“Bulls on Parade” is a song by American rock band Rage Against the Machine**, released in 1996 as the lead single from their second album, *Evil Empire*. Driven by Tom Morello’s heavily distorted, scratching guitar riff — achieved by flipping the pickup selector while rubbing the strings — and Zack de la Rocha’s furious vocals, the song is a blistering critique of American militarism and the military-industrial complex.
The lyrics and title reference the phrase “bulls in a china shop” — but instead of clumsiness, the “bulls” are armed forces trampling through foreign territories. The song became an anthem for anti-war protesters and one of the band’s most enduring tracks.
Why It Matters
“Bulls on Parade” captures a specific moment in 1990s alternative culture when rock music still served as mainstream political commentary. The song’s music video, directed by the band’s frequent collaborator Richard Henrickson, features surreal imagery of consumerism and warfare.
More than 25 years later, the song remains relevant — streamed millions of times monthly and regularly revived during periods of military conflict. Its opening riff is instantly recognizable and remains a staple of guitar tutorials.
Examples
- Woodstock ’99: The band performed the song to a massive, chaotic crowd.
- “Mistakes and regrets”: The song’s working title before the band settled on “Bulls on Parade.”
- Coachella 2007: The band’s reunion performance brought the song back to a new generation.
Related Terms
- Rage Against the Machine, Tom Morello, Zack de la Rocha
- Rap metal, political rock
- Military-industrial complex, protest music