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)
Rice And Bread
Against Me! Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In all of this?
Potatoes, rice, and bread,
We'll burn it as we take it in.
Sing your heart out,
Sing it like you mean it,
You're gonna sing everything you're thinking, and you're gonna sing it until they're listening.
'Cause if it really brings us all together,
I'd say that settles all arguments of difference,
Surviving just by questioning,
Can you imagine if we all started demanding?
I can play along to every record,
Front and back every song,
And every word means as much to me
As every word means to you.
They can make an industry selling people the things they want to hear,
If this is worth anything,
We will sell it for humility,
It will take us farther than the posture you're fronting.
The lyrics to "Rice and Bread" by Against Me! are a call to action, a plea for unity, and a critique of the music industry. The first stanza speaks to the abundance of resources available to us, and how we should consume them with passion ("We'll burn it as we take it in"). The second stanza implores the listener to express themselves truthfully and unashamedly: "Sing your heart out, / Sing it like you mean it." This is a call to arms against a culture of conformity and self-censorship: "Can you imagine if we all started demanding?"
The third stanza is a commentary on the power of music to unite people despite their differences: "if it really brings us all together, / I'd say that settles all arguments of difference." This idea is taken up again in the last stanza, which critiques the music industry for exploiting people's desire for affirmation: "They can make an industry selling people the things they want to hear." Against Me! sets themselves apart from this industry by valuing humility over ego: "It will take us farther than the posture you're fronting."
Overall, "Rice and Bread" is an anthem for authenticity and collaboration, encouraging listeners to find common ground through a shared love of music and a commitment to truth.
Line by Line Meaning
How can you not find everything you need
Expressing disbelief that someone can't find everything they need
In all of this?
Referring to the abundance of food and resources available
Potatoes, rice, and bread,
Listing simple, staple foods that can sustain us
We'll burn it as we take it in.
Enjoying and consuming the food with enthusiasm and energy
Sing your heart out,
Encouraging to sing with passion and emotion
Sing it like you mean it,
Urging to sing with sincerity and conviction
You're gonna sing everything you're thinking, and you're gonna sing it until they're listening.
Expressing the empowering nature of singing and speaking up for oneself
'Cause if it really brings us all together,
Contemplating the unifying power of music and singing
I'd say that settles all arguments of difference,
Suggesting that music can bridge differences and bring people closer
Surviving just by questioning,
Advocating for curiosity and critical thinking to navigate the world
Can you imagine if we all started demanding?
Provoking thought about how societal change can happen through collective action
I can play along to every record,
Expressing a deep love and connection to music
Front and back every song,
Demonstrating familiarity and dedication to every aspect of music
And every word means as much to me
Emphasizing the personal significance of the lyrics
As every word means to you.
Highlighting that music can have different meanings and impact for different people
They can make an industry selling people the things they want to hear,
Commenting on the commercialization and profit-driven nature of the music industry
If this is worth anything,
Questioning the value and impact of music in society
We will sell it for humility,
Suggesting that true value lies in humility and authenticity, not superficiality and fame
It will take us farther than the posture you're fronting.
Asserting that humility and integrity will lead to personal growth and progress
Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Rob Giancola
Best Punk album ever...
GreenBayXLVChamps
That fucking song... Damn good.
Mom
SING IT LIKE YOU MEAN IT
Ouma Apologist
❤️❤️❤️
Weapon
Love it. Not gonna jump on the train and say AM! sucks now, but their new stuff definitely doesn't make me feel the way this album (and all the ones before it) did. It was so much more than just music to me..
sPongebItch bObface
Brynn Seana transgender dysphoria blues kicks so much ass.
Brynn Seana
@Shredward 666 obviously it is the band you know and apparently don't love. for a band to grow up and get out of the garages isn't easy, they had families to support and a growing fan base to play for, it's not like a band goes major label for no reason, and they didn't stay major label for long. laura's gender dysphoria was what half the songs were about. you can't act like her transitioning was a surprise.
Shredward 666
Last good album. They went way too pop and then Tom was Laura or whatever. Huge disappointment despite being for the peoples right to choose. Not the band I know and love.
myNamesTaken
Hellyeah great pick
scoutlikestopoop
1:08 WOOOOO