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Killing in the Name

"Killing in the Name" is a 1992 song by the American rock band Rage Against the Machine.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

"Killing in the Name" is a 1992 song by the American rock band Rage Against the Machine. It was released as the lead single from their debut album and is known for its protest lyrics, heavy guitar riffing, and later chart success in the United Kingdom.

Background and release

The song was released in November 1992 as the first single from Rage Against the Machine's debut album. It helped establish the band's fusion of metal, rap, and politically charged protest lyrics.

Lyrics and themes

The song's lyrics condemn police brutality and institutional racism. Sources connect its writing to the 1991 beating of Rodney King and the 1992 Los Angeles riots.

Commercial performance

The song originally peaked at number 25 on the UK Singles Chart. It later reached number one in the UK at Christmas 2009 following a campaign opposing the winner of The X Factor.

Legacy

The track is widely regarded as one of Rage Against the Machine's signature songs. It has remained culturally prominent and reached major streaming milestones decades after its release.

Key facts

  • Appears on Rage Against the Machine's 1992 self-titled debut album.
  • Released as the album's lead single in November 1992.
  • Lyrics protest police brutality, inspired by the beating of Rodney King and the 1992 Los Angeles riots.
  • Reached number 25 on the UK Singles Chart originally, later became UK Christmas number one in 2009.
  • First Rage Against the Machine song to surpass one billion Spotify streams by January 2025.

Frequently asked questions

What is "Killing in the Name"?
It is a 1992 single by Rage Against the Machine from their debut album of the same name.
What is the song about?
The lyrics protest police brutality and institutional racism, drawing on the Rodney King beating and the 1992 Los Angeles riots.
When was it released?
It was released in November 1992 as the lead single from the band's debut album.
How did it chart in the UK?
It originally reached number 25, then became the UK Christmas number one in 2009.
What genre is it?
It is commonly described as alternative metal, rap metal, and rap rock.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Killing_in_the_Name
    Supports: Song identity, release as lead single, lyrical themes, chart performance, and streaming milestone.
  2. Wikipedia (German) — https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Killing_in_the_Name
    Supports: Release date, genre, length, songwriters, album, and producer details.
  3. Louder — https://www.loudersound.com/bands-artists/interviews/killing-in-the-name-by-rage-against-the-machine
    Supports: 2009 UK Christmas number one campaign and cultural legacy.
  4. Songfacts — https://www.songfacts.com/facts/rage-against-the-machine/killing-in-the-name
    Supports: Interpretation of the lyrics as referencing police racism and the Ku Klux Klan line.