Re‐Education (Through Labor)

## Re‐Education\_(Through\_Labor)

The cover for Appeal To Reason, the album "Re‐Education (Through\_Labor)" originates from.

## Song Meaning

Lead singer Tim McIlrath perfectly encapsulates the song’s message, stating, “It’s talking a lot about the 9-to-5, dog-eat-dog lifestyle, and what we are asked to do to simply make ends meet nowadays, and I think it’s a feeling shared by people all around the world and especially in this country.”

“Re-Education (Through Labor)” sheds light on the struggles of modern society, where individuals often feel trapped in a cycle of work and conformity. Rise Against questions the expectations society places on us to sacrifice our dreams, happiness, and individuality in the pursuit of success. The song urges listeners to recognize the injustices prevalent in the world and inspires them to resist societal norms.

In conclusion, “Re-Education (Through Labor)” serves as a reminder to break free from the chains of conformity and pursue a life that aligns with our true values and aspirations. Rise Against’s lyrics resonate deeply with individuals who have experienced the pressures of society and seek liberation. This song continues to inspire and uplift those who refuse to be silenced.

To truly understand the meaning behind the song, it is essential to analyze the powerful lyrics. The opening lines, “To the sound of a heartbeat pounding away, To the rhythm of the awful rusted machines,” immediately set a tone of struggle and oppression. Rise Against skillfully uses metaphors to illustrate the daily grind and the monotonous routine people often find themselves trapped in.

The chorus emphasizes the futility of their efforts, as they crawl on their knees and sweat all day long, only to sow seeds that may never bear fruit. Dreams remain unfulfilled, and they are left waiting for what they believe they deserve.

The second verse introduces the urgency and imminent danger faced by those who try to break free from the system. The time bomb ticking away symbolizes the constant pressure and the blare of sirens represents the consequences faced by those who dare to resist.

The bridge is a defiant statement of refusing to conform any longer. Rise Against asserts that they will not crawl, believe the lies, or sweat for an unjust system. The powerful repetition of “We crawl, we crawl, we crawl, all over you” showcases their determination to reclaim their identity and fight against oppression.

The song ends with a hopeful outlook. Rise Against recognizes the preciousness of their days and the need to bring forth change. They sow the seeds to see them through, and in doing so, hope to bring the dawn of a new era.

## Lyrics

To the sound of a heartbeat pounding away

To the rhythym of the awful, rusting machines

We toss and turn but don't sleep

Each breath we take makes us thieves

Like causes without rebels

Just talk but promise nothing else

We crawl on our knees for you

Under a sky no longer blue

We sweat all day long for you

But we sow seeds to see us through

'Cause sometimes dreams just don't come true

We wait to reap what we are due

To the rhythm of a timebomb ticking away

And the blare of the sirens combing the streets

Chased down like dogs we run from

Your grasp until the sun comes up

We crawl on our knees for you

Under a sky no longer blue

We sweat all day long for you

But we sow seeds to see us through

'Cause sometimes dreams just don't come true

Look now at what they've done to you

White needles buried in the red

The engine roars and then it gives

But never dies

'Cause we don't live, we just survive

On the scraps that you throw away

I won't crawl on my knees for you

I won't believe the lies that hide the truth

I won't sweat one more drop for you

'Cause we are the rust upon your gears

We are the insect in your ears

We crawl

We crawl

We crawl all over you

We sow seeds to see us through

Our days are precious and so few

We all reap what we are due

Under this sky no longer blue

We bring a dawn long overdue

We crawl

And we crawl

And we crawl all over you