Vocalist/guitarist Vic Bondi was originally a protest singer with decidedly leftist views. He went on to form the bands Alloy and Jones Very after AoF's demise. At the time of AoF's original breakup, Bondi was working as a History instructor at the University of Massachusetts. Bondi's subsequent day jobs included working on Microsoft's Encarta, where he was Managing editor of the Encarta Interactive English Learning edition (Bondi's comments on this fairly ironic form of employment can be found here). Alternative Tentacles Records released the complete discography of the band in 2002. Bondi resurfaced with another politically charged band, Report Suspicious Activity, in 2006 and was featured prominently in the documentary "American Hardcore".
Bad Attitude
Articles of Faith Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When things don't work out their way
And you know they're supposed to stay
Right in your place
In your corner -- be a man
Get away with what you can
As long as you don't rip them
You know that it's not right to hate
It must be that you're born that way
You need some more -- indoctrinate
Or else they'll put you away
Bad attitude's what they'll serve you
When their need for you is through
'cause you got that attitude
Keep you in your place
Bad attitude's what it must be
Because you don't think like me
And want all those handsome things
Keep you in your place
You know that it's not right to hate
It must be that you're born that way
You need some more -- indoctrinate
Or else they'll put you away
Bad attitude...
Bad attitude's what I've been told
Since I was just five years old
And didn't buy what they had sold
Right in my place
Bad attitude but "be yourself"
Just enough like someone else
Another soul who needs our help
Go to hell
You know that it's not right to hate
It must be that you're born that way
You need some more -- indoctrinate
Or else they'll put you away
Bad attitude...
The lyrics of "Bad Attitude" by Articles of Faith reflect on the concept of the expectation of conformity in society. The song is about how people are expected to behave within their designated roles and the repercussions they face if they don't comply. The phrase "bad attitude" is used as a way of categorizing those who don't conform and as an excuse to punish them. The lyrics suggest that this phrase is used as a catch-all to condemn those who don't fit into the mold and doesn't leave room for individuality.
The song also touches on the idea of indoctrination, where people are forced to conform to societal norms through manipulation and control. The lyrics imply that this is done to avoid punishment and be accepted, and not because it's the right thing to do. The song encourages people to be themselves and resist the pressure to conform.
Overall, "Bad Attitude" by Articles of Faith is a reflection on societal pressure to conform, and how this pressure can create tension and limit personal expression. The song encourages individuality and acceptance of others who don't fit into the mainstream.
Line by Line Meaning
Bad attitude's a catch-all phrase
People use the term 'bad attitude' when they don't get their way
When things don't work out their way
When situations don't end up in their favor
And you know they're supposed to stay
And they want to keep everything in order the way they see fit
Right in your place
You are expected to stay in your assigned role
In your corner -- be a man
They want you to handle things on your own and not ask for help
Get away with what you can
Take advantage of opportunities when you can
As long as you don't rip them
As long as you don't damage others or their belongings
Keep you in your place
To maintain control and status quo
You know that it's not right to hate
It's not moral to hold hate towards others
It must be that you're born that way
But, they believe it's part of your personality or nature to behave that way
You need some more -- indoctrinate
You need more training or education to change your mindset
Or else they'll put you away
Otherwise, they'll find a way to remove you
Bad attitude's what they'll serve you
People will label you with a 'bad attitude' when they're done using you
When their need for you is through
When they no longer require your service
'cause you got that attitude
Because of your unique personality and mindset
Keep you in your place
Keep you where they believe you belong
Bad attitude's what it must be
They think your mindset must be bad because it differs from theirs
Because you don't think like me
Because you have a different perspective from them
And want all those handsome things
And have a desire for a better life
Keep you in your place
To maintain control over you
Bad attitude...
A repeated refrain that encapsulates the issues at hand
Bad attitude's what I've been told
The idea of a bad attitude has been ingrained in me from a young age
Since I was just five years old
It's been a message I've gotten since I was a small child
And didn't buy what they had sold
And I didn't conform to their expectations
Right in my place
And was subsequently put in my assigned role
Bad attitude but "be yourself"
A contradiction between the desire for individuality and the imperative to conform
Just enough like someone else
Toeing the line and being similar to others, but not completely the same
Another soul who needs our help
Dependence on others to maintain status quo
Go to hell
And opposition to those who differ from the norm
You know that it's not right to hate
Repeating the earlier message
It must be that you're born that way
Another reiteration of the belief that personality is innate
You need some more -- indoctrinate
And that change requires education and training
Or else they'll put you away
With a threat of punishment for non-conformity
Bad attitude...
Another repetition of the chorus
Contributed by Hunter D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@RoilNoise
Bad attitude's a catch-all phrase
When things don't work out their way
And you know they're supposed to stay
Right in your place
In your corner -- be a man
Get away with what you can
As long as you don't rip them
Keep you in your place
You know that it's not right to hate
It must be that you're born that way
You need some more -- indoctrinate
Or else they'll put you away
Bad attitude's what they'll serve you
When their need for you is through
'cause you got that attitude
Keep you in your place
Bad attitude's what it must be
Because you don't think like me
And want all those handsome things
Keep you in your place
You know that it's not right to hate
It must be that you're born that way
You need some more -- indoctrinate
Or else they'll put you away
Bad attitude...
Bad attitude's what I've been told
Since I was just five years old
And didn't buy what they had sold
Right in my place
Bad attitude but "be yourself"
Just enough like someone else
Another soul who needs our help
Go to hell
You know that it's not right to hate
It must be that you're born that way
You need some more -- indoctrinate
Or else they'll put you away
Bad attitude...
@alisuroor8962
The literary problem lies in the quality of education that the student receives during the years of study
even graduating from the corridors of universities,Because many do not distinguish between written rhetoric and the cheap word
so, is society unable to distinguish between gold and stone, or has the fast wheel of life taken everyone to the stations of distraction and oblivion away from fictional, novelistic, philosophical and rhetorical creativity?
Why is the professional word limited only to the pens of critics, poets and journalists, and we only listen to elegant and graceful words on television?
why not have cultural and literary cafés full of books and equipped with loudspeakers and microphones to speak in order to promote the educated word in a time of irony, monotony and linguistic weakness?!
ALI SUROOR
@tnatola1
My Fav Chicago band, I remember seeing them for the 1st time at The West End opening for the Circle Jerks back in 1983 Great show. The best show i ever saw them was the show at the Centro American Club On Irving prk and Broadway in the fall of 1983 and to top it off they opened for Scream the original Line up and there was maybe 80 people if we were lucky That by far was the best show of my youth.
@patch8376
I'm almost crying in public at having first heard this only now. I'm 35 and this is one of those "Why couldn't I have been introduced to this song some 20-22 years ago?" moments. This is beautiful.
@marior.8893
Patch 83 I’m 32, and same!!
@glenndanzigsemployeeplease7638
Hehe I'm 14
@themadthrasher5000
These guys were so underrated but deserve just as much respect as Minor Threat, DOA or Youth of Today
@ianjackson7916
my favorite hardcore band.
@davidestrada8489
Yes they do not crash your but I don't know about d,o,a
@javiercarrillo8208
Until The Ink Runs Out: You are fuckin crazy. DOA is one of the best punk bands, have you heard “War on 45” EP? Seen them back in like 84 at the Olympic Auditorium and they kicked ass, like every show.
@garypearn5886
@@javiercarrillo8208 Javier, I'd have to think UTIRO is either taking the mick or an ignoroid... Admittedly I gave them a miss after Let's Wreck the Party which was so disappointing but Hardcore 81 & Something Better Change are recognised as legendary & their touring schedule & performances were 2nd to no-one. UTIRO, in case you're just an ignoroid, check out 2+2, one of my top 5 punk songs ever!
@skinheadyouth66
Youth of today was a different movement. But yes this band at their peak were incredible