Raise The Red Flag

Album: One Assassination Under God – Chapter 1 (2024)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • If you raise the white flag, you surrender. In this song, Marilyn Manson does just the opposite, raising a red flag that he describes in the song as "your white one soaked in blood."

    Manson has faced down many critics throughout his career, starting with moral crusaders in the '90s and later, an assortment of foes on social media. He's often used that criticism to fuel his songs.
  • Marilyn Manson released "Raise The Red Flag" as the second single (following "As Sick As The Secrets Within") from the album One Assassination Under God – Chapter 1, his first in four years. The song was released on August 16, 2024, and the album on November 22 to coincide with the day President John F. Kennedy was assassinated.

    At the time, Manson was still dealing with a spate of lawsuits brought against him by accusers claiming he abused them. In January 2025 the Los Angeles County district attorney announced: "After a comprehensive four-year investigation into allegations of domestic violence and sexual assault against Warner, charges will not be filed."

    "Warner" is Brian Warner, Marilyn Manson's real name.
  • Manson wrote this song with Tyler Bates, who became his main creative collaborator on the group's 2015 album The Pale Emperor. Bates and Manson teamed to write all the songs on One Assassination Under God – Chapter 1, and it was recorded at Bates' studio: The Abattoir in Los Angeles.

    "These songs are really weighted with a lot of personal thoughts and emotions," Bates said on the Road To Rock Podcast. "The further you move through life, the more experience you have to draw from, and I think that's very apparent in this music."
  • The music video takes a break from the kind of octopus-horror seen in "As Sick As The Secrets Within," the first video from the album. "Raise The Red Flag" is mostly footage of Manson and his band performing the song. Both videos were directed by Bill Yukich.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And Scandals

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And ScandalsSong Writing

Surprise exits, a catfight and some very memorable performances make our list of the most memorable Idol moments.

Tom Johnston from The Doobie Brothers

Tom Johnston from The Doobie BrothersSongwriter Interviews

The Doobies guitarist and lead singer, Tom wrote the classics "Listen To The Music," "Long Train Runnin'" and "China Grove."

Robert DeLeo of Stone Temple Pilots

Robert DeLeo of Stone Temple PilotsSongwriter Interviews

Stone Temple Pilots bass player Robert DeLeo names the songs that have most connected with fans and tells the stories behind tracks from their Tiny Music album.

Booker T. Jones

Booker T. JonesSongwriter Interviews

The Stax legend on how he cooked up "Green Onions," the first time he and Otis Redding saw hippies, and if he'll ever play a digital organ.

John Doe of X

John Doe of XSongwriter Interviews

With his X-wife Exene, John fronts the band X and writes their songs.

Billy Joe Shaver

Billy Joe ShaverSongwriter Interviews

The outlaw country icon talks about the spiritual element of his songwriting and his Bob Dylan mention.