Get up, Stand up, Don't Give Up the Fight
July 6, 2022 6:17 AM   Subscribe

As musicians express their dissatisfaction with the US Supreme Court ruling on abortion, and the recontextualizing of protest songs, the important question has become "Which song would you fist fight the (US) Supreme Court to in a White Castle parking lot?"
posted by Brandon Blatcher (91 comments total) 7 users marked this as a favorite
 
I have a list, but Sonic Youth's "Youth Against Fascism" is particularly poignant.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 6:17 AM on July 6, 2022 [5 favorites]


answer :

sabotage
posted by markbrendanawitzmissesus at 6:48 AM on July 6, 2022 [13 favorites]


Sepultura's "Refuse/Resist"
posted by TheKaijuCommuter at 6:51 AM on July 6, 2022


"Sabotage" may have actually just now beaten Gimme Shelter as my own long-standing go-to.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 6:53 AM on July 6, 2022 [1 favorite]


Nobody Speak. Or is the video too on the nose?
posted by We put our faith in Blast Hardcheese at 7:00 AM on July 6, 2022 [4 favorites]


The correct answer is The Benny Hill Theme.
posted by heyitsgogi at 7:01 AM on July 6, 2022 [9 favorites]


4’33”.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 7:02 AM on July 6, 2022 [7 favorites]


gonna go with something energizing and ironic, like Weird Al. maybe "Dare to Be Stupid"
posted by Countess Elena at 7:02 AM on July 6, 2022 [6 favorites]


I've got a whole fuckin playlist. Six justices, six songs.

Moral Eclipse - Cave In
The Static Cult - Mohinder
Hollywood Squares - Dillinger Escape Plan
Both Feet in the Grave - Crimson Curse
Invasion U.S.A. - Orchid
Concubine - Converge
posted by saladin at 7:04 AM on July 6, 2022 [1 favorite]


I have a list, but Sonic Youth's "Youth Against Fascism" is particularly poignant

I believe Anita Hill...
posted by pianoblack at 7:06 AM on July 6, 2022 [2 favorites]


Ich Bin ein Ausländer feels a bit on the nose, but still.
posted by workerant at 7:06 AM on July 6, 2022 [7 favorites]


Breaking the Law - Judas Priest
posted by Sphinx at 7:07 AM on July 6, 2022 [6 favorites]


They got the tv
We got the truth
They own the judges
And we got the proof
posted by We put our faith in Blast Hardcheese at 7:08 AM on July 6, 2022 [5 favorites]


As I said in the original Twitter thread, something by Run the Jewels. Anything by them would work.
posted by Ipsifendus at 7:20 AM on July 6, 2022 [1 favorite]




Jerry Reed's theme from Gator
posted by dismas at 7:23 AM on July 6, 2022


we don't need high energy is what i'm getting at
posted by dismas at 7:24 AM on July 6, 2022


Throw on Golden Shower of Hits by the Circle Jerks (the one with this song) and I'll take them all down.
posted by pxe2000 at 7:25 AM on July 6, 2022 [1 favorite]


I've seen a lot of juxtapositions in my day, some appalling and some on-the-nose. I never thought I'd see the day, though, that a post on the Blue would contain two links to NPR's polite tut-tutting about the impending death of democracy, and one link to a Reddit thread about fighting SCOTUS in the parking lot, and the connection would totally make sense.

Also the answer can only be something by Motörhead. Ace of Spades is the obvious choice, but I do worry about the optics of it blaring while Clarence Thomas ugly-cries beneath the sodium lights. No Class, maybe?
posted by Mayor West at 7:25 AM on July 6, 2022 [3 favorites]


Mayor West, I'd actually argue for Overkill rather than Ace of Spades.
posted by TheKaijuCommuter at 7:28 AM on July 6, 2022 [1 favorite]


The Four Seasons by Vivaldi.

And I would use only an period correct blackjack while wearing 18th century period men's wig, heels, and fluffy shirt holding a candelabra dandily singing, "Tallyho! Worldstar!"
posted by NoThisIsPatrick at 7:33 AM on July 6, 2022 [5 favorites]


Ooh, what if we went for total cognitive dissonance? Something that sounds acoustic and twee and upbeat, until you listen to the lyrics? I feel like you could get some mileage out of Pantsuit Sasquatch.
posted by Mayor West at 7:36 AM on July 6, 2022 [1 favorite]


Ich Bin ein Ausländer feels a bit on the nose, but still.

MDC's "Church and State" is pretty on the nose as well.
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 7:40 AM on July 6, 2022 [2 favorites]


I agree strongly with a friend who insists on Ballroom Blitz.
posted by umbú at 7:50 AM on July 6, 2022 [2 favorites]


love so many of these. the 15-year-old version of me wants to go with Iron Maiden ("Excellent!") but recent events have me thinking Rage Against the Machine is the best call.
posted by martin q blank at 7:51 AM on July 6, 2022 [1 favorite]


gonna go with something energizing and ironic, like Weird Al. maybe "Dare to Be Stupid"

gods that's such a good idea now I can't stop imagining an Edgar Wright-style cinematic brawl set to that song
posted by greenland at 8:02 AM on July 6, 2022 [3 favorites]


Mayor West, I'd actually argue for Overkill rather than Ace of Spades.

I read "Ace of Spades" as "Ace of Base" at first and got to thinking, "Whoa, how subversive would that be?!"
posted by May Kasahara at 8:08 AM on July 6, 2022 [3 favorites]


I wanted to say "any Diamanda Galas," but Litanies of Satan is probably the one that would see it through for me.
posted by droomoord at 8:11 AM on July 6, 2022


War on Women Capture the Flag springs to mind.
posted by the primroses were over at 8:13 AM on July 6, 2022 [2 favorites]


The Supersuckers Fight Song was specifically made for White Castle parking lot fights.
posted by The_Vegetables at 8:13 AM on July 6, 2022




Same as my walkout music, so as always, it’s
Ready to Die” by Andrew WK,

And “The Order of Death” by Public Image, Ltd.
posted by Mister Moofoo at 8:15 AM on July 6, 2022 [1 favorite]


White Man by Macy Gray?
posted by eviemath at 8:15 AM on July 6, 2022


Nina Simone’s version of Sinnerman
posted by eviemath at 8:22 AM on July 6, 2022 [7 favorites]


Short scuffle: Stretchheads: Headache

Draining multi-round donnybrook: Fugazi: Smallpox Champion*

* "Bury your heart U S of A / History rears up to spit in your face."

posted by ryanshepard at 8:23 AM on July 6, 2022 [1 favorite]


I agree strongly with a friend who insists on Ballroom Blitz .

Only if it's the Crucial Taunt version.
posted by Ragged Richard at 8:25 AM on July 6, 2022 [1 favorite]


Yakety Sax.
posted by Faint of Butt at 8:26 AM on July 6, 2022


Shit Luck because I have never been in a fight so I will need to get my tempo on.

Furthermore my 18 year old self demands some Rage Against the Machine
posted by bleep at 8:32 AM on July 6, 2022


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTs5FS66IUI
posted by GCU Sweet and Full of Grace at 8:39 AM on July 6, 2022


Oh no, forgive me, I couldn't resist: Fight Song from 2016 DNC

At least I labeled it and didn't try to trick y'all into clicking.
posted by the primroses were over at 8:47 AM on July 6, 2022


Something that sounds acoustic and twee and upbeat, until you listen to the lyrics?

That's what Belle and Sebastian writes too: "Outside the butchers with a knife and a bike chain".
posted by The_Vegetables at 8:48 AM on July 6, 2022 [1 favorite]


I'm not a fan of White Castle and I'd much rather a surprise attack rather than a fistfight. But, I'm game and voting for I Never Gave Up.

(I'm a little annoyed by the "Mississippi Goddam" reference in the second link. It's a great song. . . but, let's let it stand for what it stands for. It's not unrelated to current events, but it is specific.)
posted by eotvos at 8:53 AM on July 6, 2022


You Fucked Up - Ween
posted by Aznable at 8:57 AM on July 6, 2022 [2 favorites]


Subliminal Fascism by Fishbone. They've been trying to tell us since 1988.
posted by cooker girl at 9:08 AM on July 6, 2022 [1 favorite]


Amazing Grace. I want their beating to hurt.
posted by Abehammerb Lincoln at 9:09 AM on July 6, 2022


The Star-Spangled Banner.
posted by box at 9:13 AM on July 6, 2022 [1 favorite]


MDC's "I remember".
posted by bile and syntax at 9:14 AM on July 6, 2022 [2 favorites]






Pretend We're Dead... L7
posted by kokaku at 9:28 AM on July 6, 2022


"I Don't Care About You (Fuck You)" by Fear certainly has the energy I want, but it's so damn short.
posted by It's Never Lurgi at 9:30 AM on July 6, 2022


"Battle Flag" by Lo Fidelity All Stars, preferably starting at the verse with "Hey Mr. Policeman"
posted by dlugoczaj at 9:32 AM on July 6, 2022 [1 favorite]


Fuck You by Lily Allen would get the job done and still let people dance, so there is that.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 9:35 AM on July 6, 2022 [2 favorites]


Habanera from Carmen, which would probably be maybe the third time that song has been played at White Castle.

Why? Because fuck you. That’s why.
posted by JustSayNoDawg at 9:39 AM on July 6, 2022 [1 favorite]


Ticks and Leeches by Tool, definitely.
posted by Jarcat at 9:44 AM on July 6, 2022 [1 favorite]


I mean, I know it's a joke, but not the worst choice
posted by thivaia at 9:56 AM on July 6, 2022 [2 favorites]




Don't overlook an important factor: duration. Is a four minute song going to give you adequate time to fight six judges?

Mind you, if Kiss Radio 104.9 can play "Killing in the Name" on loop for hours, so can you.
posted by justsomebodythatyouusedtoknow at 10:24 AM on July 6, 2022 [1 favorite]


Is a four minute song going to give you adequate time to fight six judges?

Recipe for Hate in its entirety might work. The title track, "American Jesus," and "Don't Pray on Me" in particular:

A bitter debate and a feminine fate
Lie in tandem like two precious babes
While the former gets warmer, it's the latter that matters
Except on the nation's airwaves
And custodians of public opinion stay fat
After vainly discussing her rights
Lay hands off her body
It's not your fuckin' life

posted by mandolin conspiracy at 10:30 AM on July 6, 2022 [1 favorite]


Entertain - Sleater Kinney

Sure, the song was really made for kicking the crap out of Rumsfeld, Cheney, et al. but it'll do for Kavanaugh, Alito, etc...
posted by mhum at 10:35 AM on July 6, 2022


Punch 'Em In The Dick
posted by ctmf at 10:45 AM on July 6, 2022 [7 favorites]


Haven’t narrowed down my choice yet but I think Ace of Spades Is for when you’re doing kick flips over their pummeled bodies.
posted by Uncle at 12:24 PM on July 6, 2022


I think Ace of Spades Is for when you’re doing kick flips over their pummeled bodies.

Ooooh. No. Wait.

Ballroom Blitz.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 12:29 PM on July 6, 2022


For Kavanaugh I'd want Seven Year Bitch's Dead Men Don't Rape.
posted by bile and syntax at 12:29 PM on July 6, 2022 [1 favorite]


Just now seeing Ballroom Blitz already represented way upthread, consider my response from a moment ago to be an enthusiastic second.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 12:36 PM on July 6, 2022


Bishop's Countdown by James Horner from the Aliens soundtrack works quite well.

That it's used in the climax to a film where alien creatures are harvesting humans adds just the right OOMPH.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 12:42 PM on July 6, 2022


is a four minute song going to give you adequate time to fight six judges?

Yeah, I might need a short playlist for this. Mine would probably start with either:

Otep -- Rise Rebel Resist

Or

16 Horsepower -- Heel on the Shovel.

Though I dunno. This might be a nice non-diegetic option.
posted by palmcorder_yajna at 2:21 PM on July 6, 2022 [1 favorite]


...though if you went with a Sabaton song (like this one), maybe Sabaton would be moved to write a triumphant song about your heroic parking lot battle, and then you'd have an infinitely recursing loop of whoop-ass, and that'd be alright.
posted by palmcorder_yajna at 2:31 PM on July 6, 2022


Anything by DEVO
posted by kinnakeet at 3:33 PM on July 6, 2022 [1 favorite]


The Man I Killed- NoFX has the sneer and the tempo, but something about

their existence is crime
their seat, their robe, their tie
their land deeds
their hired guns
they're the crime


that just feels right. The tempo, the long outro, I think I could get my punching done before the fade out.
posted by Ghidorah at 4:01 PM on July 6, 2022


Chumbawumba's English Rebel Songs
posted by PinkMoose at 5:45 PM on July 6, 2022 [1 favorite]


Fuck these Fucking Fascists.
posted by pompomtom at 6:12 PM on July 6, 2022


Or maybe Fite Dem Back.
posted by pompomtom at 6:42 PM on July 6, 2022


We're Not Gonna Take It

We've got the right to choose it
There ain't no way we'll lose it
This is our life, this is our song

We'll fight the powers that be just
Don't pick our destiny 'cause
You don't know us, you don't belong

We're not gonna take it
Oh no, we ain't gonna take it
We're not gonna take it anymore

Oh, you're so condescending
Your gall is never ending
We don't want nothin', not a thing from you

Your life is trite and jaded
Boring and confiscated
If that's your best, your best won't do

Sing it
We're right, yeah
We're free, yeah
We'll fight, yeah
You'll see

We're not gonna take it
No, we ain't gonna take it
We're not gonna take it anymore
posted by Knowyournuts at 7:21 PM on July 6, 2022 [3 favorites]


Europe - The Final Countdown.
posted by B3taCatScan at 8:06 PM on July 6, 2022 [1 favorite]


Beat on the Brat
posted by Lyme Drop at 9:58 PM on July 6, 2022 [1 favorite]




The correct answer is ‘Power To The People’ by John Lennon.
*mic drop*
posted by Gadgetenvy at 6:19 AM on July 7, 2022


Getting the sense that a lot of you have never been in a fight before.
posted by saladin at 6:25 AM on July 7, 2022






Small Axe

Why boasteth thyself
Oh, evil men
Playing smart
And not being clever?
I said, you're working iniquity
To achieve vanity (if a-so a-so)
But the goodness of Jah, Jah
I-dureth for-I-ver

So if you are the big tree
We are the small axe
Ready to cut you down (well sharp)
To cut you down

These are the words
Of my master, keep on tellin' me
No weak heart
Shall prosper
And whosoever diggeth a pit
Shall fall in it, fall in it
And whosoever diggeth a pit
Shall fall in it (... fall in it)
posted by Meatbomb at 7:58 AM on July 7, 2022


I feel that Rage Against the Machine is a good, solid beginning, but Brass Against, a Rage Against the Machine cover band, takes it to the next, and better, level.

For your consideration: Take The Power Back
posted by SaharaRose at 9:43 AM on July 7, 2022


One Tin Soldier
posted by TedW at 11:47 AM on July 7, 2022


Brother Ali - Uncle Sam Goddamn (lyrics)
posted by LooseFilter at 12:19 PM on July 7, 2022


Odd choice...but given its an somewhat absurd situation anyway....I'd personally go with....
Fred Dagg - "Not a bad day for it"

When ya called on by your country......and it sometimes comes to pass...
you can't afford to sit round...drinking cups of tea....and hopinggggg...
a whole lot of other blokes and shellas are going to get together and fix things on your behalf for ya....
no you got to do your bit
and when you come to think of it....
its not a badddaaadd day for it



At the point where he tells Trev to whip it up a chord, that's when the improvised weapons would come out.
posted by inflatablekiwi at 1:58 PM on July 7, 2022


The correct answer is ‘Power To The People’ by John Lennon.

Or "Instant Karma"?
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 2:04 PM on July 7, 2022


...and at the end when the dust has settled and the six conservative justices have lost and are on the ground licking their wounds....silence...followed by the audio recording of RBG arguing before the Supreme Court - "She spoke not elegantly, but with unmistakable clarity. She said, ‘I ask no favor for my sex. All I ask of our brethren is that they take their feet off our necks."...fade to black
posted by inflatablekiwi at 2:18 PM on July 7, 2022


I would never wish violence on anyone, but, hypothetically, I don’t need to get fired up, I need these people to have PTSD:

‘America the Beautiful,’ ‘Battle Hymn of the Republic,’ ‘God Bless the USA.’
posted by box at 6:19 PM on July 7, 2022 [2 favorites]


Consolidated's "Your Body Belongs to the State"

...or pretty much the whole Consolidated catalogue.
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 10:33 AM on July 8, 2022


...but particularly "Butyric Acid":

"Marching with your cross and your dead fetus picture
Don't let me see it or I'll jam it up your sphincter"
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 10:38 AM on July 8, 2022


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