Killing in the Name

The guitarist Tom Morello wrote the riffs while teaching a student drop D tuning; he briefly paused the lesson to record the riff.{{cite web|date=2009-01-01 |title=Countdown: Hottest 100 – Of All Time|url=http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/hottest100_alltime/countdown/cd_02.htm|access-date=2009-12-17|publisher=Triple J}} The band worked on the song the next day. According to Morello, "Killing in the Name" was a collaborative effort, combining his riff with Tim Commerford's "magmalike" bass, Brad Wilk's "funky, brutal" drumming and vocalist Zack de la Rocha's "conviction". Morello recorded his part on a Fender Telecaster{{cite web|last=Ajizian|first=Ara|date=March 2012|title=You Interview Tom Morello|url=http://digital.musiciansfriend.com/musiciansfriendcatalogs/201203?pg=45#pg45|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413142001/http://digital.musiciansfriend.com/musiciansfriendcatalogs/201203?pg=45#pg45|archive-date=13 April 2014|access-date=25 February 2013|work=Musician's Friend|quote=That's the "Killing in the Name" guitar, the "Freedom" guitar, "Testify" … all those jams are written on that cheap Telecaster.|df=dmy-all}} and played a guitar solo with a Whammy pedal.{{Cite book |last=Paz |first=Eilon |url=https://books.google.fr/books?id=VWMnEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA177 |title=Stompbox: 100 Pedals of the World's Greatest Guitarists |date=2021-12-21 |publisher=Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed |isbn=978-1-9848-6061-3 |pages=177 |language=en}}

"Killing in the Name" combines elements of punk and hip hop{{cite web | url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/story-behind-the-song-killing-in-the-name-by-rage-against-the-machine | title=Story Behind the Song: Killing in the Name by Rage Against the Machine | date=12 February 2019 }} and has been described as alternative metal,{{cite web | url=https://www.popmatters.com/post/145291-the-ten-best-alternative-metal-singles-of-the-1990s/P1/ | title=The 10 Best Alternative Metal Singles of the 1990s | work=PopMatters | date=August 3, 2011 | access-date=21 June 2015 | last=Ramirez |first= AJ }} rap metal,{{cite web | date=13 April 2017 |last=Williams|first=Megan | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/rage-against-the-machine-killing-in-the-name-toy-instruments-a7682801.html | title= Rage Against the Machine's 'Killing In The Name' performed on toy instruments | work= The Independent | access-date= 30 November 2018}} rap rock,{{cite web |first= Tim |last= Grierson |title= Top 10 Essential Rap-Rock Songs |date= 2015-10-25 |publisher= About.com |url= http://rock.about.com/od/top10lists/tp/BestRapRockSongs.htm |access-date= 2022-05-05 |archive-date= 2013-03-27 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130327081258/http://rock.about.com/od/top10lists/tp/BestRapRockSongs.htm |url-status= dead }} hard rock,{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/business/producers-of-rage-against-the-machine-s-killing-in-the-name-sell-rights-to-track-b1984897.html|title=Producers of Rage Against the Machine's Killing in the Name sell rights to track|work=The Independent|last=Iorizzo|first=Ellie|date=2021-10-31|access-date=May 6, 2022}} and proto-nu metal.{{cite web | url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/10-best-nu-metal-party-songs-all-time#rage-against-machine-killing-name | title=10 best NU-METAL party songs of all time | date=16 March 2023 }} The journalist Peter Buckley described it as "a howling, expletive-driven tirade against the ills of American society".{{Cite book |last=Buckley |first=Peter |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=haEfq-nKqjgC |title=The Rough Guide to Rock |publisher=Rough Guides |year=2003 |isbn=978-1-84353-105-0 |pages=844}} The song builds in intensity, as de la Rocha chants the line "Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me", building in a crescendo the next four times and aggressively screaming the line the final eight times, culminating with the scream "Motherfucker!"{{cite journal | first = Laura L. | last = Finley | title = The Lyrics of Rage Against the Machine: A Study in Radical Criminology? | url = http://www.albany.edu/scj/jcjpc/vol9is3/finley.html | journal = Journal of Criminal Justice and Popular Culture | publisher = JCJPC | date = 2002-03-09 | issn = 1070-8286 | location = Western Michigan University | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20021015133559/http://www.albany.edu/scj/jcjpc/vol9is3/finley.html | archive-date = 2002-10-15 | access-date = 2009-12-17}} The song contains the word "fuck" 17 times.{{cite web |date=2007-07-27 |title=The History Of: Rage Against The Machine |url=http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/columns/the_history_of/the_history_of_rage_against_the_machine.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080118124446/http://ultimate-guitar.com/columns/the_history_of/the_history_of_rage_against_the_machine.html |archive-date=2008-01-18 |access-date=2010-01-15 |publisher=Ultimate Guitar}}

The lyrics were inspired by the police brutality suffered by Rodney King and the subsequent 1992 Los Angeles riots.{{cite web |last=Savage |first=Mark |date=16 December 2009 |title=What the critics say: X Factor chart battle |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/seealso/2009/12/what_the_critics_say_x_factor.html |access-date=2009-12-18 |work=Quoting Luke Lewis of NME |publisher=BBC}}{{cite book |last=McIver |first=Joel |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=grWO5XKtbCoC |title=Nu-metal: the next generation of rock & punk |publisher=Omnibus Press |year=2002 |isbn=0-7119-9209-6 |pages=104}} The refrain "some of those that work forces are the same that burn crosses" draws a link between the Los Angeles Police Department and the Ku Klux Klan.{{Cite web |title=What inspired Rage Against The Machine's Killing In The Name? |url=https://www.radiox.co.uk/features/rage-against-the-machine-killing-in-the-name/ |access-date=2020-12-30 |website=Radio X}} According to BBC News, "Killing in the Name" protests the military–industrial complex, justifying killing for "the chosen whites".{{cite news |first=Alan |last=Connor |date=2009-12-18 |title=What is anti-X Factor song Killing In The Name all about? |publisher=BBC |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/8419446.stm |access-date=2010-01-07}}

The cover of the CD single is a Malcolm Browne photograph of Thích Quảng Đức's self-immolation in Saigon in 1963 in protest of the murder of Buddhists by the U.S.-backed regime of Prime Minister Ngo Dinh Diem. The photograph also appears on cover of the eponymous Rage Against the Machine album. The cover of the Australian version of the CD-single has the words "killing in the name", in large, red block capitals, and a much smaller and tightly cropped version of the photograph in the bottom right-hand corner.

"Killing in the Name" was released as part of a 12-song self-released cassette. The first video for "Killing in the Name" did not receive heavy airplay in the United States due to the explicit lyrics. It received substantial airplay in Europe and drove the band's popularity abroad.{{cite web | date = 2009-11-16 | first = Sonya | last = Shelton | title = Rage Against the Machine Biography: Contemporary Musicians | url = http://www.enotes.com/contemporary-musicians/rage-against-machine-biography | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070909075451/http://www.enotes.com/contemporary-musicians/rage-against-machine-biography | archive-date = 2007-09-09 | publisher = eNotes | quote = Rage Against the Machine's first video for "Killing in the Name" did not receive any airplay in the U.S. because of the language in the song's refrain. | access-date = 2010-05-25 }}[https://web.archive.org/web/20100411043343/http://www.enotes.com/jax/index.php/works/download/type=encyclopedia/notes=contemporary-musicians/id=rage-against-machine-biography/ (PDF)]

After signing with Epic Records, the band released their self-titled debut album on November 12, 1992. It was certified triple platinum, driven by heavy radio play of "Killing in the Name".

{{Anchor|UK|United Kingdom}} On February 21, 1993, the BBC Radio 1 DJ Bruno Brookes accidentally played the uncensored version of the song on his Top 40 Countdown, leading to 138 complaints.{{cite web | date = 2000-01-29 | first = John | last = Robinson | work = New Musical Express | title = The revolution will not be trivialised | url = http://www.musicfanclubs.org/rage/articles/trivialized.htm | quote = Bruno played the wrong version while doing the Top 40 rundown. There were 138 phone calls of complaint to the BBC. | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20000915224339/http://www.musicfanclubs.org/rage/articles/trivialized.htm | archive-date = 2000-09-15 | access-date = 2009-12-17}} Brookes was recording an advertisement for the following week's Top 40 Countdown while the song played. In November 2008, the song was played over the speakers in an Asda supermarket in Preston, Lancashire, prompting complaints from customers. Asda issued an apology.{{cite web | date = 2008-11-19 | first = Robin | last = Murray | title = Rage Against the Machine row | url = http://www.idiomag.com/peek/50533/rage_against_the_machine | publisher = Idiomag.com | work = clashmusic.com | access-date = 2009-12-17}}{{cite web | date = November 19, 2008 | url = https://www.nme.com/news/music/rage-against-the-machine-62-1336412 | title = Rage Against The Machine's 'Killing In The Name' sparks Asda furore | work = New Musical Express}}

In 2012, Morello demanded the right-wing UK Independence Party stop using "Killing in the Name" in rallies.{{cite web | url = http://www.sonicstate.com/amped/2012/09/23/tom-morello-blasts-ukip-leader-for-racist-use-of-ratm/ | title = Tom Morello Blasts UKIP Leader for Racist Use of RATM | publisher = Sonic State | date = September 23, 2012 | access-date = 18 February 2012}} Following the 2020 United States elections, a video of pro-Trump protesters dancing to "Killing in the Name" was widely shared on social media. Commentators saw it as a misappropriation of the song. Rage Against the Machine responded in a tweet: "They just don't GET IT do they?"{{Cite magazine|last1=Kreps|first1=Daniel|date=2020-11-07|title=Tom Morello Mocks Trumpers Dancing to Rage Against the Machine's 'Killing in the Name'|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/tom-morello-trumpers-dancing-rage-against-the-machine-killing-in-the-name-1087221/|access-date=2020-11-07|magazine=Rolling Stone }}

In 2022, Reuters Fact Check concluded that a viral video purportedly showing North Korea's military choir covering the song had been digitally altered. Its audio is from a video uploaded to YouTube in 2019 of an event when a thousand musicians gathered to perform the song inside Frankfurt's Waldstadion. The montage of clips of the large choir and footage of the North Korea's military arsenal such as tanks and missiles had been edited together to mislead viewers.{{cite news |date=2022-09-27 |title=Fact Check-Video purportedly showing North Korea's military choir covering Rage Against the Machine's 'Killing in the Name' has been digitally altered |work=Reuters Fact Check |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/factcheck-northkorea-choir-idUSL1N30Y1N3 |access-date=2022-12-27}}

{{Wikinews|Rage Against The Machine top UK singles chart}}

In early December 2009, the English DJ Jon Morter and his wife Tracy launched a group on Facebook encouraging people to buy the song in the week before Christmas. They hoped to prevent the winner of The X Factor, a televised singing competition, from achieving the UK Christmas number one for the fifth year running.{{cite web | date = 2009-12-04 | title = Rage Against The Machine to take on 'The X Factor' for Christmas Number One | url = https://www.nme.com/news/rage-against-the-machine/48727 | work = New Musical Express | access-date = 2009-12-17}}{{cite web |first=Johnny |last=Famethrowa |date=2009-12-04 |url=http://new.uk.music.yahoo.com/blogs/touchingthevoid/19324/rage-against-the-x-factor/ |title=Rage Against The "X-Factor" |work=Yahoo! Music |publisher=Yahoo! |access-date=2009-12-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511143924/http://new.uk.music.yahoo.com/blogs/touchingthevoid/19324/rage-against-the-x-factor/ |archive-date=2011-05-11 }} On December 15, the BBC reported the group had more than 750,000 members.{{cite news | date = 2009-12-15 | title = Rock anthem outselling X Factor winner Joe McElderry | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8413557.stm | publisher = BBC | access-date = 2009-12-17}}

As the X Factor song was donating some of the profits to charity, the Rage Against X Factor campaign encouraged supporters also to give to charity. Alongside the group, a Justgiving page was created to raise money for homeless charity Shelter which, as of 20 December, had raised over £70,000 (approximately $110,000).

After the X Factor creator Simon Cowell denounced the campaign as "stupid" and "cynical",{{cite web |date=10 December 2009 |title=Cowell: Facebook music campaign 'cynical' |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10003411 |website=BBC News }} the group gained more attention and was mentioned on various UK news channels, radio stations and websites. Rage Against the Machine added their support. Morello said that achieving the Christmas number one would be "a wonderful dose of anarchy" and that he planned to donate the unexpected windfall to charity.{{cite news | date = 2009-12-16 | title = Rage Against The Machine's Morello praises chart race | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8415750.stm | work = BBC News | publisher = BBC Corp | quote = Rage Against The Machine's Tom Morello has said that beating the X Factor single to Christmas number one will be a "wonderful dose of anarchy". | access-date = 2009-12-17}} Dave Grohl, Muse, Them Crooked Vultures, Liam Howlett and the Prodigy were among many musicians and celebrities supporting the campaign.{{cite news | first = Scott | last = Colothan | date = 2009-12-16 | title = The Prodigy: 'Rise Up Against The X Factor And Buy Rage Against The Machine' | url = http://www.gigwise.com/news/53921/The-Prodigy-Rise-Up-Against-The-X-Factor-And-Buy-Rage-Against-The-Machine | work = Gigwise.com | quote = Kelly Jones from the Stereophonics and comedians Stephen Fry, Ross Noble and Bill Bailey are amongst the other celebrity supporters of the Tracy and Jon Morter's campaign. | access-date = 2010-01-05}}{{cite news | first = Scott | last = Colothan | date = 2009-12-17 | title = Dave Grohl: 'I'm Buying Rage Against The Machine' | url = http://www.gigwise.com/news/53934/Dave-Grohl-Im-Buying-Rage-Against-The-Machine | work = Gigwise.com | quote = Grohl joins The Prodigy, Hadouken!, Enter Shikari and the Stereophonics in endorsing the Facebook campaign. | access-date = 2009-12-17}}{{cite web|date=2009-12-16 |title=Liam Howlett: 'Rage Against The Machine' |url=http://www.theprodigy.com/latest-news/37-homepage-section/250-ratm-2 |quote=this is the biggest rise up against the ' industry manufactured shite ' in years and thats why its important --- and fukin funny at the same time act now. |publisher=TheProdigy.com |access-date=2009-12-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091219183016/http://theprodigy.com/latest-news/37-homepage-section/250-ratm-2 |archive-date=2009-12-19 }} The campaign received support from Paul McCartney, who had appeared on The X Factor with the finalists,{{cite web|first=Steve |last=Hargrave |date=2009-12-18 |title=Macca Backs Rage Against X Factor No 1 |url=http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Showbiz-News/Sir-Paul-McCartney-Backs-Rage-Against-Machine-For-Xmas-Number-One-Against-X-Factors-Joe-McElderry/Article/200912315503407 |work=Sky News |publisher=British Sky Broadcasting |quote="He's just some kid with a career ahead. I've got nothing against that, but it would be kind of funny if Rage Against The Machine got it because it would prove a point." |access-date=2009-12-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091221060829/http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Showbiz-News/Sir-Paul-McCartney-Backs-Rage-Against-Machine-For-Xmas-Number-One-Against-X-Factors-Joe-McElderry/Article/200912315503407 |archive-date=2009-12-21 }}{{cite news | date = 2009-12-18 | title = Rage Against the Machine for Christmas No 1: The celebrities wade in | url = https://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/dec/18/rage-against-machine-christmas-no1 | newspaper = The Guardian | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091221062020/http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2009/dec/18/rage-against-machine-christmas-no1 | archive-date = 2009-12-21 | url-status = live | quote = Paul McCartney, Cheryl Cole and Simon Cowell get dragged into the most heated race for Christmas No 1 in years | access-date = 2009-12-18 | first = Rosie | last = Swash | location=London}} and the X Factor contestants Jedward.{{cite web | first = Jonny | last = Greatrex | date = 2009-12-19 | title = X Factor's Jedward support Rage Against The Machine in battle with Joe McElderry to Christmas Number One | url = http://www.sundaymercury.net/news/world-uk-news/2009/12/19/x-factor-twins-jedward-back-rage-against-the-machine-to-beat-joe-mcelderry-to-christmas-number-one-66331-25429956/ | publisher = The Sunday Mercury online | access-date = 2009-12-21}} Critics noted that both The X Factor and Rage Against the Machine are signed to labels that are part of Sony BMG;{{cite news | date = 2009-12-18 | first = Brian | last = Boyd | title = Sony the ultimate winner in rage against the X Factor machine on music | url = https://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/theticket/2009/1218/1224260870308.html | newspaper = The Irish Times | quote = The great irony [...] is that both the gormless Joe McElderry and everyone's favourite alt.metal anarcho-rockers are signed to the same label | access-date = 2009-12-21 | archive-date = 2011-05-15 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110515042132/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/theticket/2009/1218/1224260870308.html | url-status = dead }}{{cite news | date = 2009-12-15 | first = Sam | last = Jones | title = Rage against Cowell fuels battle for Christmas No 1 | url = https://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/dec/15/x-factor-christmas-no-1 | quote = Whoever wins, though, the bosses of Sony Music will doubtless be full of festive cheer as both McElderry and Rage Against the Machine are signed to labels owned by the recording behemoth. | newspaper = The Guardian | access-date = 2009-12-16 | location=London}} Morello dismissed conspiracy claims as ridiculous.{{cite news | title = RATM dismiss Xmas No.1 conspiracy theories | url = http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a192623/ratm-dismiss-xmas-no1-conspiracy-theories.html}}{{cite news | title = Rage Against The Machine: 'Christmas Number One conspiracy theories are ridiculous' | url = https://www.nme.com/news/rage-against-the-machine/49005 | work = New Musical Express}} Kasabian's Tom Meighan and Sergio Pizzorno expressed their happiness at the campaign's success in an NME interview and criticized The X Factor.{{cite AV media | title=Kasabian – 'The X Factor Is Horrible' | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKVbJwyf40Y |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/SKVbJwyf40Y |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live}}{{cbignore}}

Rage Against the Machine attracted controversy when they performed an uncensored rendition of the song on BBC Radio 5 Live in mid-December 2009, despite the hosts asking them to censor the expletives. During the crescendo of their performance, frontman Zack De La Rocha started out only singing "I won't do what you tell me", with a pause where he normally sings "fuck you", but after a few lines, he screamed the lyrics, "Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me" repeatedly. Hosts Nicky Campbell and Shelagh Fogarty apologized afterwards.{{cite news | date = 2009-12-17 | work = BBC News | publisher = BBC Corp. | title = Rage Against The Machine swear on 5 live | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8418158.stm | quote = Well, we were expecting it and asked them not to do it and they did it anyway – so buy Joe's record. | access-date = 2009-12-17}}{{cite web | date = 2009-12-17 | first = Alex | last = Fletcher | title = RATM swear during 5Live performance | url = http://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a191838/ratm-swear-during-5live-performance.html | website = Digital Spy | quote = He also disputed claims that their track reaching number one would benefit Simon Cowell as it is released by Sony Records. | access-date = 2009-12-20}}

On December 20, 2009, BBC Radio 1 revealed that the song had reached the number one spot, selling more than 500,000 copies and being the first download-only single to become the UK Christmas number one.{{cite news | date = 2009-12-20 | title = Rage Against the Machine beat X Factor winner in charts | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8423340.stm | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091221052030/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8423340.stm | archive-date = 2009-12-21 | url-status = live | publisher = BBC | quote = The Los Angeles rock band's hit also set two records: it is the first single to reach the top of the Christmas charts on download sales alone and has achieved the biggest download sales total in a first week ever in the UK charts. | access-date = 2009-12-20}} The following week, Joe McElderry's cover of "The Climb" became the last British UK number one single of the year and the 2000s. "Killing in the Name" dropped to number two, falling 38 places to number 40 the week after,{{cite web | date = January 3, 2010 | title = UK Singles Top 75 | website = αCharts | url = http://acharts.us/uk_singles_top_75/2010/01}}{{cite news | title = Bublé takes smooth path to top of charts | url = https://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2009/1228/1224261302168.html | newspaper = The Irish Times | date = 2009-12-12 | access-date = 2020-04-21 | archive-date = 2012-10-19 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121019201338/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2009/1228/1224261302168.html | url-status = dead }} and dropping out of the top 75 the following week, falling to number 100.{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/Stars|title=UK Singles Chart – chart run|website=OfficialCharts.com|access-date=July 27, 2016}}

The campaign spread to Ireland, where, like the UK, the Christmas number one had been dominated by X Factor finalists for five years. McElderry beat Rage Against the Machine to Christmas number one, with Rage Against the Machine reaching number two.{{cite web|url=http://www.universitytimes.ie/?p=531|title=X Factor prevails in the New Year's charts|access-date=July 27, 2016}} On June 6, 2010, Rage Against the Machine performed at a free concert for 40,000 fans in Finsbury Park.{{cite news | url = https://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/feb/12/rage-against-machine-free-concert-x-factor | location = London | work = The Guardian | first = Sean | last = Michaels | title = Rage Against the Machine announce free London concert | date = 2010-02-12}} On stage, Tracy and Jon Morter were handed a representative cheque in the amount of £162,713.03, representing the proceeds from donations to JustGiving and royalties from sales of the single.{{cite news|date=2010-06-06 |title=Photographs from the free Rage Against The Machine Gig and cheque |url=http://www.tracymorter.com/gallery/music/rage_against_the_machine/ |publisher=Tracy Morter |access-date=2010-06-07 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517031936/http://www.tracymorter.com/gallery/music/rage_against_the_machine/ |archive-date=2013-05-17 }} As a result of the campaign, the song is featured in the 2011 UK edition of the Guinness World Records under the category of 'Fastest-selling digital track (UK)', after recording 502,672 downloads in its first week.{{cite book |last1=Records |first1=Guinness World |url=https://archive.org/details/guinnessworldrec00/page/185 |title=Guinness World Records |publisher=Guinness World Records |year=2011 |isbn=978-1-904994-57-2 |page=[https://archive.org/details/guinnessworldrec00/page/192 187]}}

The video, produced and directed by Peter Gideon, a guitar student of Tom Morello who had a video camera, was filmed during two shows in small Los Angeles venues, the Whisky a Go Go and the Club With No Name. Released in December 1992, the uncensored version of the video clip was shown on European MTV but was banned on American MTV because of the explicit lyrics. As a result, the video's existence was in doubt{{clarify|date=January 2025}} until its release on Rage Against the Machine: The Video.

In 2021, in a collaboration with the arts collective the Ummah Chroma, Rage Against the Machine released a 15-minute short documentary video about the making of "Killing in the Name."{{cite magazine | url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/rage-against-the-machine-killing-of-the-name-doc-1115666/ | title=Rage Against the Machine Detail History Behind 'Killing in the Name' in Mini-Doc | magazine=Rolling Stone | date=16 January 2021 }} The video features anti-racist activist Tim Wise and contains footage of an interview with Zach de la Rocha, who says that capitalist society "should not stand. It should be challenged and questioned and overthrown."{{cite AV media | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lnTvwdoQFw | title=Rage Against the Machine x the Ummah Chroma – Killing in Thy Name - YouTube | website=YouTube }}

In July 2009, "Killing in the Name" was voted at number two in the Hottest 100 of all time countdown poll, conducted by Australian radio station, Triple J. More than half a million votes were cast. The song was also voted at number 17 in the 1998 edition of Hottest 100 of All Time and was voted number 6 on the Hottest 100 list in 1993.

In 2007, "Killing in the Name" earned a spot on Guitar World{{'}}s list of the "100 Greatest Guitar Solos" at number 89.{{cite web | date = 2008-10-30 | title = 100 Greatest Guitar Solos: 51–100 | url = https://www.guitarworld.com/article/100_greatest_guitar_solos_51100?page=0%2C3 | work = Guitar World | access-date = 2010-01-12 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090807054708/http://www.guitarworld.com/article/100_greatest_guitar_solos_51100?page=0%2C3 | archive-date = 2009-08-07 | url-status = dead }}{{cite web | date = 2007-07-19 | first = Dan | last = Cross | title = 100 Greatest Guitar Solos Part 9: Guitar Solos Number 81 – 90 | url = http://guitar.about.com/library/bl100greatesth.htm | work = Guitar World | publisher = About.com | access-date = 2009-12-17 | archive-date = 2011-10-07 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111007134152/http://guitar.about.com/library/bl100greatesth.htm | url-status = dead }}

In 2002, Rolling Stone magazine listed "Killing in the Name" as the 24th in its 100 Greatest Guitar Songs of All Time and as the 207th in its "Top 500 Greatest Songs of All Time".{{cite magazine | date = 2002-12-16 | first = Austin | last = Scaggs | title = The 100 Greatest Guitar Songs of All Time | url = https://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/20947527/page/12 | magazine = Rolling Stone| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100309054222/http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/20947527/page/12 | archive-date = 2010-03-09 | url-status = dead | access-date = 2009-12-17}}{{Cite magazine |date=2021-09-15 |title=The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-songs-of-all-time-1224767/ |access-date=2022-07-19 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}} In March 2023, they ranked "Killing in the Name" at number 38 on their "100 Greatest Heavy Metal Songs of All Time" list.{{Cite magazine |date=2023-03-13 |title=The 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Songs of All Time |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/100-greatest-heavy-metal-songs-1234688425/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313191405/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/100-greatest-heavy-metal-songs-1234688425/ |archive-date=2023-03-13 |access-date=2023-03-13 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}

In 2010, the New Statesman listed it as number 12 on their list of the "Top 20 Political Songs" as voted for by the Political Studies Association.{{cite web | date = 2010-03-25 | first = Ian K | last = Smith | title = Top 20 Political Songs: Killing in the Name | url = http://www.newstatesman.com/music/2010/03/rage-machine-killing-name | work = New Statesman | access-date = 2010-03-25}}[http://www.newstatesman.com/music/2010/03/top-20-political-songs List of Top 20 Political songs]

In 2010, 2011, and 2012, The Rock radio station in New Zealand held the Rock 1,000 countdown which counts down the top 1,000 rock songs of all time, as voted by the public; in 2010 and 2011, the song was in the top five, while in 2012, the song was number seven. In 2011 and 2012, "Killing in the Name" was played uncensored, with a preceding message from the prime minister, John Key, approving the playing of the uncensored version of the song due to the large number of complaints received by MediaWorks New Zealand regarding the 2010 countdown not giving any warning that the song was uncensored.{{cite web |date=2019-06-05 |last=Crawford |first=Johnny |title=Shilling in the name of: John Key and how the right co-opts leftwing music |url=https://thespinoff.co.nz/music/05-06-2019/shilling-in-the-name-of-john-key-and-how-the-right-co-opts-leftwing-music/ |website=The Spinoff |access-date=31 May 2020 }} In 2017, "Killing in the Name" made it to number 1 in the Rock 1500 and was presented by long serving broadcaster, Roger Farrelly.{{cite web |date=2018-08-06 |title=The Rock 1,500 |url=https://www.therock.net.nz/home/music/the-rock-1500/the-rock-1500-2017.html |website=The Rock FM |access-date=2021-01-01 }} In 2021, "Killing in the Name" made it to number 1 in The Rock 2,000.{{Cite web|url=https://www.therock.net.nz/home/music/the-rock-2000.html#expand|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210929043448/https://www.therock.net.nz/home/music/the-rock-2000.html#expand|archive-date = 2021-09-29|title = The Rock 2000}}

In 2021, the UK Official Charts Company announced that "Killing in the Name" had been named as the 'UK's Favourite Christmas Number 1 of All Time'{{Cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/rage-against-the-machines-killing-in-the-name-has-been-crowned-the-uks-favourite-christmas-number-1-of-all-time__34725/|title = UK's favourite Christmas No. 1 of all time revealed|website = OfficialCharts.com}} in a poll commissioned to celebrate the 70th Official Christmas Number 1 race (and as a tie-in with the book The Official Christmas No. 1 Singles Book by Michael Mulligan).Official Charts Company/Nine Eight Books {{ISBN|9781788705851}}{{Cite web|url=https://superdeluxeedition.com/interview/the-british-obsession-with-the-christmas-number-one-single/|title = The British obsession with the Christmas number one single – SuperDeluxeEdition| date=12 December 2021 }}

File:Rage Against The Machine burns the American flag onstage (1999).jpg burning the American flag onstage while playing "Killing in the Name" during Woodstock 1999.]]

The song was performed as an extended instrumental at their first public performance at Cal State Northridge, on October 23, 1991.{{Cite web |last1=Relations |first1=University |last2=University |first2=Advancement © California State |last3=Street |first3=Northridge 18111 Nordhoff |last4=Northridge |last5=Us |first5=CA 91330 Phone:677-1200 / Contact |date=2020-08-18 |title=How Rage Against the Machine Created 'Killing in the Name' |url=https://www.csun.edu/node/342686 |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=California State University, Northridge |language=en}} Bassist Tim Commerford is known to chant the backing vocals of "now you do what they told ya" of the chorus during most live performances.{{Cite magazine |last=Hiatt |first=Brian |date=2020-08-17 |title=How Rage Against the Machine Created 'Killing in the Name' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/rage-killing-in-the-name-song-tom-morello-1042814/ |access-date=2024-10-12 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}

Zack de la Rocha sometimes changed the lyrics in the second verse from "Some of those that work forces are the same that burn crosses" to "Some of those that burn crosses are the same that hold office" when playing live.{{cite web | url = http://above-thefold.com/blog/2008/09/02/rage-against-machine-plays-inpromptu-show-at-rnc-event-exclusive-video/ | title = Acapella performance Live from the Republican National Convention (RNC) | date = 2009-08-02 | work = Above-TheFold.com | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101107073737/http://above-thefold.com/blog/2008/09/02/rage-against-machine-plays-inpromptu-show-at-rnc-event-exclusive-video/ | archive-date = 2010-11-07 }}

As part of supergroup Audioslave, guitarist Tom Morello incorporated instrumentals from Rage Against the Machine including versions of "Killing in the Name" into their performances.{{cite web | date = 2005-04-18 | first = Chris | last = Harris | title = Audioslave Performing Rage, Soundgarden Material At Shows. 'Black Hole Sun,' 'Killing in the Name' among songs played recently. | website = MTV | url = http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1500315/20050418/audioslave.jhtml | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20050420041646/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1500315/20050418/audioslave.jhtml | url-status = dead | archive-date = April 20, 2005 | access-date = 2009-12-21}}

Rage Against the Machine performed the song live in 1999 at the Woodstock '99 festival, burning the American flag during the song. In this performance, de la Rocha changed the lyrics to "Some of those that work forces are the same that burn churches".{{cite web | url = http://www.woodstock.com/music-video/31105/rage-against-the-machine-killing-in-the-name-live-woodstock-99-/ | title = Rage Against The Machine – Killing in the Name (live Woodstock '99) | access-date = 2010-07-16 }}{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

{{Track listing

| title1 = Killing in the Name

| length1 = 5:13

| title2 = Darkness of Greed

| length2 = 3:40

| title3 = Clear the Lane

| length3 = 3:47

| total_length = 12:40

}}

"Darkness of Greed" and "Clear the Lane" were re-mastered versions of the respective demo tracks. Another version of "Darkness of Greed", titled merely "Darkness", was included on the 1994 soundtrack album for The Crow. The previously unreleased demo appeared on the XX 20th Anniversary Edition of their debut album, which was released on November 27, 2012.{{cite magazine | date = November 16, 2012 | first = Damian | last = Fanelli | title = Exclusive: Rage Against the Machine — "Killing In the Name" Demo | url = https://www.guitarworld.com/exclusive-rage-against-machine-killing-name-demo | magazine = Guitar World | access-date = January 28, 2013}}

{{Anchor|Credits}}

• Zack de la Rocha – lead vocals
• Tom Morello – guitar
• Tim Commerford – bass guitar, backing vocals
• Brad Wilk – drums

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

{{col-2}}

{{col-end}}

{{Certification Table Top}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|type=single|award=Platinum|relyear=1992|certyear=1993|certref=|access-date=September 4, 2020}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|type=single|artist=Rage Against the Machine|title=Killing in the Name|award=Gold|id=10247|relyear=1992|certyear=2021|access-date=May 18, 2021}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Germany|artist=Rage Against the Machine|title=Killing in the Name|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=1992|certyear=2023|access-date=February 22, 2023}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Italy|type=single|artist=Rage Against the Machine|title=Killing in the Name|award=Platinum|relyear=1992|certyear=2021|id=9562|access-date=December 27, 2021}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|type=single|artist=Rage Against the Machine|title=Killing in the Name Of|award=Platinum|number=5|relyear=1992|certyear=2024|source=radioscope|access-date=December 26, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Spain|type=single|award=Platinum|certyear=2024|artist=Rage Against the Machine|title=Killing in the Name|access-date=August 6, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=single|artist=Rage Against the Machine|title=Killing in the Name|award=Platinum|number=2|relyear=1992|certyear=2020|id=9575-893-1|access-date=September 4, 2020}}

{{Certification Table Bottom|streaming=true | nosales=true}}

File:Pochoir Killing in the Name.JPG

During one of his last performances before he died, American comedian Bill Hicks ended a set by smashing his microphone against a stool while singing along to "Killing in the Name" playing over the loudspeakers.{{cite book | title = Love All the People: Letters, Lyrics, Routines | first = Bill | last = Hicks | author-link = Bill Hicks | year = 2004 | isbn = 1-84119-878-1 | id = (UK edition), (US edition) | page = xxvi | others = Foreword, Lahr | publisher = Constable & Robinson | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=aZAbAQAAIAAJ}}

As part of the US War on Terror, the song was used by military interrogators at the Guantanamo Bay detention camp. Music was played at painfully high volume levels for hours on end, as a form of psychological torture. "The fact that music I helped create was used in crimes against humanity sickens me," noted Morello.{{cite news | url = https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/21/music-stars-demand-record_n_329476.html | work = Huffington Post | first = Sam | last = Stein | title = Music Stars Demand Records On Bush Administration's Use Of Music For Torture | date = 2009-10-22 }}{{cite news | date = 2009-10-23 | first = Tim | last = Reid | title = Musicians demand end to music torture on Guantánamo detainees | url = http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article6886302.ece | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110510023113/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article6886302.ece | url-status = dead | archive-date = May 10, 2011 | newspaper = The Times | publisher = News Corporation | quote = Tom Morello, guitarist with the band Rage Against the Machine — whose song Killing in the Name of was also used – said: "The fact that music I helped create was used as a tactic against humanity sickens me." | access-date = 2010-01-19 | location = London}}{{cite news | date = 2008-06-19 | author = Clive Stafford Smith | title = How US interrogators use music as a tool of torture. Welcome to 'the disco' | url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/jun/19/usa.guantanamo | newspaper = The Guardian | quote = while the song choices may sometimes verge on the unintentionally funny, this appropriation of music by the military is anything but a joke | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080622172243/http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/jun/19/usa.guantanamo | archive-date = 2008-06-22 | access-date = 2010-01-19 | location = London}}

During the 2019–20 Chilean protests, the song was covered with some of the lyrics modified alluding to the Chilean police force's misuse of violence in repressing peaceful protestors.{{Cite web|url=https://www.futuro.cl/2019/12/version-chilena-de-killing-in-the-name-de-rage-against-the-machine-se-vuelve-viral/|title=Versión chilena de "Killing in the Name" de Rage Against The Machine se vuelve viral|date=December 27, 2019}}

On June 29, 2022, a Vancouver radio station, CKKS-FM (branded on-air as KISS Radio), stunted by repeatedly played "Killing In The Name" for 30 hours.{{cite web|url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/230629/kiss-radio-vancouver-stunting-ahead-of-format-change/|title=Rogers Launches Sonic Radio Vancouver|first=Lance|last=Venta|work=RadioInsight|date=June 30, 2022|access-date=June 30, 2022}} The song was repeatedly played on loop after the station dropped its hot adult contemporary format, resulting in the firing of its airstaff. The station occasionally paused the loop to take call-in requests, only to continue playing the song.{{Cite magazine|url= https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/vancouver-kiss-fm-rage-against-the-machine-protest-layoffs-1376288/ |title= After DJ Layoffs, a Radio Station Has Been Playing Rage Against the Machine Over and Over and Over|magazine= Rolling Stone|date=June 29, 2022}} At 6:00 AM PDT on June 30, 2022, the station rebranded to "Sonic", which plays a modern rock format.{{cite web|url=https://broadcastdialogue.com/rogers-expands-sonic-radio-to-vancouver-and-the-fraser-valley/|title=Rogers expands SONiC RADiO to Vancouver and the Fraser Valley|first=Connie|last=Thiessen|work=Broadcast Dialogue|date=June 30, 2022|access-date=June 30, 2022}}

{{Cleanup|section|reason=versions may not meet WP:SONGCOVER.|date=July 2018}}

• In July 2007, a remix of the song by SebastiAn (miscredited as a Mr. Oizo remix) was Zane Lowe's "Hottest Record in the World" on his show on BBC Radio 1.{{cite web | date = 2007-07-19 | first = Zane | last = Lowe | title = BBC – Radio 1 – Zane Lowe – Tracklisting | url = http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/zanelowe/tracklistingarchive.shtml?20070719 | work = BBC Radio 1 | publisher = BBC | access-date = 2009-12-17}}
• In June 2007, funk band The Apples from Tel Aviv, Israel, released a cover on a 7" vinyl on Freestyle Records.[http://www.discogs.com/Apples-Killing/release/1024298 The Apples – Killing (7", Single, Promo)] at Discogs.{{cite web | date = 2007-11-21 | title = The Apples – Killing | url = http://fleamarketfunk.com/2007/11/21/the-apples-killing/ | access-date = 2009-12-21}}{{cite web | year = 2009 | title = The Apples – WOMAD Festival | url = http://womad.org/artists/the-apples/ | access-date = 2009-12-21 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://archive.today/20130416054439/http://womad.org/artists/the-apples/ | archive-date = 2013-04-16 }}{{cite news | date = 2007-11-14 | first = Paul | last = Lester | title = New band of the day. No 226: The Apples | url = https://www.theguardian.com/music/2007/nov/14/popandrock3 | work = The Guardian | access-date = 2009-12-21 | location=London}}
• On 22 August 2008, Scottish alt-rock band Biffy Clyro performed a re-worked acoustic cover version of "Killing in the Name" on Jo Whiley's show at The Reading Festival on BBC Radio 1.{{cite web | date = 2006-09-15 | author = | title = Biffy Clyro perform a cover of RATM's Killing In The Name Of at Reading 2008 | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/introducing/artists/biffyclyro/killing.shtml | quote = Scottish rockers surprise the audience at Reading's Introducing stage with an impromptu set, including a Rage Against The Machine cover. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100115213551/https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/introducing/artists/biffyclyro/killing.shtml |archive-date=2010-01-15 | access-date = 2024-01-01 }}{{cite web |date=22 August 2008 |author=Julian Marshall |title=Reading/Leeds Festivals under way |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/music/newsid_7576000/7576971.stm |website=BBC Newsbeat |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080825075437/http://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/music/newsid_7576000/7576971.stm |archive-date=2008-08-25 |quote=low-key acoustic set from Biffy Clyro |url-status=dead | access-date = 2024-01-01 }} The band agreed that, for this live broadcast, they would not use expletives and sung just the melody in place of "Fuck you" in the song. The crowd were bound by no such agreement and began an impromptu mass sing along with "Fuck you" in place, audible by the recording equipment. As this broadcast was going out live at lunchtime, Jo Whiley was required to apologize on air after the performance.{{cite interview |date=2 April 2011 |last1=Hendry |first1=Steve |title=Jo Whiley: I might be on the radio, but to my kids I'm just their mum |url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/entertainment/tv-radio/jo-whiley-i-might-be-on-the-radio-but-to-my-kids-1099290 |website=Daily Record |quote=We had to come out halfway to save causing offence. That's one of my fondest, funniest memories. }}
• French band La Maison Tellier released a country-folk version of "Killing in the Name" in their first album (2006).{{cite web | last = Darcy | first = Benoit | title = La reprise du jeudi: Killing in the Name | url = http://musicspot.cnetfrance.fr/actualites/artistes/la-reprise-du-jeudi-killing-in-the-name-10000362.htm | work = Musicspot | access-date = 9 February 2011 | date = 2008-05-15 }}{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
• In 2008, Icelandic electronica group FM Belfast released a single called "Lotus", a minimal electro cover version of "Killing in the Name".{{cite web |url=http://www.discogs.com/release/1388891|title=Fm Belfast - Killing In The Name Of (Lotus)|website=Discogs|date=July 2008 |access-date=July 27, 2016}}
• Slovak DJ and producer L-Plus released a drum and bass remix of "Killing in the Name" in 2008.{{cite web |url=http://www.discogs.com/L-Plus-vs-Rage-Against-The-Machine-Killing-In-The-Name-Of/release/1533181|title=L Plus vs. Rage Against The Machine - Killing In The Name Of|website=Discogs|date=November 2008 |access-date=July 27, 2016}}
• Australian rock group FourPlay String Quartet recorded a version of the song for their 2009 album Fourthcoming.{{cite web | author = Adam D Mills | title = FourPlay String Quartet – Fourthcoming in Releases | work = Mess + Noise | url = http://m.messandnoise.com/releases/2000376 | access-date = 2009-12-30 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110511201944/http://m.messandnoise.com/releases/2000376 | archive-date = 2011-05-11 | url-status = dead }}
• On July 4, 2010, American jam band Phish covered the song after introducing Rage Against the Machine as "one of the only other bands, other than Phish, that won't bullshit you."{{cite web|url=http://www.glidemagazine.com/hiddentrack/cover-wars-killing-in-the-name-edition/|title=Cover Wars Revisited: Killing In The Name - Glide Magazine|date=7 July 2010|access-date=July 27, 2016}}{{Cite web

| url = http://www.jambands.com/news/2010/07/05/phish-celebrates-independence-day-with-harpua | title = Phish Celebrates Independence Day with "Harpua"

| date = 5 July 2010

| publisher = Jambands

}}

• New York-based band Emmure covered the song at the Hoodwink Festival along with "Bulls on Parade".{{cite web | title = Emmure Perform Live Set Of Rage Against The Machine Covers, Footage Available | url = http://www.theprp.com/2010/05/01/news/emmure-perform-live-set-of-rage-against-the-machine-covers-footage-available/ | work = PRP | date = May 2010 | publisher = Wookubu | access-date = 4 May 2011}}
• Zac Brown Band has covered the song on several occasions during their live performances.{{cite web | title = My Backstage Arepa with Zac Brown| first = Joanna | last = Prisco | date = July 19, 2010 | url = http://www.parade.com/food/blue-plate/2010/07/19-My-Backstage-Arepa-with-Zac-Brown.html }}
• Richard Cheese recorded a version the song in the style of lounge music for his 2011 album A Lounge Supreme.
• Bonded by Blood covered the song in their 2012 album The Aftermath.
• Lauren Mayberry recorded a cover version of the song along with her band, Blue Sky Archives.{{cite magazine | url=https://consequence.net/2013/05/listen-to-chvrches-lauren-mayberry-cover-of-rage-against-the-machines-killing-in-the-name/ | title=Listen to Chvrches' Lauren Mayberry cover Rage Against the Machine's "Killing in the Name" | magazine=Consequence of Sound | date=23 May 2013 | access-date=23 April 2014 | author=Coplan, Chris}}
• Limp Bizkit covered the song live at Download Festival 2013 and Reading and Leeds Festival 2015.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.kerrang.com/blog/2013/06/limp_bizkit_cover_rage_against.html |magazine=Kerrang! |access-date=August 18, 2013 |title=Kerrang! Limp Bizkit cover Rage Against The Machine's Killing In The Name Of during Download 2nd headline set |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930103343/http://www.kerrang.com/blog/2013/06/limp_bizkit_cover_rage_against.html |archive-date=September 30, 2013 }}
• Prophets of Rage, an American rap rock supergroup, formed in 2016 and including several former members of RATM, recorded a live rendition of "Killing in the Name" in 2016.{{Citation|title=Killing In The Name - Live|date=2016-08-19 |url=https://open.spotify.com/track/0lzTJvSd7QOBahiUqqiYsX |access-date=2017-09-12}}
• Cassetteboy parodied the song with the cut-up song "Rage Against the Party Machine", using spliced excerpts from Boris Johnson's speeches, satirizing the Partygate scandal in the United Kingdom, where Johnson, other Conservative Party members, and government staff had had multiple gatherings in violation of lockdown rules in the United Kingdom during the COVID-19 Pandemic.{{Cite web |last=Skinner |first=Tom |date=2022-01-18 |title=Cassetteboy take aim at Boris Johnson in 'Rage Against The Party Machine' skit |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/cassetteboy-take-aim-at-boris-johnson-in-rage-against-the-party-machine-skit-3140222 |access-date=2024-05-13 |website=NME |language=en-GB}}
• Starbomb parodied the song, titling it "Filling in the Name Of". The song is about "a long Tetris piece who begins to lament his place in life after being used constantly to finish Tetris puzzles". It was released on the group's third and final album The Tryforce in 2019.{{cite web |url=https://themaneater.com/starbomb-drops-third-possibly-final-studio-album/ |title=Starbomb drops third, possibly final studio album |date=24 April 2019 |access-date=September 10, 2021 |via=The Maneater |quote=The new tracks on the album continue the group's pattern of parodying famous video games. One of these includes "Filling in the Name Of," a "Killing in the Name" parody about a long Tetris piece who begins to lament his place in life after being used constantly to finish Tetris puzzles.}}
• Machine Gun Kelly and Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker covered this song in 2020 as part of a protest movement preceded by the murder of George Floyd by a local US police.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/machine-gun-kelly-and-travis-barker-cover-of-rage-against-the-machines-killing-in-the-name-2681942|title=Machine Gun Kelly and Travis Barker cover Rage Against The Machine's 'Killing In The Name' for Black Lives Matter|first=Tom|last=Skinner|website=NME.com|date=2020-06-04|access-date=2022-06-23}}{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBTQFByJWiE |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/vBTQFByJWiE |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|website=YouTube |access-date=August 4, 2020 |title=Machine Gun Kelly - Killing in the Name (Rage Against the Machine cover) |date=June 4, 2020}}{{cbignore}}
• Dutch producer {{ill|Sefa (musician)|lt=Sefa|nl|Sefa|vertical-align=sup}} made a Frenchcore version of the song in his 2022 album Klaagzang.{{cite AV media | url=https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kZd5jat229qeIRvzC_Y9zC302Mfo4_-hE | title=Klaagzang }}

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category|Rage Against the Machine}}

• {{YouTube|bWXazVhlyxQ|"Killing In The Name" Official music video}}
• {{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p23206}}

{{Rage Against the Machine}}

{{UK Christmas No. 1s in the 2000s}}

{{UK Christmas No. 1 single downloads in the 2000s}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Rage Against the Machine songs

Category:1992 debut singles

Category:1992 songs

Category:Christmas number-one singles in the United Kingdom

Category:Songs about police officers

Category:Songs about police brutality

Category:Anarchist songs

Category:Criticism of police brutality

Category:Epic Records singles

Category:Protest songs

Category:Songs against capitalism

Category:Songs about racism and xenophobia

Category:UK singles chart number-one singles

Category:Song recordings produced by Garth Richardson

Category:Songs written by Tom Morello

Category:Songs written by Brad Wilk

Category:Songs written by Tim Commerford

Category:Songs written by Zack de la Rocha

Category:Obscenity controversies in music

Category:Music controversies