In 2012, Grace publicly came out as transgender. After a long period of line-up changes and uncertainty surrounding the band's future, their sixth studio album, Transgender Dysphoria Blues, was released independently in January 2014 to critical acclaim. The band's seventh album, Shape Shift with Me, was released in 2016. In addition, the band have four well known EPs: Crime as Forgiven by Against Me!, The Acoustic EP, The Disco Before the Breakdown, and New Wave B-Sides. They have released numerous singles, two live albums, and demo versions of the three of their studio albums.
Band members:
Laura Jane Grace – vocals, guitar
James Bowman – lead guitar
Andrew Seward – bass
Atom Willard – drums
Former members:
Kevin Mahon – drums (1998–2001)
Dustin Fridkin – bass (2000–2002)
Warren Oakes – drums (2001–2009)
George Rebelo – drums (2009–2010)
Jay Weinberg – drums (2010–2012)
Inge Johansson – bass (2013–2018)
Discography:
• Reinventing Axl Rose (2002)
• As the Eternal Cowboy (2003)
• Searching for a Former Clarity (2005)
• New Wave (2007)
• White Crosses (2010)
• Transgender Dysphoria Blues (2014)
• Shape Shift with Me (2016)
ProVision L-3
Against Me! Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
ProVision L-3
ProVision L-3
Culture of suspicion
For national security
Consent or coercion
The alpha, the omega
ProVision L-3
ProVision L-3
ProVision L-3
Culture of suspicion
For national security
Consent or coercion
Don't look at me, Don't talk to me
I know it's an illusion but I can't see through it
ProVision L-3
ProVision L-3
ProVision L-3
Culture of suspicion
What can you see inside of me?
What can you see inside of me?
Hands in the air, assume the position
What can you see inside of me?
What can you see,inside of me?
Everyone make their best dead faces
ProVision L-3
ProVision L-3
ProVision L-3
Culture of suspicion
Culture of suspicion
Culture of suspicion
The song "ProVision L-3" by Against Me! is a commentary on the culture of suspicion that has been created under the guise of national security. The repeated chorus of "ProVision L-3" refers to a type of security scanner that has been implemented in many airports, which is intended to detect hidden weapons or contraband. The lyrics question the efficacy of such measures, as they also create a culture of fear and suspicion, leading individuals to feel constantly monitored and scrutinized. The repetition of "culture of suspicion" emphasizes this theme, as it drives home the idea that our society has become one that is constantly on guard and distrustful of others.
The middle section of the song focuses on the dichotomy between consent and coercion. The lines "Consent or coercion, the alpha, the omega" suggest that individuals are either willingly submitting to the culture of suspicion out of a sense of duty, or are being forced to comply with these invasive security measures. The final lines of the song, "What can you see inside of me? Hands in the air, assume the position. What can you see, inside of me? Everyone make their best dead faces" evoke images of people being herded through security checkpoints like cattle, forced to comply with the demands of security personnel.
Overall, "ProVision L-3" is a powerful critique of the ways in which fear and suspicion have been used to control our society in the name of national security. It highlights the ways in which these measures can strip us of our agency and dignity, limiting our ability to live our lives freely and without constant surveillance.
Line by Line Meaning
ProVision L-3
Referring to a specific type of security camera used for monitoring and surveillance.
ProVision L-3
Repeating the name of this security camera to emphasize its presence and ubiquity in society.
ProVision L-3
Continuing to emphasize the prominence of this camera and its role in society.
Culture of suspicion
A societal environment characterized by distrust and paranoia.
For national security
Used as a justification for invasive surveillance measures and security protocols.
Consent or coercion
The choice between voluntarily surrendering privacy and being forced to do so through intimidation or force.
The alpha, the omega
A reference to the Bible, meaning the beginning and the end, suggesting that surveillance has become an all-encompassing force in society.
I know it's an illusion but I can't see through it
Acknowledging that surveillance is an illusion of safety and control, but that it has become so pervasive that it is difficult to imagine life without it.
Don't look at me, don't talk to me
Suggesting a desire for privacy and autonomy, but acknowledging that it is difficult to avoid being monitored and scrutinized.
What can you see inside of me?
Questioning the extent to which individuals are being monitored and whether their personal privacy is being violated.
Hands in the air, assume the position
A reference to police brutality and the use of force to control individuals suspected of wrongdoing.
Everyone make their best dead faces
A commentary on society's apathy and resignation in the face of pervasive surveillance and control.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
AmeliaBuns
I thought it's a methaphor but it's actually pretty much about how security checks at airports suck.i heard they harass trans women a lot
it's litteraly about PorVision L3 which is a scanning machine
Heloisa Seixas
"ProVision L-3"
[Chorus]
ProVision L-3
ProVision L-3
ProVision L-3
Culture of suspicion
[Verse 1]
For national security
Consent or coercion
The alpha, the omega
I know it's an illusion but I can't see through it
[Chorus]
ProVision L-3
ProVision L-3
ProVision L-3
Culture of suspicion
[Verse 2]
For national security
Consent or coercion
Don't look at me, Don't talk to me
I know it's an illusion but I can't see through it
[Chorus]
ProVision L-3
ProVision L-3
ProVision L-3
Culture of suspicion
[Bridge]
What can you see inside of me?
What can you see inside of me?
Hands in the air, assume the position
What can you see inside of me?
What can you see inside of me?
Everyone make their best dead faces
[Chorus]
ProVision L-3
ProVision L-3
ProVision L-3
Culture of suspicion
Culture of suspicion
Culture of suspicion
Katy Lawson
This reminds me a bit of Osama Bin Laden as the Crucified Christ.
That's one of my favourite Against Me! songs. I love this.
Casey Lewis
I fucking love this song. Always gets me hyped and angry at the same time. She's talking about the NSA device they use to xray you at the airports.
AmeliaBuns
I saw one of these devices at the airport and this was the song that kept playing in my head. I kept singing it walking past it lol xD
Boymoder Ballads
A tribute to the worst thing in America
DrPengin Guitar
I get a bit of a Killing Joke vibe
DrPengin Guitar
@Tristan Reynolds no, the band
Tristan Reynolds
Like what, the joker?