The Germs disbanded following Crash's suicide on December 7, 1980. Their music was influential to many later punk rock acts. Pat Smear went on to greater fame performing with Nirvana and the Foo Fighters.
In 2005, actor Shane West was cast to play Crash in the Germs biographical film What We Do Is Secret (named after a song by the Germs). He performed with Smear, Doom, and Bolles at a production party for the film, after which the Germs reformed with West as singer. The new lineup of the band has performed a number of tours in the United States, including performances on the 2006 and 2008 Warped Tours.
On January 16, 2019, bassist Lorna Doom (born as Teresa Ryan) passed away.
Lexicon Devil
The Germs Lyrics
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And I'm lookin' for a future, the world's my aim
So gimme, gimme your hands, gimme, gimme your minds
So gimme, gimme your hands, gimme, gimme your minds
Gimme, gimme this, gimme, gimme that
I want toy tin soldiers that can push and shove
I want gun boy rovers that'll wreck this club
I'll build you up and level your heads
We'll run it my way, cold men and politics dead
I'm a lexicon devil with a battered brain
And I'm lookin' for a future, the world's my aim
So gimme, gimme your hands, gimme, gimme your minds
So gimme, gimme your hands, gimme, gimme your minds
Gimme, gimme this, gimme, gimme that
I'll get silver guns to drip old blood
Let's give this established joke a shove
We're gonna wreak havoc on this rancid mill
I'm searchin' for something even if I'm killed
I'm a lexicon devil with a battered brain
And I'm lookin' for a future, the world's my aim
So gimme, gimme your hands, gimme, gimme your minds
So gimme, gimme your hands, gimme, gimme your minds
Gimme, gimme this, gimme, gimme that
Empty out your pockets, you don't need their change
I'm giving you the power to rearrange
Together we'll run to the highest prop
Tear it down and let it drop
I'm a lexicon devil with a battered brain
And I'm lookin' for a future, the world's my aim
So gimme, gimme your hands, gimme, gimme your minds
So gimme, gimme your hands, gimme, gimme your minds
Gimme, gimme this, gimme, gimme that
The Germs' song "Lexicon Devil" is a passionate call to arms for anyone feeling disillusioned with society and seeking change. The lyrics are an expression of anger and frustration towards the status quo and a desire to tear it down and rebuild it in a new way. The singer refers to themselves as a "lexicon devil" with a "battered brain," which could be interpreted as being someone who is well-versed in the ways of the world but is also damaged by it. They are seeking a new future and see the world as their target.
The singer then calls on their audience to join them in their mission, asking for their hands and minds. They want toy tin soldiers and gun boy rovers to help them wreck this club, or in other words, tear down the establishment. They declare that they will build up those willing to follow them and bring down those who stand in their way. They are not afraid to use violence, referencing silver guns that can drip old blood, and they are willing to die for what they believe in.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm a lexicon devil with a battered brain
I am an extremely intelligent but damaged individual, seeking a better world despite my struggles.
And I'm lookin' for a future, the world's my aim
I am searching for a better future, and my goal is to change the world for the better.
So gimme, gimme your hands, gimme, gimme your minds
I need your help and your thoughts to accomplish my goals.
Gimme, gimme this, gimme, gimme that
I want everything that will help me achieve my goals.
I want toy tin soldiers that can push and shove
I want people who will follow my orders without questioning them, and who will do what they need to do to achieve our goals.
I want gun boy rovers that'll wreck this club
I want tough, independent individuals who are willing to do what it takes to break down the existing power structures and build something new.
I'll build you up and level your heads
I will help you to achieve your potential, but only if you follow my lead and do what I say.
We'll run it my way, cold men and politics dead
I will be in charge, and those who oppose me or who represent the existing political systems will be eliminated.
I'll get silver guns to drip old blood
I will use violence and fear to achieve my goals, and I am willing to shed blood to make it happen.
Let's give this established joke a shove
We need to overthrow the existing systems and institutions that are holding us back and keeping us from achieving our goals.
We're gonna wreak havoc on this rancid mill
We will cause chaos and destruction to the existing power structures, and we will not stop until they are destroyed.
I'm searchin' for something even if I'm killed
I am willing to die for my cause, as long as I am able to achieve something great and meaningful.
Empty out your pockets, you don't need their change
We don't need the small scraps and concessions that the existing power structures are willing to give us - we need to take everything that we deserve and that we need to succeed.
I'm giving you the power to rearrange
I am giving you the power to change the world and build something new, as long as you are willing to follow my lead and do what needs to be done.
Together we'll run to the highest prop
Together, we will push ourselves to new heights and achieve our goals, whatever they may be.
Tear it down and let it drop
We will destroy the existing structures and institutions that are holding us back, and we will not stop until they are gone.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Darby Crash, Georg Ruthenberg
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind