State Of The Union

Album: Siren Song Of The Counter Culture (2004)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • In this raging rocker, Rise Against give their own state of the union address, and it's not good:

    If we're the flagship of peace and prosperity
    We're taking on water and about to f--kin' sink


    At this time, America was embroiled in conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan in an effort to fight terrorism, but Rise Against and many other critics felt these were unjust wars initiated for political and financial reasons.
  • In live performances, lead singer Tim McIlrath would say that this song is a "F--k You to George Bush and his f--king war." >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Kes - Independence, VA
  • This is the first track on Siren Song Of The Counter Culture, Rise Against's third album, and their first with a major label: Geffen Records. The group was building a following playing festivals, and got some exposure on the Taste of Chaos Tour with Killswitch Engage and The Used. The band kept the momentum going, growing their following steadily over the next decade.

Comments: 2

  • Kelsey from Rustburg, VaBush is gone. This is Obama's fault now. I don't see anyone writing songs about him being a Jack-Ass and a failure. Idiots this it's racist because he's black. Start trashing the sucky new president and I'll be more open minded towards these other bands.
  • Mike from Presque Isle, MeI've never heard this song, but having read the lyrics, it proves that there's a market for stupidity and self-righteousness.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Kim Thayil of Soundgarden

Kim Thayil of SoundgardenSongwriter Interviews

Their frontman (Chris Cornell) started out as their drummer, so Soundgarden takes a linear approach when it comes to songwriting. Kim explains how they do it.

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.

Eric Burdon

Eric BurdonSongwriter Interviews

The renown rock singer talks about "The House of the Rising Sun" and "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood."

Metallica

MetallicaFact or Fiction

Beef with Bon Jovi? An unfortunate Spandex period? See if you can spot the true stories in this Metallica version of Fact or Fiction.

Mike Rutherford (Genesis, Mike + The Mechanics)

Mike Rutherford (Genesis, Mike + The Mechanics)Songwriter Interviews

Mike Rutherford talks about the "Silent Running" storyline and "Land Of Confusion" in the age of Trump.

Steely Dan

Steely DanFact or Fiction

Did they really trade their guitarist to The Doobie Brothers? Are they named after something naughty? And what's up with the band name?