Last week, Twisted Sister front man Dee Snider released an acoustic version of one of my all time favorite songs: We’re Not Gonna Take It. This acoustic version was released to compliment Snider’s work with D.C. lawmakers to update outdated laws governing music. The song was originally released on the 1984 album titled Stay Hungry (along with a slew of other great tunes). It has come back into the mainstream as of late when Donald Trump decided to use it as part of his campaign rhetoric (which Snider has subsequently asked him to stop doing).
I’m a big fan of acoustic music as it really lets you hear the lyrics and get to the soul of the song. The album version of We’re Not Gonna Take It is an up tempo rock anthem and while I’ve heard it a zillion times I don’t know that I’ve ever really sat down and digested the lyrics. This acoustic version allowed me to do that and I’ve gotta say they’re pretty powerful.
We’re Not Gonna Take It – Twisted Sister
Oh we’re not gonna take it
No, we ain’t gonna take it
Oh we’re not gonna take it anymore
We’ve got the right to choose it
There ain’t no way we’ll lost it
This is our life, this is our song
We’ll fight the powers that be just
Don’t pick our destiny ’cause
You don’t know us, you don’t belong
Oh we’re not gonna take it
No, we ain’t gonna take it
Oh we’re not gonna take it anymore
Oh you’re so condescending
Your gall is never ending
We don’t want nothin’, not a thing from you
Your life is trite and jaded
Boring and confiscated
If that’s your best, your best won’t do
Oh Oh
We’re right (yeah)
We’re free (yeah)
We’ll fight (yeah)
You’ll see (yeah)
Oh we’re not gonna take it
No, we ain’t gonna take it
Oh we’re not gonna take it anymore
Oh we’re not gonna take it
No, we ain’t gonna take it
Oh we’re not gonna take it anymore
No way
Oh Oh
We’re right (yeah)
We’re free (yeah)
We’ll fight (yeah)
You’ll see (yeah)
Oh we’re not gonna take it
No, we ain’t gonna take it
Oh we’re not gonna take it anymore
Oh we’re not gonna take it
No, we ain’t gonna take it
Oh we’re not gonna take it anymore
Just you try and make us
We’re not gonna take it
Come on!
No, we ain’t gonna take it
You’re all worthless and weak
We’re not gonna take it anymore
Now drop and give me twenty
We’re not gonna take it
Oh pledge pin
No, we ain’t gonna take it
Oh you and your uniform
We’re not gonna take it anymore
