HANDLEBARS:
This is very similar to the actual music video for this song, and is a prologue to the tale.
A collage of videos shows the four main characters growing up since they were in their early teens. There are three boys, temporarily named X, Y and Z and one girl, named A. The first verse shows them together and happy, whereas subsequent verses show them drifting apart. In the last verse, Z joins the side of two villains, N and M, a politician and economist respectively. Violent images of riots, bombs and gunfire accompany Z, N and M screaming about the coming holocaust.

TAKE THE POWER BACK
Now adults, X, Y, Z and A stroll through an average, or below average section of the city, and X begins to point out the many flaws of society prevalent through the sad state of the people. X shows his desire to bring down the ruling class in order to help the people and increase the standards of living for all people. His rage is directed at a capitol building, where N often resides, passing legislation detrimental to the people, especially when education is concerned. N wishes to keep the people from fighting back by keeping them ignorant and stupid.

During his tirade, many people around him overhear and agree, starting to pass along his vision of uprising. Because of X's enthusiasm, Y and Z try to raise political awareness and they increase their efforts to enter the political realm professionally. X instead thinks much more drastic measures are in order and thinks that joining the political race is futile.

DUCK AND RUN
Y and Z present petitions to help the people in various ways to other politicians. They begin raising awareness in many officials but face an uphill battle, as most politicians are set in their paths. They try tirelessly to sway stubborn minds and collect endless petitions for the variety of problems they see. Y shows unrelenting reserve, while Z shows signs of aggravation and fatigue. Y is also the stronger voice, carrying the chorus, because of his determination to help, despite, or even because of, the struggles ahead.
During their attempts, Y encounters both N and M, who turn him down. Z then encounters M...

I'M DESIGNER
M, the evil economist, allied with N, replies to Z's attempts to pass positive legislation, with a proposal. M wants Z to help pass his own legislation, helping large corporations. In exchange, Z would climb the political ladder with ease, which M claims will help Z out in the end. M tries to gloss over the idea of being a sell-out, and at the same time shows Z the wonderful life he could have as they walk through a very nice part of town. Z is overcome by M's promises for a luxurious life and a promise of job security.

POINTS OF AUTHORITY
Y confronts Z about what is essentially Z's betrayal to their cause. Z counters by saying that Y will "lose the race" in politics, being unable to make any changes because of his lack of prestige and accomplishments. The two argue about whether or not Z's ends justify the means. Z berates Y about his lack of advancement in the political realm, telling him to "forfeit the game," while Y tells Z that "you think you're never wrong."

BOOM!
Y once again tries to bring petitions to politicians. The opening verse of the song is Y giving his speech to individual politicians. X, meanwhile, has been organizing rallies, and has one very large one set up currently, backed by several local bands and organizations. X gives his speech vehemently, often the one screaming in the song. Y mirrors his words as he tries to pass legislation, getting more and more frustrated at his failures. The two of them are interchangeable in the following verses.
The rally then takes an unexpected and dark turn, as the people on the outskirts, provoked by police, begin to riot. At this point, X steps back, lamenting "why must we kill our own kind?"
A young teen and his bulky father approaches X despite the surrounding violence. Both are beaming, saying that X is an inspiration. They are obviously poverty stricken, and excited to see change beginning.

CRAWL HOME
The female voice is A, and the male X.
A, currently dating X, is upset with him because of the violence he caused. A has strong conflicting feelings with both Z and X, and is very close with Y as well. Despite her feelings for X, A's disgust from his inciting violent acts overcomes her compassion at this point. Rather than apologizing, X tries to convince her of what he is trying to do through peaceful demonstrations, and says that he can't do it alone. X also claims that he has put too much effort in already, and things will get worse before they get better. Much of the dialogue is spoken before the song begins, as the song is the breaking point.

After this song, A reconnects with Z, as she also has some feelings for him. His lifestyle and safe, conservative way of living appeal to her, but she is disturbed by his moral choices, considering their upbringing.

DLZ
Y is also upset with the violent end of X's rally, but it is clear the frustration of his own failure is what fuels his anger. His says that politicians are equating the riot with this upsurge of legislation for the people. Y claims that he now has to "reconstruct" everything X has torn down, giving him even more hardships.
Meanwhile, Z, N and M all meet, discussing further plans to do generally evil things, despite Z's inner conflict.