The Spirit of Rebellion

Although it doesn't capture the eloquence of the original, the lyrics of the 1984 glam rock anthem We're Not Gonna Take It by Twisted Sister capture the spirit of the Declaration of Independence.

At its heart, the Declaration was nothing less than flipping the most powerful monarch in the world the bird.

It might help to think of this cultural reference across the centuries as Thomas Jefferson with makeup, a guitar, and a backup band. Considering the male fashions of the 18th century, that wouldn't be too far off the mark.

You may never think of American history the same way again.

We're Not Gonna Take It (Lyrics)

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 lose 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

{Refrain}

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

We're right, we're free, we'll fight, you'll see

For additional shock value, here's the video. Imagine King George III in the role of the father, and you'll see the parallels.