Routes

Album: Lamb Of God (2020)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song tackles Randy Blythe's experience at the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in North Dakota. The Lamb Of God frontman joined the native peoples there to protest against the Dakota Access Pipeline being built near to their water supply on unceded treaty land.

    Said Blythe: "I went to Standing Rock because I had heard reports of violence committed on the peaceful protesters there by both state law enforcement and private security contractors, and this violence was not reported in mainstream media for the most part. I went to bring supplies and support these people, who were trying to protect their water, and thereby protect everyone, as everything in the natural world is protected. I was there a week, made some great friends, and learned a lot. It was a very profound experience in my life, and I knew one day I would write a song about it."
  • The song features guest vocals from Testament vocalist Chuck Billy. Randy Blythe explained to UK's TotalRock Radio that because it was a Native American-led protest it was important for him to have a Native voice. "And Chuck Billy happens to be a gigantic Pomo Indian from California, so he was really down to do that."
  • The quarantine video features the band members and Chuck Billy teaming up to perform the song together from their own homes.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Queen

QueenFact or Fiction

Scaramouch, a hoople and a superhero soundtrack - see if you can spot the real Queen stories.

Gary LeVox

Gary LeVoxSongwriter Interviews

On "Life Is A Highway," his burgeoning solo career, and the Rascal Flatts song he most connects with.

Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues

Justin Hayward of The Moody BluesSongwriter Interviews

Justin wrote the classic "Nights In White Satin," but his fondest musical memories are from a different decade.

Kip Winger

Kip WingerSongwriter Interviews

The Winger frontman reveals the Led Zeppelin song he cribbed for "Seventeen," and explains how his passion for orchestra music informs his songwriting.

Dean Friedman - "Ariel"

Dean Friedman - "Ariel"They're Playing My Song

Dean's saga began with "Ariel," a song about falling in love with a Jewish girl from New Jersey.

Charlie Benante of Anthrax

Charlie Benante of AnthraxSongwriter Interviews

The drummer for Anthrax is also a key songwriter. He explains how the group puts their songs together and tells the stories behind some of their classics.