The band spent its first four years signed to the independent record label Fat Wreck Chords, on which they released two studio albums, The Unraveling (2001) and Revolutions per Minute (2003). Both the albums were met with underground success, and in 2003 the band signed with the major label Dreamworks, which was absorbed by Geffen. Rise Against's major label debut Siren Song of the Counter Culture (2004) brought the band mainstream success, largely in part to the popularity of the singles "Give It All" and "Swing Life Away". The band's next album, The Sufferer & the Witness (2006), peaked at number ten on the Billboard 200 in the United States, and was Rise Against's first album to chart in countries outside of North America.
With the release of Appeal to Reason (2008), Rise Against's music shifted toward a more accessible and radio-friendly sound, with greater emphasis on production value. The album's third single, "Savior", broke the record for the most consecutive weeks spent on both the Hot Rock Songs and Alternative Songs charts. Rise Against's popularity grew with the release of Endgame (2011), which peaked at number two on the Billboard 200, and charted highly worldwide. The band's seventh and eighth albums, The Black Market (2014) and Wolves (2017) continued the trend of commercial success, and both peaked with the top ten on the Billboard 200. Their ninth and most recent album, Nowhere Generation, was released in 2021.
Rise Against is also known for their advocacy of progressivism, supporting organizations such as Amnesty International and the It Gets Better Project. The band actively promotes animal rights and most of the members are straight edge, PETA supporters and vegetarians.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rise_Against
Studio albums
The Unraveling (2001)
Revolutions per Minute (2003)
Siren Song of the Counter Culture (2004)
The Sufferer & the Witness (2006)
Appeal to Reason (2008)
Endgame (2011)
The Black Market (2014)
Wolves (2017)
Nowhere Generation (2021)
Disparity by Design
Rise Against Lyrics
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Of the barrels we cry out
So ashamed of our tears that
We blame only ourselves
That's when they win
They keep us convinced
To lift up our chins
These playing fields are level
With that they dismiss
The fast lanes they row
What it takes, it depends on who you know
Or where you came from
Whose daughter are you?
Whose fortunate son?
Will it so
To stick up our bones
And piece from the letters
How we settled the crimes
Is this an over-reaching arm
Or is this compassion?
Is this a handout undeserved
Or a just reparation?
(a just reparation)
Away from the towers
High above the ceiling tombs
Tell themselves
That they've earned this
Like working hard
Or playing by the rules
But this is only part true
A dangerous trick
Played on me and you
And so like a practical joke
We put on these bootstraps
So high that they broke
Is this an over-reaching arm
Or is this compassion?
Is this a handout undeserved
Or a just reparation?
And like a single domino
That falls while the rest stay vertical
Will you fear these empty fairytales
Or will you believe them?
And if fear's a game
You better pray
That this sleeping giant never wakes
If we just take a step back
A bigger picture we might view
Perhaps the man in the gutter
Is not so different from you
Come in, all of the cold
Forget all that you know
Because there's always been room
By the fire for you, oh
Come in, all of the cold
Will you believe them?
Is this an over-reaching arm
Or is this compassion?
Is this a handout undeserved
Or a just reparation?
And like a single domino
That falls while the rest stay vertical
Will you fear these empty fairytales
Or will you believe them?
The song “Disparity By Design” is about the idea of systemic inequality and the ways in which it is perpetuated in society. The first verse describes how people at the bottom of society feel ashamed to cry out, even to themselves, about the unfairness they face. Instead, they blame themselves, which allows those in power to continue to keep them down. The lyrics suggest that although we are told that everyone has an equal chance to succeed, in reality, it depends on factors like who you know and where you come from. The second verse explores the idea that people in power convince themselves that they have earned their success through hard work, when in reality, it is often due to systemic advantages. The song ends on a note of hope, suggesting that if people can see the bigger picture and recognize that they are not so different from one another, they can come together to make a change.
Overall, “Disparity By Design” is a powerful commentary on the ways in which inequality is insidiously entrenched in society. By exploring the ways in which people are convinced to believe in their own inferiority, the lyrics reflect on the ways in which the powerful use these beliefs to maintain the status quo. However, the song also recognizes that change is possible if people are willing to recognize their common struggles and work together.
Line by Line Meaning
Awake at the bottom
We are aware of our place in society's hierarchy and how it affects us negatively.
Of the barrels we cry out
We feel like we are stuck in a hopeless situation and call out for help.
So ashamed of our tears that
We feel ashamed of showing our emotions, especially sadness.
We blame only ourselves
We hold ourselves solely responsible for our circumstances instead of realizing the larger forces at play.
That's when they win
Those in power succeed when we blame ourselves and fail to hold them accountable for our struggles.
They keep us convinced
The powerful maintain their control by feeding us false narratives that keep us down.
To lift up our chins
They encourage us to stay positive despite our struggles, which reinforces the status quo.
These playing fields are level
The system is supposedly fair and provides equal opportunities to all people.
We all have a chance
Everyone has the same potential and opportunity to succeed in life.
With that they dismiss
Those in power dismiss the very real barriers that prevent marginalized groups from achieving success.
The fast lanes they row
The wealthy and powerful have privileged access to resources and opportunities that most people do not.
What it takes, it depends on who you know
Success in life is largely determined by connections and social networks rather than individual merit.
Or where you came from
One's socioeconomic background plays a major role in determining their opportunities and success.
Whose daughter are you?
Your gender, as well as other social identifiers, can serve as both a barrier and an advantage in achieving success.
Whose fortunate son?
Being born to wealthy or influential parents can significantly increase one's chances of success.
Will it so
Success is not necessarily determined by hard work or effort but rather factors outside of an individual's control.
To stick up our bones
We must work hard and persevere despite the systemic obstacles we face.
And piece from the letters
We must use literacy and education to overcome the barriers to success.
How we settled the crimes
We must rectify the injustices and inequalities perpetuated by those in power.
Is this an over-reaching arm
Is the system exerting control over individuals or genuinely trying to help them?
Or is this compassion?
Can we view the system's actions as empathetic or simply manipulative?
Is this a handout undeserved
Are individuals getting help they do not really need or deserve?
Or a just reparation?
Is the assistance being given out to rectify injustices?
Away from the towers
We are often overlooked and forgotten by those in power who live in luxury.
High above the ceiling tombs
The wealthy and powerful live in opulence and luxury while we suffer.
Tell themselves
Those in power rationalize their privilege and convince themselves that they deserve it.
That they've earned this
They believe their success and privilege are the result of hard work and deserved rewards.
Like working hard
They believe that hard work and determination are the keys to success.
Or playing by the rules
They believe that following the rules is all that is needed to succeed in life.
But this is only part true
Success is not solely determined by hard work and following the rules.
A dangerous trick
The idea that hard work and rule-following are sufficient for success is a dangerous lie.
Played on me and you
We are all victims of this dangerous trick and harmful lie.
And so like a practical joke
The idea of hard work and rule-following to achieve success is a cruel joke.
We put on these bootstraps
We are urged to take control and improve our circumstances through hard work and effort.
So high that they broke
The burden placed on us to achieve success through hard work and effort is unrealistic and impossible to bear.
And like a single domino
Individuals who succeed in the system are the exception rather than the rule.
That falls while the rest stay vertical
Individual success is often at the expense of others who remain stuck in poverty and despair.
Will you fear these empty fairytales
Will you believe in the false narratives that the system presents as reality?
Or will you believe them?
Will you buy into the idea that hard work and rule-following are sufficient for success?
And if fear's a game
Our fear of failure and lack of success fuels the system's false narrative.
You better pray
We must recognize the systemic barriers and pray for the strength to face and overcome them.
That this sleeping giant never wakes
We must prevent the mass of people from realizing their collective power and organizing against those in power.
If we just take a step back
We must stop and examine the system from an objective perspective.
A bigger picture we might view
We can only truly understand how the system works by examining it from a wider perspective.
Perhaps the man in the gutter
Those in power are not so different from the most vulnerable people in society.
Is not so different from you
We all share the same basic human experiences and desires, regardless of social status.
Come in, all of the cold
We welcome those who are struggling and marginalized with open arms.
Forget all that you know
Let go of previously-held beliefs and ideas about the system and its workings.
Because there's always been room
We will always find ways to create space and opportunities for marginalized people.
By the fire for you, oh
We will support and uplift those who have been left behind by the system.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BRANDON BARNES, JOSEPH PRINCIPE, TIMOTHY MCILRATH, ZACH BLAIR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind