A New Protest Anthem from Massive Attack and Tom Waits
The opening notes of “Boots on the Ground” are unmistakable. It begins with the sound of laboured breath, followed by an ominous clattering that echoes like the ticking of a grandfather clock. The track is accompanied by stark, moody piano notes, creating an atmosphere that feels both haunting and urgent. This is the first new music from Massive Attack in over a decade, and it’s already being hailed as one of the most powerful protest songs in recent years.
The collaboration with Tom Waits, known for his gravelly voice and deep, often politically charged lyrics, brings a unique intensity to the song. Waits, who has returned to music after more than a decade since his 2011 album Bad as Me, delivers his lines with his signature growl. His lyrics question the actions of those in power, including: “Now who the hell are these federal pricks? / Hiding in the senate like a bloated ass tick / Air conditioned f***stick loafers / Sittin in a room full of army posters.”
He continues with lines that challenge the motives behind war and political decisions: “A coal to a diamond, a vote into law / They campaign up all the blood they can draw / Mould your world, a soldier’s just clay / How much does every soldier way? Cut you off at the ankles and they throw that away.”
A Voice of Resilience
Waits, now 76, has long been a voice of resistance, with a career filled with politically charged songs. In 2004, he released “Day After Tomorrow,” widely seen as his first explicitly political song, which critics interpreted as a critique of the Iraq War. Later, in 2006, he released “Road to Peace,” a blues number addressing the Israel-Palestine conflict and his disapproval of U.S. arms sales to Israel.
His involvement in “Boots on the Ground” adds a layer of resilience and experience to the track. The song’s themes of injustice and chaos feel especially relevant in today’s climate, where global tensions continue to rise. With figures like Donald Trump still exerting influence, the song’s message of questioning authority and standing up for what is right resonates strongly.
A Legacy of Activism
Massive Attack, the trip-hop collective formed in Bristol in 1988, has always been more than just a musical group. Their activism is well-documented, and their latest project is no different. Robert Del Naja, a member of the band, was recently arrested during a protest against the ban on Palestine Action in central London. In a statement, he reflected on the experience, saying that “a few hours in police custody under unlawful arrest is a very small price to pay.”
He added, “Our democracy, and the civil rights and liberties that now sit in constitutional law were literally built on small actions like these. Perhaps that’s why this draconian government wants to crush them?”
This kind of activism aligns with the message of “Boots on the Ground,” reinforcing the idea that art and politics are deeply intertwined.
A Unique Release
“Boots on the Ground” is not just a song—it’s a statement. It is being released on vinyl with an exclusive B-side provided by Waits, a sardonic spoken-word piece titled “The Fly.” This release also marks the first time Massive Attack has released music under Spotify’s exemption policy, following their decision to remove their entire catalogue from the platform in protest against CEO Daniel Ek’s investment in AI military technology company Helsing.
In addition to the track and video, Massive Attack have published a spoken-word reflection from novelist Omar El Akkad, author of American War and What Strange Paradise, as well as the non-fiction work One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This.
A Call to Action
In a statement, Massive Attack said, “It’s a career honour to collaborate with an artist of the magnitude, originality and integrity of Tom, but this track is arriving in an atmosphere of chaos. Across the western hemisphere, state authoritarianism and the militarisation of police forces are fusing again with neo-fascist politics.”
They added, “Seen within the American emergency, at home and overseas, this track contains pulses of callous impulse and abandoned mind.”
“Boots on the Ground” is now available, and Massive Attack are set to tour from 27 May 2026. For fans and activists alike, this track is more than just music—it’s a powerful reminder of the role art can play in shaping public discourse and inspiring change.
