by George Spencer· Published · Updated
“Bullet in the Head” has been defined as a criticism against the powers that be. Some have even concluded that this song centers on how these powers use cunning means to indoctrinate their own people. Or more specifically considering that the word “propaganda” is used early on in the lyrics, this is in fact about mainstream, media-based socialization, though that type that has you seeing “blue”, when the color in front of you is actually “red”.
');var c=function(){cf.showAsyncAd(opts)};if(typeof window.cf !== 'undefined')c();else{cf_async=!0;var r=document.createElement("script"),s=document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0];r.async=!0;r.src="//";r.readyState?r.onreadystatechange=function(){if("loaded"==r.readyState||"complete"==r.readyState)r.onreadystatechange=null,c()}:r.onload=c;s.parentNode.insertBefore(r,s)}; })();In reality, even though we come across tracks of this nature quite regularly, reading in between the metaphors, like the one mentioned above, it can be gleaned that there is some really serious stuff going on here, more so than your common F-the-Man kinda songs usually tends to go.
For instance, all lyrics considered, it can be put forth that the phrase “bullet in the head” points more than to the idea of being mentally “braindead”, or extremely docile in relation to the powers that be, as put forth in the second verse. But also, as the title is utilized in the first, Zack de la Rocha and the gang are also implying that there will be physical ramifications that the masses will go through for being so complacent.
When did Rage Against the Machine release “Bullet in the Head”?
“Bullet in the Head” is a 1992 single released by US hardcore rock collective, Rage Against the Machine. The song, which is of funk metal and rap metal genres, was released as the second single from their self-named debut studio album.
Did this song chart?
Yes. It made it into the official singles chart in the United Kingdom. Here, it rose to a peak position of 16.
Credits
“Bullet in the Head” is officially credited as authored and produced by the following members of Rage Against the Machine:
- Brad Wilk
- Zack de la Rocha
- Tim Commerford
- Tom Morello
They received production assistance from Canadian music engineer, Garth Richardson.
');var c=function(){cf.showAsyncAd(opts)};if(typeof window.cf !== 'undefined')c();else{cf_async=!0;var r=document.createElement("script"),s=document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0];r.async=!0;r.src="//";r.readyState?r.onreadystatechange=function(){if("loaded"==r.readyState||"complete"==r.readyState)r.onreadystatechange=null,c()}:r.onload=c;s.parentNode.insertBefore(r,s)}; })();Cover(s)
In 2012 this single was covered by Adi Ulmansky, a Jerusalem-born rapper and producer. Scarecrow Adams also released a version of this song in 2001.
The “Rage Against the Machine” Album
“Rage Against the Machine” was issued by Epic Records on November 3 of 1992. The album was accompanied by a total of four singles including “Bullet in the Head”.
The project’s first single, “Killing in the Name“, was issued on November 2 of 1992. “Bombtrack”, the third single of the album, was made public in the summer of 1993. “Freedom”, the final and fourth single of the album, was officially released on August 23 of 1994.
This album performed moderately well in the US and the UK. It reached number 45 and number 17, respectively, on the official albums charts in both regions. However, it performed much better in other nations such as France, the Netherlands, and New Zealand. To note, it peaked inside the top 10 of the album charts in the said nations.
In 2003, Rolling Stone magazine ranked this album at number 368 on their list of “The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time”.
