Originally formed as a jazz fusion ensemble under the name Mind Power, Bad Brains developed a very fast and intense punk rock sound which came to be labeled "hardcore", and was often played faster and more emphatically than many of their peers. The unique factor of the band's music was the fact that they played more complex rhythms than other hardcore punk bands, also adapting diverse guitar styles into their songs.
Bad Brains have released nine studio albums (one of which is entirely composed of instrumental versions of their early material). The band broke up and reformed several times over the years, sometimes with different singers or drummers. Since 1994, the "classic" lineup of singer H.R. (Human Rights), guitarist Dr. Know, bassist Darryl Jenifer, and drummer Earl Hudson has reunited, albeit performing sporadically.
Discography:
• Bad Brains (1982)
• Rock for Light (1983)
• I Against I (1986)
• Quickness (1989)
• Rise (1993)
• God of Love (1995)
• I & I Survived (2002)
• Build a Nation (2007)
• Into the Future (2012)
• Mind Power (TBA)
How Low Can a Punk Get?
Bad Brains Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The lyrics to Bad Brains's song How Low Can a Punk Get suggest a story of regret and consequences. The singer of the song seems to have made a mistake, possibly stealing or cheating someone, thinking it was a clever move or a way to get ahead. However, the plan backfires and they realize too late the price they have to pay. The lyrics express a sense of frustration and desperation, as the character realizes they are trapped in a "crazy scheme" of their own making, and now they are at the mercy of their fate, represented by the "DOA" (dead on arrival) mentioned in the last line.
The lyrics also touch upon themes of punk culture, rebellion, and decadence. The lines "I was on me. I chose not to be" suggest a sense of individual responsibility and empowerment, as well as an acknowledgement of the consequences of one's actions. The phrase "how low can a punk get" can be seen as a self-deprecating or ironic commentary on the excesses and extremes of punk culture, as well as a critique of the societal norms and values that the punk movement rebelled against.
Overall, the lyrics to How Low Can a Punk Get showcase Bad Brains's signature style of blending hardcore punk, reggae, and metal influences, while also exploring introspective and philosophical themes. The song has become a classic in the punk rock canon and a fan favorite, thanks to its catchy riffs, energetic performance, and relatable lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
I didn't mean to rip off.
I did not intend to cheat or harm anyone.
I thought it was a get off in mine.
I believed that it was a beneficial situation for me.
I tried to make the scene off.
I attempted to change the situation to my advantage.
The plan was doomed to set off on time.
My scheme was destined to fail from the start.
The time that I was wastin'.
I spent considerable time pursuing things that were ultimately unfruitful.
I spent on only chasin' in the pits.
I wasted time pursuing dead-end goals.
And now I pay the price to make the sacrifice of the fool.
Now I face the consequences of my foolish actions.
I was on me.
I was focused only on my own desires and pursuits.
I chose not to be, cheated on part of the thrill.
I knowingly engaged in dishonest behavior to fulfill my own desires.
Bargain was not fulfilled.
I did not keep my end of an agreement or deal.
Lost in a crazy scheme that got strapped up in my dream.
I became entangled in a convoluted, unrealistic plan that ultimately backfired.
And now my times run out, what's it all about.
I have come to the end of my plan and am left wondering what it all meant.
Another DOA can you help me, how low can a punk get.
I am desperate for assistance, wondering how much lower I can sink.
My, My, My How low can a punk get?
Expressing despair and hopelessness about how much further I can fall.
Lyrics © Royalty Network Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: DARYL JENIFER, GARY MILLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@PeenutButt
I didn't mean to rip off.
I thought it was a get off in mine.
I tried to make the scene off.
The plan was doomed to set off on time.
The time that I was wastin' I spent on only chasin in the pits,
and now I pay the price to make the sacrifice of the fool.
I was on me.
I chose not to be,
cheated on part of the thrill, bargain was not fulfilled.
lost in a crazy scheme that got strapped up in my dream.
And now my times run out, what's it all about.
Another DOA can you help me, how low can a punk get.
My, My, My
How low can a punk get?
I was on me
I chose not to be
Cheated on part of the thrill
Bargain was not fulfilled
Lost in a crazy scheme
That got strapped up in my dream
And now my times run out
What's it all about
@gabriela3338
1982?? Way ahead of their time. Absolutely brilliant. Love this band. They r underrated. Love “Stay Close to me”
Thank you, Bad Brains!!
@hatebalk
This version is from '79. Makes it even more killer! They were so ahead of their time, not many punk bands could match THIS intensity (and tightness) at the time!
@Ritzifatzo
Who underestimates the Bad Brains?
@TheMachanga
Those first 3 notes give me chills
@TheMachanga
Those first three chords...pure butter
@CercleKoen
It gets to my heart. Bad Brains rule.
@brokenseatbelt
Rock for Light is great, don't get me wrong, but Black Dots is BY FAR my fav. punk album.
@eatthem5829
Yeeeesss
@AlexPalmor
This puts me in a really good mood.
@yourlastfoe
Best punk band EVER!