999 are an English punk band which formed in London in 1976. Founded by sin… Read Full Bio ↴999 are an English punk band which formed in London in 1976. Founded by singer/guitarist Nick Cash, 999's original lineup also included Guy Days (vocals/guitar), Jon Watson (bass) and Pablo LaBritain (drums). Ed Case served temporarily as drummer following LaBritain's injury in 1978, while Watson has since been replaced by Danny Palmer (1986-1991) and former Lurkers member Arturo Bassick (1991-present). 999 became a popular act within the London punk circuit, releasing its first single ("I'm Alive") in 1977 under its own label. The band soon found chart success, attaining five top 100 UK hits under the United Artists label. However, 999's popularity began to wane in the early 1980s. 999 disbanded in the mid-1980s only to reform soon afterward. They have since released several albums and continue to tour. Also similar to the Ruts, 999 built much of their following through gigging the down and dirty venues around Southall in West London. 999 never showed the same reggae influences as the Ruts though, maintaining a 'pure punk' sound throughout. They are also still alive and well, and still gigging it hard.

Boys in the Gang
999 Lyrics

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High tension sound so neat
over reaction get off your seat

we're with the boys in the gang
we're with the boys in the gang

don't understand don't ask me why
some kind of reason, some kind of high

it's something that you want to try

we're with the boys in the gang
we're with the boys in the gang

what is this feeling that i've got inside
it can take me for a ride....a ride
it's something that you want to find

we're with the boys in the gang
we're with the boys in the gang

we're with the boys in the gang
we're with the boys in the gang

(fading)
we're with the boys in the gang

Overall Meaning

The lyrics in "Boys in the Gang" by 999 seem to describe the irresistible pull of a gang lifestyle. The singer expresses confusion about why someone would want to be in a gang ("don't understand, don't ask me why"), yet is drawn in by the feeling ("what is this feeling that I've got inside? It can take me for a ride"). The high tension sound of the music and the excitement of being part of a group seem to be the driving forces behind this attraction. The repetition of "we're with the boys in the gang" suggests a sense of belonging and camaraderie among gang members.

The lyrics also hint at the dangers and potential violence associated with gang activities. The line "over reaction get off your seat" could be interpreted as a call to action or an incitement to violence. The phrase "it's something that you want to try" sounds reckless and potentially dangerous. The song doesn't offer a clear moral judgement on the gang lifestyle, but portrays it as something that is simultaneously thrilling and dangerous.

Line by Line Meaning

High tension sound so neat
The loud music makes us feel alive and excited.

Over reaction get off your seat
Don't be afraid to let loose and move your body to the beat.

We're with the boys in the gang
We belong to a group of friends who share our love of this music and lifestyle.

Don't understand don't ask me why
It's hard to explain why we enjoy this or why it's important to us, just accept that it is.

Some kind of reason, some kind of high
Maybe it's the feeling of belonging or the adrenaline rush of the music, but there's definitely something that draws us to this lifestyle.

It's something that you want to try
We invite others to join us and experience what we love about this culture.

What is this feeling that I've got inside?
There's an indescribable feeling of excitement and energy that comes with being a part of this scene.

It can take me for a ride, a ride
Being a part of the gang and experiencing this music and lifestyle has the power to completely consume and transport us.

We're with the boys in the gang
We emphasize again that we are part of a tight-knit group which we feel is like family.

Contributed by Liam W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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