Bulls on Parade
Encyclopedia
"Bulls on Parade" is a song released by Rage Against the Machine
in 1996
, and can be found on their second album Evil Empire
.
, a situation in which industry (the arms industry, primarily) urges government to take military action, with the intent of obtaining military contracts, to thereby increase its revenue. The idiom "bulls on parade" refers to a bull market. The symbol may also mean the muscularity of American responses to complex problems; we act like mad bulls on dress parade rather than negotiating or using less violent strategies. Also the verse, "They rally around the family, with a pocket full of shells" could refer to the composer's belief that American politicians in both parties represent the family as an integral part of their policies, but in actuality they use this as a "scarecrow" tactic because they really have pockets full of ammo ("shells") catering to the military-industrial complex.
The verse in the song, "Weapons not food
, not homes, not shoes, not need, just feed the war cannibal animal", refers to the military-industrial complex in the song. Another verse, "They don't gotta burn tha books
they just remove 'em" is an example of literary reference, alluding to Fahrenheit 451 and its author, Ray Bradbury's famous quote, "You don't have to burn books to destroy a culture, just get people to stop reading them."
With the words "Terror rains drenchin', quenchin' tha thirst of tha power dons", the song suggests that fear of terrorism
is used to manipulate the American population into supporting military action. The phrase “the terror rains” serves a double meaning, suggesting that “the terror” by the government literally reign
.
The song is widely known for its popular guitar solo containing a vinyl scratch effect used by Tom Morello
, done by toggling between two pickups - one on and one off - while rubbing his hands on the strings over the pickups and using a wah-pedal to create the effect that someone is scratching a vinyl disc. "Bulls on Parade" is also known for one of Tim Commerford
's more famous bass solos, during the second wah-wah riff, and right before Tom's guitar solo.
in April 1996. RATM was going to play two songs, but as they hung inverted American flags from their amplifiers, they were expelled from the building after finishing the first song.
At various shows, the band has dedicated the song to Tony Blair
.
After breaking up in late 2000, the three instrumentalists formed the band Audioslave
with vocalist Chris Cornell
. During their 2005 Out of Exile tour, the band played an instrumental version of Bulls on Parade, followed immediately by Sleep Now in the Fire
with Chris Cornell.
The song was covered at the 2009 Electric Proms by UK Grime artist, Dizzee Rascal
.
When first recorded in the studio, the E string on the bass was originally tuned down a half step, but during live performances is played in standard tuning.
and produced by Fiz Oliver at Squeak Pictures, premiered on MTV
's 120 Minutes
on April 14, 1996. On July 31, 1996 it was nominated for Best Hard Rock Video
in the 1996 MTV Video Music Awards
.
The video contains footage from the Sydney
Big Day Out
(25th of Jan, 1996) and their side show at the Hordern Pavilion
in Sydney
(27th of Jan, 1996). Throughout the video shots of young people protesting in the streets with political signs, military drills, flags, and other similar images are montaged together. An antique-style film is used which promotes scratches, dust and film grain.
Several scenes show people wrapping 'Evil Empire
' banners on walls, telephone posts and posting up other propaganda posters designed by Barbara Kruger
. There is a scene where a character wearing a black "Libertyville" jacket with a baseball cap is painted by the renowned Phantom Street Artist Joey Krebs who paints his iconoclastic figures on city walls. This is the actual portrait created by the street artist of Tom Morello himself. Various lyrics are flashed on top of these scenes in a scrawled sort of chicken-scratch throughout.
The song came in 46th place on the Triple J Hottest 100, 1996
.
The song came in at 89th place on the Triple J Hottest 100 of All Time
in 2009.
Rage Against the Machine
Rage Against the Machine is an American rock band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1991, the group's line-up consists of vocalist Zack de la Rocha, bassist and backing vocalist Tim Commerford, guitarist Tom Morello and drummer Brad Wilk...
in 1996
1996 in music
This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1996.-January:* January – At the trial of two American teenagers, Nicholaus McDonald and Brian Bassett, for the murder of Bassett's parents and young brother, defense lawyers attempt to lay the blame for the murders on the fact...
, and can be found on their second album Evil Empire
Evil Empire (album)
-Track listing:All songs written and arranged by Rage Against the Machine and all lyrics by Zack de la Rocha.#"People of the Sun" – 2:30#"Bulls on Parade" – 3:49#"Vietnow" – 4:39#"Revolver" – 5:30#"Snakecharmer" – 3:56#"Tire Me" – 3:00#"Down Rodeo" – 5:20...
.
Context
"Bulls on Parade" addresses the American military-industrial complexMilitary-industrial complex
Military–industrial complex , or Military–industrial-congressional complex is a concept commonly used to refer to policy and monetary relationships between legislators, national armed forces, and the industrial sector that supports them...
, a situation in which industry (the arms industry, primarily) urges government to take military action, with the intent of obtaining military contracts, to thereby increase its revenue. The idiom "bulls on parade" refers to a bull market. The symbol may also mean the muscularity of American responses to complex problems; we act like mad bulls on dress parade rather than negotiating or using less violent strategies. Also the verse, "They rally around the family, with a pocket full of shells" could refer to the composer's belief that American politicians in both parties represent the family as an integral part of their policies, but in actuality they use this as a "scarecrow" tactic because they really have pockets full of ammo ("shells") catering to the military-industrial complex.
The verse in the song, "Weapons not food
Guns versus butter model
In macroeconomics, the guns versus butter model is an example of a simple production possibility frontier. It demonstrates the relationship between a nation's investment in defense and civilian goods. In this example, a nation has to choose between two options when spending its finite resources...
, not homes, not shoes, not need, just feed the war cannibal animal", refers to the military-industrial complex in the song. Another verse, "They don't gotta burn tha books
Book burning
Book burning, biblioclasm or libricide is the practice of destroying, often ceremoniously, books or other written material and media. In modern times, other forms of media, such as phonograph records, video tapes, and CDs have also been ceremoniously burned, torched, or shredded...
they just remove 'em" is an example of literary reference, alluding to Fahrenheit 451 and its author, Ray Bradbury's famous quote, "You don't have to burn books to destroy a culture, just get people to stop reading them."
With the words "Terror rains drenchin', quenchin' tha thirst of tha power dons", the song suggests that fear of terrorism
Terrorism
Terrorism is the systematic use of terror, especially as a means of coercion. In the international community, however, terrorism has no universally agreed, legally binding, criminal law definition...
is used to manipulate the American population into supporting military action. The phrase “the terror rains” serves a double meaning, suggesting that “the terror” by the government literally reign
Reign
A reign is the term used to describe the period of a person's or dynasty's occupation of the office of monarch of a nation or of a people . In most hereditary monarchies and some elective monarchies A reign is the term used to describe the period of a person's or dynasty's occupation of the office...
.
The song is widely known for its popular guitar solo containing a vinyl scratch effect used by Tom Morello
Tom Morello
Thomas Baptiste "Tom" Morello is a Grammy Award-winning American guitarist best known for his tenure with the bands Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave, his acoustic solo act The Nightwatchman, and his newest group, Street Sweeper Social Club...
, done by toggling between two pickups - one on and one off - while rubbing his hands on the strings over the pickups and using a wah-pedal to create the effect that someone is scratching a vinyl disc. "Bulls on Parade" is also known for one of Tim Commerford
Tim Commerford
Timothy Robert Commerford , also known by his various monikers/stage names is the bassist/backing vocalist for American alternative metal band Rage Against The Machine and the now-defunct supergroup Audioslave.-Biography:Tim Commerford was born on February...
's more famous bass solos, during the second wah-wah riff, and right before Tom's guitar solo.
Live performances
"Bulls on Parade" made its live debut on January 25, 1996 at the Big Day Out festival in Sydney, Australia. The track then made its international debut on Saturday Night LiveSaturday Night Live
Saturday Night Live is a live American late-night television sketch comedy and variety show developed by Lorne Michaels and Dick Ebersol. The show premiered on NBC on October 11, 1975, under the original title of NBC's Saturday Night.The show's sketches often parody contemporary American culture...
in April 1996. RATM was going to play two songs, but as they hung inverted American flags from their amplifiers, they were expelled from the building after finishing the first song.
At various shows, the band has dedicated the song to Tony Blair
Tony Blair
Anthony Charles Lynton Blair is a former British Labour Party politician who served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2 May 1997 to 27 June 2007. He was the Member of Parliament for Sedgefield from 1983 to 2007 and Leader of the Labour Party from 1994 to 2007...
.
After breaking up in late 2000, the three instrumentalists formed the band Audioslave
Audioslave
Audioslave was an American rock supergroup that formed in Los Angeles, California in 2001. It consisted of former Soundgarden lead singer/rhythm guitarist Chris Cornell and the former instrumentalists of Rage Against the Machine: Tom Morello , Tim Commerford and Brad Wilk...
with vocalist Chris Cornell
Chris Cornell
Chris Cornell is an American rock musician best known as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for Soundgarden and as the former lead vocalist for Audioslave. He is also known for his numerous solo works and soundtrack contributions since 1998...
. During their 2005 Out of Exile tour, the band played an instrumental version of Bulls on Parade, followed immediately by Sleep Now in the Fire
Sleep Now in the Fire
"Sleep Now in the Fire" is the fifth track from the 1999 album The Battle of Los Angeles by the band Rage Against the Machine. It was released as a single in 2000. The song contains lyrics about greed, such as the conquest of Native Americans, Christopher Columbus' voyage by Nina, the Pinta, and...
with Chris Cornell.
The song was covered at the 2009 Electric Proms by UK Grime artist, Dizzee Rascal
Dizzee Rascal
Dylan Kwabena Mills , better known by his stage name Dizzee Rascal, is a Ghanaian British rapper, songwriter and record producer. His music is a blend of garage, hip hop, grime, ragga, pop and electronic music, with eclectic samples and more exotic styles...
.
When first recorded in the studio, the E string on the bass was originally tuned down a half step, but during live performances is played in standard tuning.
Music video
The video for "Bulls on Parade", directed by Peter ChristophersonPeter Christopherson
Peter Martin Christopherson, a.k.a. Sleazy was a musician, video director and designer, and former member of the influential British design agency Hipgnosis....
and produced by Fiz Oliver at Squeak Pictures, premiered on MTV
MTV
MTV, formerly an initialism of Music Television, is an American network based in New York City that launched on August 1, 1981. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by on-air hosts known as VJs....
's 120 Minutes
120 Minutes
120 Minutes is a television show in the United States dedicated to alternative music, originally airing on MTV from 1986 to 2000, and then on MTV's sister channel MTV2 from 2001 to 2003....
on April 14, 1996. On July 31, 1996 it was nominated for Best Hard Rock Video
MTV Video Music Award for Best Rock Video
The MTV Video Music Award for Best Rock Video was first given out in , and it was one of the four original genre categories added to the VMAs that year. That year, though, the award was called the Best Heavy Metal Video. From 1990 to 1995, the award was called the Best Metal/Hard Rock Video, and...
in the 1996 MTV Video Music Awards
1996 MTV Video Music Awards
The 1996 MTV Video Music Awards aired live on September 4, 1996, honoring the best music videos from June 16, 1995, to June 14, 1996. The show was hosted by Dennis Miller at Radio City Music Hall in New York City....
.
The video contains footage from the Sydney
Sydney
Sydney is the most populous city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales. Sydney is located on Australia's south-east coast of the Tasman Sea. As of June 2010, the greater metropolitan area had an approximate population of 4.6 million people...
Big Day Out
Big Day Out
The Big Day Out is an annual music festival held in several cities in Australia and New Zealand in late January. It started in Sydney in 1992, spread to Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth by 1993, with the Gold Coast and Auckland joining in 1994...
(25th of Jan, 1996) and their side show at the Hordern Pavilion
Hordern Pavilion
The Hordern Pavilion is a building located in Moore Park, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, on the grounds of the old Sydney Showground. "The Hordern", as it is affectionally known by Sydneysiders, has been an architecturally and socially significant Sydney landmark since its construction in 1924...
in Sydney
Sydney
Sydney is the most populous city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales. Sydney is located on Australia's south-east coast of the Tasman Sea. As of June 2010, the greater metropolitan area had an approximate population of 4.6 million people...
(27th of Jan, 1996). Throughout the video shots of young people protesting in the streets with political signs, military drills, flags, and other similar images are montaged together. An antique-style film is used which promotes scratches, dust and film grain.
Several scenes show people wrapping 'Evil Empire
Evil empire
The phrase evil empire was applied to the Soviet Union especially by U.S. President Ronald Reagan, who took an aggressive, hard-line stance that favored matching and exceeding the Soviet Union's strategic and global military capabilities, in calling for a rollback strategy that would, in his words,...
' banners on walls, telephone posts and posting up other propaganda posters designed by Barbara Kruger
Barbara Kruger
Barbara Kruger is an American conceptual artist. Much of her work consists of black-and-white photographs overlaid with declarative captions—in white-on-red Futura Bold Oblique or Helvetica Ultra Condensed...
. There is a scene where a character wearing a black "Libertyville" jacket with a baseball cap is painted by the renowned Phantom Street Artist Joey Krebs who paints his iconoclastic figures on city walls. This is the actual portrait created by the street artist of Tom Morello himself. Various lyrics are flashed on top of these scenes in a scrawled sort of chicken-scratch throughout.
Accolades
The song was voted number 15 on VH1's 40 Greatest Metal Songs.The song came in 46th place on the Triple J Hottest 100, 1996
Triple J Hottest 100, 1996
The 1996 Triple J Hottest 100, counted down in January 1997, was a countdown of the most popular songs of the year, according to listeners of the Australian radio station Triple J. A CD featuring 31 of the songs was released. A countdown of the videos of most of the songs was also shown on the ABC...
.
The song came in at 89th place on the Triple J Hottest 100 of All Time
Triple J Hottest 100 of All Time, 2009
The Triple J Hottest 100 of All Time was a music poll conducted in 2009 amongst listeners of Australian youth radio network Triple J. Over half a million votes were compiled, with Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" collecting the highest number of votes. Voters could submit a list of up to ten...
in 2009.
In other media
- It is featured in 1998 documentary film Free Tibet.
- It is featured in 2001 documentary film Last Party 2000.
- Master track is downloadable content for Rock BandRock BandRock Band is a music video game developed by Harmonix Music Systems, published by MTV Games and Electronic Arts. It is the first title in the Rock Band series. The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions were released in the United States on November 20, 2007, while the PlayStation 2 version was...
and Rock Band 2Rock Band 2Rock Band 2 is a music video game developed by Harmonix Music Systems. It is the sequel to Rock Band and is the second title in the series. The game allows up to four players to simulate the performance of popular songs by playing with controllers modeled after musical instruments...
. - Master track is featured in Guitar Hero III: Legends of RockGuitar Hero III: Legends of RockGuitar Hero III: Legends of Rock is a music video game, the third main installment in the Guitar Hero series, and the fourth title overall...
where is unlocked after beating Tom MorelloTom MorelloThomas Baptiste "Tom" Morello is a Grammy Award-winning American guitarist best known for his tenure with the bands Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave, his acoustic solo act The Nightwatchman, and his newest group, Street Sweeper Social Club...
in a guitar battle.
Charts
| Charts (1996) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australian Singles Chart | 29 |
| Canadian Alternative 30 | 3 |
| Dutch Singles Chart | 46 |
| French Singles Chart | 27 |
| New Zealand Singles Chart | 22 |
| Norwegian Singles Chart | 4 |
| Swedish Singles Chart | 9 |
| Mainstream Rock Tracks | 36 |
| Modern Rock Tracks (US) | 11 |
| Billboard Hot 100 Airplay (US) | 62 |
| Official UK Top 40 | 8 |
External links
- Official Website
- Axis of Justice Tom Morello and Serj TankianSerj TankianSerj Tankian is a Lebanese-born Armenian-American singer–songwriter, composer, multi-instrumentalist, playwright, record producer, poet, and political activist...
's Activist Website "Axis Of JusticeAxis of JusticeAxis of Justice is a non-profit organization co-founded by Serj Tankian and Tom Morello. Its purpose is to bring together musicians, fans of music, and grassroots progressivism to fight for social justice together.-Formation:...
"