Band members are as follows:
Vic Ruggiero - Keyboards, Vocals
Jay "Agent Jay" Nugent - Guitar
Dave Hillyard - Saxophone
Glen Pine - Trombone, Vocals
Marcus Geard - Bass
Ara Babajian - Drums
Former members and contributors:
Marq "Q-Maxx 4:20" Lyn - Vocals
TJ Scanlon - Guitar
Luis "Zulu" Zuluaga - Drums
Jeremy "Mush One" Mushlin - Trumpet, Vocals
Allen Teboul - Drums
Dunia Best- Vocals, Flute
Jeff "King Django" Baker - Trombone
Tobias Fields - Congas
Eric "E-ROC" Singer - Alto Saxophone
Victor Rice - Bass
Dave Hahn - lead guitar
Justin Redekop- Trumpet
The next album released was Redlight, on HellCat Records in 1997. This album solidified their sound and further fixed the line-up.
The band released its latest album, entitled Self Medication, in May of 2008.
Propaganda
The Slackers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And evil men who are coming for my nation
And evil forces who are coming for my freedom
Secret Congress, nobody ever seen them
Propaganda (propaganda)
Now it's everywhere I look
It's a propaganda (propaganda)
it's just like history book
Propaganda (propaganda)
Everywhere I go
Hey Mista (Mista please!)
Well tell me what you know
Cause if someone wants to make a confrontaion
Well they wont get no play on your radio stations
And they wont get no time on the television
Words been send out from the owner corporation
For propaganda (propaganda)
Now it's everywhere I go
It's a propaganda (propaganda)
It's on my tv shows
Propaganda (propaganda)
Everywhere I go
Hey mista (mista please!)
cmon tell me what you know
Hey mista can you tell me what you know
Well I'll tell you what I know
When your congressmen to your president
are all business men just schemin
telling who's your enemy and who's your friend
Well i'm not sure that I believe it
When the street sign posters are encouraging me peepin'
To report my local terrorists and the company they're keepin
It's propaganda (propaganda)
now it's everywhere I look
Its propaganda (propaganda)
Man its just like in history books
Propaganda (propaganda)
It's everywhere I go, well tell me mista (mista please!)
Cmon tell me what you know
Like who are they in Guantanamo Bay sir
Cause there aint no names and no crimes written in my paper
The racial prisoner who is wondering what his charge is
Secret meetings in taxi cab garages
Propaganda (propaganda)
Now it's everywhere I go
Another propaganda (propaganda)
Man it's on my radio
Propaganda (propaganda)
Everywhere I go
Hey mista (mista please!)
Cmon tell me what you know
Hey mista
Well can you tell me what you know
The Slackers’ song “Propaganda” is a commentary on the various forms of propaganda that are present in society, and how those in power use it to manipulate the masses. The song's lyrics suggest that the media is controlled by powerful corporations and government agencies, which engage in propaganda campaigns to shape public opinion.
The lyrics of the song describe a situation in which an individual is misled by various forms of propaganda. The first verse talks about the evil men who are coming for the nation and the freedom, and the secret Congress that nobody has ever seen. The singer notes that propaganda is everywhere, on the TV shows, radio stations, and even historical books.
The chorus emphasizes the prevalence of propaganda in society, and how it is so widespread that it is difficult to avoid. The song then talks about how those in power use propaganda to manipulate people's opinions and gain control over their lives. The singer questions the validity of the information being propagated, expressing skepticism about the claims made by politicians, businessmen, authorities, and media.
Line by Line Meaning
So tell me more about my situation
The singer is asking for more information about their current circumstance.
And evil men who are coming for my nation
The singer is referring to threatening forces that are targeting their country.
And evil forces who are coming for my freedom
The singer perceives looming threats to their personal liberties and rights.
Secret Congress, nobody ever seen them
The artist is skeptical about covert government entities working in secret and outside of public view.
Propaganda (propaganda)
Now it's everywhere I look
The artist notes the prevalence of propaganda in modern society.
It's a propaganda (propaganda)
it's just like history book
The singer sees propaganda as being as pervasive and powerful as historical narratives.
Propaganda (propaganda)
Everywhere I go
Hey Mista (Mista please!)
Well tell me what you know
The singer challenges others to acknowledge the prevalence of propaganda and share their insights about it.
Cause if someone wants to make a confrontaion
Well they wont get no play on your radio stations
And they wont get no time on the television
Words been send out from the owner corporation
The artist believes that media outlets are controlled by wealthy and influential corporations who dictate which narratives are allowed to be shared with the public.
When your congressmen to your president
are all business men just schemin
telling who's your enemy and who's your friend
Well i'm not sure that I believe it
The artist is mistrustful of politicians who appear to serve their own business interests rather than the well-being of their constituents.
When the street sign posters are encouraging me peepin'
To report my local terrorists and the company they're keepin
The artist observes that even mundane advertisements and signs can contain messages that encourage spying and reporting on fellow citizens under the pretense of national security.
Like who are they in Guantanamo Bay sir
Cause there aint no names and no crimes written in my paper
The racial prisoner who is wondering what his charge is
Secret meetings in taxi cab garages
The singer doubts the transparency and legality of the US government's use of torture and imprisonment, as well as secretive and possibly illegal meetings between powerful individuals.
Contributed by Elizabeth Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.