you watch it too.
Steve Jones - guitarist from Pistols had a radio show in the US.
It was fantastic and Vai one of the most engaging guests. A humble, funny cool dude.

@Wol1verine

17y↑7

Is it just me or is "the generic album, CD, cassette" one of the best ever? There is just something about it that keeps me coming back after all these years...

@rayjohnson2552

3y↑2

Body Brokers is why I’m here. Great movie

@gavinsutter1799

2y↑3

My dad is drunk texting me right now and he told me to watch this. Lol its 2:42 in the morning

@brownmut5518

5y↑5

Love you John. All the best to you and your family.

@ruthiebgfamily132

6y↑21

Lydon to crowd: "What is anger?" Crowd (New Order fans): "What is anger?" Me and friends: "ANGER IS AN ENERGY!!!"

@taylorahern2714

8y↑27

Johnny Lydon is THE MAN, from one lyrically and poetically inspired Irishman to another, more musically inclined one! What a visionary, what a poet, what a musician, what a man. Fuck ya!! Irish #1!!

@SlimBass2808

lydon wants to destroy nationalism, bruh

@taylorahern2714

8y↑1

Is that a bad thing? For it's nationalism that keeps us divided, keeps us apart. And like all "isms," nationalism has this strong tendency to become vitriolic, savage and unbridled (think Nazi Germany). Maybe Johnny Lydon is on to something.

@SlimBass2808

8y↑1

+Taylor Ahern that's my point. the whole "Irish #1" is what I was talking about, my dude.

@taylorahern2714

8y↑1

I got ya. I'm sorry! My bad! Though the Irish are #1. Out in Squantum, Dorchester, Braintree, Quincy and Weymouth, Massachusetts. That's it! Otherwise they are at the bottom of the list, lol!! Though I do see your point, and it's valid, viable and profound. Thanks my man!

@elderlypoodle9181

7y↑2

have you read his book? what a well written piece. I stayed up all night reading.

1 More Replies...

@richardjohnson2692

1y↑2

The best concert I've ever seen was PIL and Big Audio Dynamite together.

@mattdamurdaman7966

4y↑16

The story behind the lyrics is One of the most Inspiring and Amazing things I've ever heard.

@Julietly76

2y↑2

Am I remembering wrong or did he write this about Apartheid in S. Africa, and the use of electric shock torture?

@slimshidy2451

1y↑2

@@Julietly76 yes and the treatment of the Irish by the British government

@AdamPadron

2y↑30

JBP sent me.

@PostProteusKitten

2y↑1

What a powerful interview

@dennisparisien6537

1y↑1

Me too

@joeybroo

1y↑1

Same lol

@PunkMothafucka

21w

What ep?

@ftrsaliyf-zd4wk

18w

l o l z

@davidfoster5906

This is a dream sequence . Kinda genus, the song and the visual.

@KenPapai

3y↑9

As GOOD and awesome in 2021 as when it was released all those years ago. CHEERS!

@Wonderhussy

2y↑6

I loved him on Judge Judy <3

@Wolfsheim23

2y↑1

Yes even Johnny Rotten was humbled by Judge JUdy!

@bxlawless100

5y↑11

This man never sold out. Period

@travisjohnson5848

4y↑6

Except for those butter ads...

@jamesshoemaker684

4y↑2

@@travisjohnson5848 and his appearances on the game shows

@clivesnell

Yes he did, he backed trump. Fucking loooooser😂

@SLynch007

And Judge Judy. But is it selling out when it’s your own call?

@Ladyofthepond

36w

Oh my goodness. This song was one of the best on “The Bun E. Carlos Experience” Bun playing drums with his good friends from Rockford, Illinois at the “On the Waterfront” in the mid ‘80’s. So much fun and so prescient of our days.
Love it!

@Gypsy_Soul7

2y↑1

You were right…anger is an energy, the cost so high the gain so low.

@hwl-__

6y↑9

Freakin Johnny Rotten 😂😂👍🏽his gestures.

@jamesrabbitt

2y↑3

🎶Anger is an energy🎶 A healthy energy which helps keep the world balanced.

@monkeyliver1986

3y↑1

Remember watching this all the time back in 2012. Great fucking times

@simfaithguitar1

Thank you for the music, Keith Levine. John, you could very well be right.

@flightofthebumblebee9529

6y↑6

This song reminds me of Rules of Attraction in a very powerful scene. Love it. Always inspired me when I am down.

@AlyssaQ420

That's how I found this song. I had the soundtrack. Good soundtrack.

@MrZiggy019

8y↑29

They put a hotwire to my head
'cuz of the things I did and said.
They made these feelings go away,
but those feelings get in every way.

@andremoreau8390

5y↑2

That's how he got the hair.

@doogle6503

4y↑2

That's the best part of the song. (1st time, specifically)

@onii747

4y↑3

Model citizen in every way

@davida.quinnsr.8847

I always thought that these guys were "neat," since I bought their album at Sam Goody at the Sherman Oaks Galleria in 1988, one of the first cassette tapes that I ever bought!

@jmg38

PIL.. I always step up to the plate.. So, why is it that most don't. So, I could be wrong, I could be right! That's why I love dog's more than people. Hey Johnny.. You're Awesome!

@CookieMonsterFern

2y↑2

I totally forgot about this jam. One of my favorites from the punk rock scene in Hollywood 1980s

@willieluncheonette5843

4y↑3

"Everything has energy--fear, anger, jealousy, hate. You are unaware of the fact that all these things are wasting your life."

@gosplash

17y↑2

Sheeehaa, this is good. The delicate little riffs, the strings and the anger. That's one hell of a combination for one hell of a song.

@amandatangney7928

28w↑1

My doughter loves John lydons music ! She has been since she was twelve! Shes 13 now still loves John also even without his music he is her number 1 favourate peron ever! She loves him nearly as much as nora did and thats allot!

@holloify_tensa_zangetsu

3y↑2

Never gave public image LTD a chance. Then on the radio me and my mom heard it. And scrambled to get the same off shazam. Kudos to Johnny lydon.

@christopherrodriguez9448

1y↑7

I haven't seen many such songs that change movement such as Rise.Rarely has their been any other music work so rich and varied.Some of the best music,very special music,ever made! A whole lot of magic and wonder.A sensation true music to virtually anyone's ears.This song is exstreamly inspirational.The kind of greatness often found in alternative music.

@thatguy7331

8y↑58

Holy shit I just noticed the thumbnail said this video was uploaded 10 years ago. God damn we're getting old....

@eyeswideopendevushka

6y↑6

HeadCannon No! don't say that, it's still 1988 😂

@coffin7904

@Sofa King Original troll or ironic

@davidg.9932

5y↑4

I plan to live forever.. So far.. So good..

@edpor68

2006

@Tricklarock

@@davidg.9932 yeeew

6 More Replies...

@60sStyling

5y↑3

"ANGER IS AN ENERGY!" LOVE IT!

@mmelacharite1126

Child of the 70s/80s, brought here by Jordan Peterson’s interview with Chris Williamson on @Modern wisdom this week. Brilliant.

@lisaleo27

THE WRITTEN WORD IS ALIVE! Amen. and thank you for echoing this through the decades.

@SuperhappyMrFoley

2y↑2

Might want to look up the lyrics friend

@defaultusername123

lol think you really did take the complete opposite meaning of that line

@lisaleo27

@@defaultusername123 yes. It's one of those lyrics you sing wrong for years ha ha ha ha

@fredsavage4925

4y↑5

this whole album can get you through some hard times

Load More Comments...

More Comments

just now