We're Not Gonna Take It (Twisted Sister)
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We're Not Gonna Take It is a 1984 hit song by the band Twisted Sister from their album Stay Hungry. It was one of the band's more successful songs, and has been covered by several artists, including A Global Threat. It later gained notability when it was used as the anthem for Arnold Schwarzenegger's successful bid for governor in the 2003 California recall election.
The song was written by vocalist Dee Snider. He cites bands such as the glam rock band Slade, the punk band Sex Pistols, and the Christmas carol, "O Come, All Ye Faithful" as influences to the song.
The song is also notable for its music video which became popular with its unusual emphasis on slapstick comedy of a tyrannical father getting the worst of the band's mischief.
Controversy arose since the depiction of family violence in the music video led to public outcry - long before the term "explicit lyrics" were placed on records, cassettes, and CDs, this led to the formation of the Parental Music Resource Center.
The actor portraying the abusive father (Mark Metcalf) was the same actor in National Lampoon's Animal House (1978) portraying an ROTC drill sergeant.
The actor portraying the teenager (Dax Callner) went on to become a somewhat well-known Industrial Rock artist in Texas, as well as having two of his songs in the dance videogame In The Groove.
It remains popular at sporting events and protests and has even been used in television commercials.
Controversially, this song has been said to be referencing the abortion issue in the United States. Many point to the lyrics, for example, "We've got the right to choose", as discussing a pro-choice stance. This theory has never been confirmed, and many people disregard the idea all together.
This song has also been covered by Bif Naked for the Ready to Rumble soundtrack, as well as by Joan Jett for a 2001 tribute album Twisted Forever - A Tribute To The Legendary Twisted Sister.
The title "We're Not Gonna Take It" is also the title of the last song on The Who's Tommy album, but there is no connection between the two.
This song, along with Ice-T's Cop Killer, had connotations with the PMRC.
External links
Music videos
- [We're Not Gonna Take It] - A Newgrounds music video featuring Nintendo characters.
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