Roots Bloody Roots

Music is by the band and lyrics by Max Cavalera. The album opens with insect sounds recorded at the Xavante village of Pimentel Barbosa, then this song, with Igor Cavalera's high rototom fills before the first verse. Max said it is about believing in yourself and being proud of where you come from. In a 1996 MTV Europe clip he said its message was don't let the bastards grind you down. Ross Robinson and the band produced it, and Andy Wallace mixed it. The single went to 19 in the UK in February 1996, their first UK top-40 entry. Its B-sides included a cover of Celtic Frost's Procreation (Of the Wicked), and the red vinyl edition had Black Sabbath's Symptom of the Universe.

Thomas Mignone directed the video, which was shot in the catacombs under Salvador where Brazilian slaves were sold. It features capoeira, the Timbalada percussionists and a reference to Candomblé. It won the Kerrang! Video of the Year in 1996 and was nominated for MTV Brazil's best rock video. The song has become a concert staple, often played in encores. Revolver ranked it ninth among the greatest album-opening songs in metal in 2021, saying Max howls over a groove that blends traditional Brazilian music with down-tuned guitars.