If you look really closely, you can almost see a new Bad Religion album on the horizon.
Following the release of "The Kids Are Alt-Right" back in June, Bad Religion just dropped yet another single, "The Profane Rights of Man." Like its predecessor, the song is influenced by the United States' current political climate and contains hard-charging lyrics and gnarly punk riffs.
“And so it turns, the bourgeoisie/ The bastard child of democracy/ Morphs into aristocracy.”
The song appears to be based on the 1789 document, 'The Universal Rights of Man,' which details the individual and collective human rights for the French at the time of the French Revolution, a pivotal moment not only for France, but for the world. (A history lesson: the Revolution's influence on France was hugely profound as it re-shaped politics, society, religion, ideas, and polarized politics for more than a century.)
Frontman Greg Gaffin said "The Profane Rights of Man" embodies “Bad Religion’s belief in a secular basis for the protection of human rights for all people." He added:
"Since we’re a band that has a longstanding tradition of championing the enlightenment, we wanted to emphasize that this document establishes that our society is based on a profane rather than a sacred theological justification for human rights.”
Basically, the song is addressing the current state of human rights in the United States and the privileges of the upper class.
Take a listen:
Bad Religion have never kept their political views a secret; take 1981's "Politics," for example:
"Economy, technology, does it really work? The guy running the government's another jerk/ Try to teach some values and they all erode away/ You're lucky if they listen to a single word you say."
I'd say that's pretty straightforward!
The band is currently in the studio cooking up some new tunes, so keep an eye out on their website for news.
They recently wrapped up their 30 Years of Suffer 1988/2018 anniversary tour, where they live debuted "The Kids Are Alt-Right." As of now, they have just one show scheduled for the fall at Huntington State Beach in California on Sunday, October 28th.
