| "Up Patriots to Arms" | |
|---|---|
| Song byFranco Battiato | |
| from the albumPatriots | |
| Released | 1980 |
| Length | 5:03 |
| Songwriters | Franco Battiato,Giusto Pio |
| Music video | |
| "Up Patriots to Arms" onYouTube | |
"Up Patriots to Arms" is a 1980 song byFranco Battiato from his albumPatriots.
Battiato got inspiration for the song from a manifesto he had seen in aBirmingham pub in 1975.[1] The song opens with a citation of theRichard Wagner'sTannhäuseroverture, that he had already used in his 1977 stage playBaby Sitter.[2] The lyrics include citations fromNomadi's "Come potete giudicar" and fromBixio-Cherubini classic "Lucciole Vagabonde".[1] The song has been described as "an invective against the latent stupidity that characterizes mankind", touching on topics such as politics, science, and contemporary music.[3]
In 2011, Battiato recorded a new version of the song withSubsonica, which was released as a single and included in the band's albumEden.[4] Artists who covered the song also includeLuca Carboni,Max Gazzè,Negrita andDisciplinatha [it].[5][6][7]
| Chart (2011–2012) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Italy (FIMI)[8] | 26 |
| Italy Airplay (EarOne)[9] | 16 |
| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Italy (FIMI)[10] | Gold | 15,000‡ |
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
