Submitted by VeteranSergeant t3_ykd1d6 in Music
It was born from a riff Tom Morello came up while giving a guitar lesson, and the lyrics were largely inspired by the 1991 violent beating of Rodney King (as well as his two passengers, but only King's beating was caught on film) and the subsequent police brutality in suppressing the 1992 LA Riots caused by the acquittal of the officers responsible by jury of ten white people and no black ones. The song however, wasn't just about King, but the abuse of the state in general against the poor and minorities by law enforcement and other federal agencies, in support of the white-dominated social and economic hierarchy, often leading to victims being killed.
"Those who died are justified
For wearing the badge, they're the chosen whites."
The final, and perhaps most famous part of the song is about civil disobedience in the face of being told to shut up, be compliant, and accept a status quo that, by design, only exists to keep the rich and powerful in their privileged positions.
"Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me." is a literal response to unlawful orders from law enforcement officers.
The saddest part is that this is still just as relevant today as it was 30 years ago. Of course, so is the song Wake Up, which was written about events from the 1960s Civil Rights movement, almost 30 years before 30 years ago.
Link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWXazVhlyxQ