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 Ed Case served temporarily as drummer following LaBritain's injury in 1978, while Watson has since been replaced by Danny Palmer (1986-1991) and former Lurkers member Arturo Bassick (1991-present). 999 became a popular act within the London punk circuit, releasing its first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.

Stop! Stop!
999 Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

So you think you’ve got all the answers
But you’re never naming names
And you say it’s just my attitude
And my appearance is a shame
And the girls I like, I’m shying off
And you don’t like fun and games

I said: Stop! Stop!

I said: Stop! Stop!
Stop! Stop!

I get these ultimatums
Because we don’t agree on things
And it’s not only ‘cos I’m lazy
And all the trouble that it brings

I said: Stop! Stop!
I said: Stop! Stop!
Stop! Stop!

Well, I’ve given up on explanations
‘Cos I don’t feel in the mood
And you don’t even like my music
And you say that I’m much too rude

I said: Stop! Stop!
I said: Stop! Stop!
Stop! Stop!

[x2]
Stop! Stop!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to 999's song "Stop! Stop!" express a feeling of frustration and rebellion against someone who seems to always have an opinion on every aspect of the singer's life without being willing to take responsibility and name names. The first verse accuses the person of thinking they have all the answers but dodging accountability by not naming names. This person criticizes the singer's attitude and appearance even though they might not have any grounds for it in reality. They also disapprove of the singer’s choice of partners and don't like to have fun, which makes them judgmental and boring.

The chorus, where the singer repeats the phrase "Stop! Stop!" several times, serves as a demand for the other person to cease their irrelevant judgment and criticism. The second verse goes on to explain that the singer is tired of receiving ultimatums because they don't agree on things, not just because they are lazy as the other person might think. The listener gets a sense that the other person is forcing their will upon the singer, and they don't appreciate being controlled. The last verse suggests that the singer is tired of explaining themselves to the other person as they lack the mood to do so. The other party seems to be clueless and not in tune with the singer's music preference and prefers to label them as being 'rude.'

In conclusion, 999's "Stop! Stop!" is an anthem for people who feel like they are being judged and controlled by others without just cause. The song encourages people to stand up against those who project unfounded opinions on their lives and demand autonomy and respect. The repetition of the words "Stop! Stop!" is not only a command to the other person, but it's also a reminder to the singer themselves to stop allowing others to have such an influence over them.

Line by Line Meaning

So you think you’ve got all the answers
You believe you have the solutions to everything

But you’re never naming names
You avoid identifying specific individuals responsible

And you say it’s just my attitude
You attribute my behavior to my demeanor

And my appearance is a shame
You judge me negatively based on my looks

And the girls I like, I’m shying off
I am avoiding the girls I like due to your disapproval

And you don’t like fun and games
You disapprove of my leisure activities

I said: Stop! Stop!
I request that you stop behaving in this way

I get these ultimatums
You give me ultimatums

Because we don’t agree on things
Our opinions diverge

And it’s not only ‘cos I’m lazy
My lack of productivity is not the sole reason

And all the trouble that it brings
The resulting difficulties