Stand Up
Tom Morello Lyrics

Stand up
Take a stand for what you believe in

'Cause you are standing for nothing
If you don't stand for anything, you will fall for everything

Just shut up
Actions speak louder than words

'Cause your words mean nothing
Words without action are meaningless

Everyone is at each other's throats
There is a lot of conflict and tension in society

Everyone thinking that they know things that they don't know
People are overconfident in their beliefs without really knowing the full story

Everyone painting the third coat on the wall of belief
People are reinforcing their beliefs without questioning them

Send me relief
Asking for help or a solution to the problems at hand

When I call the police will they just kill me?
Distrust and skepticism towards law enforcement, especially towards minorities

Will they just kill you?
Questioning law enforcement's true intentions and objectives

When I call the police will they just protect me 'cause I'm white skinned too?
Highlighting the privilege that comes with white skin and how it affects law enforcement's response

Every time you talk the system knows
The government and other entities are always watching and monitoring what citizens say or do

Everywhere you walk the cameras go
There is little to no privacy in public spaces anymore

Everything I say you already know
The government's surveillance and data collection capabilities can potentially track and store all information

Everything that's safe's about to blow
There is a feeling of tension and impending danger

Way back before Jim Crow
Referencing a time before legal segregation and institutionalized racism

Everybody stares like I'm just my gender
Facing discrimination and objectification due to one's gender

I'm a living soul with my own agenda
Asserting one's individuality and autonomy

Tell me, how you are the priest and the prosecution
Questioning the fairness and impartiality of the legal system and its authorities

Angel of a God who loves executions
Questioning the morality and ethics of the death penalty and those who support it

Corruption in the blue line ripples out
Acknowledging the existence of corruption in law enforcement and its effects on society

Eruption in the streets bring the few and proud
Protests and demonstrations can bring together those who are united in their beliefs

Attention when your knees fall to the ground
Bringing attention to peaceful protests and the response they receive

Silently loud
Making a big impact without making much noise

Every day that passes I'm angrier
Growing frustration and anger towards systemic issues and lack of progress

Every time the cops get a hall pass, build another barrier
Lack of accountability and consequences for police misconduct results in more issues and problems being created

Now it's stereotypical
Society is quick to judge and stereotype based on appearances or preconceived notions

No I'm not cynical
Despite feeling hopeless and frustrated, there is still a belief in change and progress

Political hypocritical
Politicians often say one thing but act in ways that are contradictory or opposite

If you walked a mile in my shoes
Empathy and understanding towards others' experiences

You'd probably take 'em off wouldn't you?
Acknowledging that the struggles of others may be difficult to handle

If you had to live in my truth
The reality of someone's existence and struggles may be difficult to comprehend for someone who hasn't experienced it themselves

You'd probably tell a lie wouldn't you?
There may be a tendency to deny or ignore difficult truths and experiences

Stand for nothing
Maintaining neutrality and not taking a stance on important issues

You stand for nothing
Directing this message towards those who don't take a stance