Rancid

Lyrics

[Intro]
Oi! Oi! Oi!

[Verse 1: Tim Armstrong & Lars Frederiksen]
I figured out the problem, yeah, the problem is you
You didn't see us comin', now there's nothin' you can do
Times are gonna change, change or step aside
It's a point of view that took you by surprise
The sun's comin' up, yeah, the new dawn arrives
New generation standing, stand with anger in their eyes
No love in the city 'cause there's no connection
Been stricken by disease, a racial infection

[Chorus]
I'm a batterin' ram comin' through at you
In every alleyway on every avenue
Oi! Oi! Oi!

[Verse 2: Tim Armstrong & Lars Frederiksen]
Actions could erase all the fear that we suffer
People segregated, no one understands each other
He's a different color, but we're the same kin
I'll treat him like my brother, he'll treat me like his
Well an eye for an eye, yeah, a tooth for a tooth
Brother against brother, should be singin' with the group
The inner cities burnin', yeah, it's screamin' black and blue
The power and the passion of a million youth
[Chorus]
I'm a batterin' ram comin' through at you
In every alleyway on every avenue
Oi! Oi! Oi!

[Interlude]
Oi! Oi! Oi!

[Verse 3: Tim Armstrong & Lars Frederiksen]
I figured out the problem, yeah, the problem is you
You didn't see us comin', now there's nothin' you can do
He's a different color, but we're the same kin
I'll treat him like my brother, he'll treat me like his
All the blood that spills of all the guts that fly
The media paints a picture that stings all our eyes
Pits the dogs against the cats, now who is responsible?
The power in the issue, the force is unstoppable

[Chorus]
I'm a batterin' ram comin' through at you
In every alleyway on every avenue
Oi! Oi! Oi!
Yeah

[Outro]
Oi! Oi! Oi!
I'm a batterin' ram comin' through at you
In every alleyway on every avenue
Oi! Oi! Oi!
I'm a batterin' ram comin' through at you
In every alleyway on every avenue
Oi! Oi! Oi!Embed

Avenues & Alleyways by Rancid is a song that tackles the heavy topic of racism and social division. The band sees themselves as a force for change, using their music as a "battering ram" to help break down these issues.

About Avenues & Alleyways

The lyrics of this song are powerful and poignant, highlighting the struggle that many people face every day due to the color of their skin or their place in society. The title, Avenues & Alleyways, refers to the different paths that people take in life and the different experiences they have along the way. The "avenues" tend to be more mainstream and socially accepted paths, while the "alleyways" are often associated with the less privileged and marginalized members of society.

The song opens with a statement about the "streets and the alleys where the future is denied," setting the tone for the social commentary that will follow. The first verse speaks to the idea that people are often judged by their appearance and social status, rather than their character or abilities:

Everyone's complaining
But they don't wanna do anything about it
Sitting around just waiting
For someone to hand you a free ticket
Wake up and face the facts
There's work to be done
Arenas and theories
They are useless without action

The chorus of the song, with its catchy melody and energetic instrumentation, is a rallying cry for change:

Avenues and alleyways
Are like arms stretched out in a desperate scene
And ragged city rhythms
Take the heartbeat of the scene

The second verse touches on the idea that people have the power to create change, but it requires hard work and perseverance:

Someone says that we ain't got long
But don't hang your head in sorrow
It's only time that ebbs and flows
In tomorrow
There ain't no guarantees
There ain't no alibis
Just scars upon a broken dream
And a tale of what somebody could have been

The song ends on a powerful note, with a call for unity and a rejection of the divisive forces that threaten to tear us apart:

So put away your guns
And remember the sons
Of men who stood strong and true
Oh, what's been left for you?
Oh, what's been left for you?

Throughout the song, the instrumentation is tight and energetic, with driving guitar riffs and a pulsing rhythm section that keeps the beat moving. The vocals are powerful and emotive, delivering the message of the lyrics with conviction and passion.

In the end, Avenues & Alleyways is a song that encourages us to come together and work towards a better future for all. It reminds us that we have the power to create change, but it requires hard work, dedication, and a refusal to be divided by the forces of hate and fear.

• Release Date: August 22, 1995
• Artist: Rancid