The Revolution Starts Now

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some righteous vibes as we spin "The Revolution Starts Now" by Steve Earle from his 2004 album of the same name! This track is a fiery call to action, packed with gritty guitars and Earle’s unapologetic political passion. One juicy tidbit: Earle wrote and recorded most of the album, including this song, in a whirlwind of urgency in spring 2004, aiming to drop it before the U.S. presidential election. He wanted to shake things up, and boy, did he! The song’s lyrics, like “I was walkin’ down the street / In the town where I was born,” hit you with that raw, revolutionary energy, urging listeners to rise up and tear down walls of fear. It’s no wonder this tune snagged Earle a Grammy for Best Contemporary Folk Album in 2005.

Another cool story comes from the recording process itself. Earle and his band, The Dukes, were in a pressure cooker, cutting tracks in 12- to 14-hour sessions while debating war, politics, and even baseball between takes. The title track’s got this killer groove, blending Crazy Horse-style guitars with a neo-psychedelic swirl, as noted by music critic Darryl Sterdan. Fun fact: the song’s been covered by heavyweights like Ann Wilson of Heart, who dropped her version in 2020 with artwork by Shepard Fairey, the guy behind Obama’s iconic “Hope” poster. Wilson said the song’s message of thinking higher amidst division felt urgent, especially before the 2020 election.

Now, let’s rewind to how Steve Earle got his start. Born in Virginia in 1955 and raised in Texas, Earle was a rebel with a guitar from a young age. By 14, he was already playing coffeehouses in Houston, soaking up the folk and country sounds of his youth. He dropped out of high school and moved to Nashville in the mid-1970s, where he hustled as a songwriter and bassist for folks like Guy Clark. His big break came with his 1986 debut album, Guitar Town, which blended hard country with rock ‘n’ roll attitude, earning him a rep as a “hillbilly highway” pioneer. Despite personal struggles, including addiction and a stint in prison, Earle’s raw honesty and rootsy sound made him a cult hero in alt-country and Americana.

Earle’s still out there, rabble-rousing and making music that speaks truth to power. You can keep up with him on his official website, where he shares tour dates and news. He’s also active on Facebook, Instagram, and X, dropping updates and occasional political zingers. For the Zoo Freaks who can’t get enough, check out the fan-run Original Unofficial Steve Earle Site for lyrics, discographies, and more. There’s also a vibrant Steve Earle Fans Facebook group, where folks share concert stories and trade vinyl finds. So, crank up “The Revolution Starts Now” and let’s keep the freak flag flying!