Having not grown up in a political family , McIlrath says that he was never particularly involved until he began playing punk rock . After entering the music scene , though , he began to feel a strong connection towards his convictions , specifically animal and human rights . While Rise Against 's most popular songs are not political , songs such as " Swing Life Away " and " Make It Stop " have risen to prominence as McIlrath seeks to speak to a generation that he believes is lacking conviction towards their world , as explained throughout the storytelling narrative of the band 's albums . The band has begun to seek after more politically and socially challenging lyrics as time progresses , responding to current events such as the song " Help Is On The Way " and its use of support for victims of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami
2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami
2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami
Tim McIlrath