Bulls On Parade

Rage Against The Machine's 'Bulls On Parade' is a fiery protest anthem that delves into the band's criticism of the military-industrial complex and the government's priorities. The song's aggressive tone and powerful lyrics reflect the band's style, which often combines elements of rap, rock, and political activism. The title itself, 'Bulls On Parade,' suggests a forceful, unstoppable movement, which can be interpreted as a metaphor for the military or the government's power marching forward without regard for the consequences.

The lyrics 'Rally 'round the family, with a pocket full of shells' serve as a chilling reminder of the prioritization of military spending over basic human needs. The 'family' could symbolize the nation or society, and the 'pocket full of shells' represents the allocation of resources towards ammunition and warfare rather than food, housing, or education. This line is repeated throughout the song, emphasizing its significance and the cyclical nature of these issues. The imagery of a 'five-sided Fistagon' is a clear reference to the Pentagon, the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense, further highlighting the critique of military power.

The song also touches on the theme of censorship and the suppression of knowledge, as seen in the lines 'They don't gotta burn the books, they just remove 'em.' This suggests that by controlling information and education ('the rubble that used to be a library'), those in power can maintain control and keep the public in the dark about the true nature of their actions. The 'mind cemetery' metaphorically represents the death of critical thinking and the consequences of a society that is kept ignorant. 'Bulls On Parade' is a powerful call to awareness and resistance against these forces.