Rise Against - Make It Stop (September's Children)

Rise Against is one of the greatest rock bands to have ever surfaced. Unfortunately, I only recently discovered their music despite the fact that they have been around for years. Their single 'Make It Stop' is what made them known to me.


The song is......beyond words. Not only because it's legendary Rock, but also because it sends an important message: an anti bullying message.

The lyrics used are very strong and very effective. The song's opening sentence gives a prominent visual and audio effect, "bang bang on the coffin nails".

Tim Mcllarth uses these words to encourage the victims of bullying to stand up for themselves and speak what's on their minds. This song was inspired by the number of suicides of bullied homosexual teenagers in America. The bridge of the song features the names of the children who committed suicide in September, starting from Tyler Clementi, who jumped off a bridge when he was only 18. Thus the name of the song "make it stop September's children" was given.

The song is about how some teenagers have to lead a miserable life because of their sexuality and end up committing suicide, "18 years pushed to the ledge", "children shamed for those they chose to kiss", "too much blood has flown from the wrists".

The song then turns to a sort of plea for help, "who will rise to stop the blood?", before it takes a more positive turn and gives a inspirational and courageous accent, "push me and I'll push back", "proud I stand of who I am", "this life chose me, I'm not lost in sin", "I plan to go on living".

The song's overall message is that just because we don't agree with something (homosexuality) doesn't mean we can treat others like dirt, we're no better than dirt if we push people to the point where they want to take their own lives.

Posted in: make it stop,rise against