Song Analysis #2- Fight the Power

Public Enemy is a well known American hip-hop group from the mid 80s through the mid 90s, comprised of Chuck D, Flavor Flav, Professor Griff and his S1W group, DJ Lordand, Terminator X, and Brian Hardgroove. The group was known fortheir skillful lyricism and relevant messages, and since their glory days, have consistently been ranked among the top artists of all time on lists from VH1, Rolling Stone magazine and many others. Of all their songs, "Fight the Power" released in 1989 for the Bruce Lee movie "Do the Right Thing" and later on their 1990 album "Fear of a Black Planet".

Throughtout the song, Public Enemy use allusion and imagery to emphasize the central message of the song - the need for everyday people to fight the abuse of power. The song makes reference to Elvis Presley and John Wayne, calling them both racists. Taking two famous white people and pointing out major flaws in them could make people rethink who they admire and why. The song also says "Don't worry be happy/ Was a number one jam" and goes on to make an incredulous comment about the fact. It is a comment that essentially says "we're sick of waiting around, ignoring all of the problems. Let's do something about it." The song also uses the image "the prides arrive/ we got to pump the stuff to make us tough/ From the heart/ It's a start" to talk about the importance of black pride - though the image could be extended to others in difficult situations as well. Pride is important in fighting the power and revolution because you have to have something intrinsic in order to rebel against such ingrained institutions that most rely on, like the government.

Fight the power was a very popular song in the late 1980s and is still somewhat popular today. Despite what many think, the song isn't about overthrowing the government or anything radical - it's a call to everyday people to fight the abuse of power, as said by bassist Brian Hardgroove. While not as radical as other songs with revolutionary themes, it still definitely fits in that category. This song is about a quieter revolution, one that takes place in the hearts and minds of the populous. Rather than overthrow the government and replace it, the song suggests keeping the current one ( along with anyone else in a position of power) in check.