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)
The Regulator
Bad Brains Lyrics
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You tell me what to do and how to do it
And if I ask you why, you'll arrest me
And if I call you liar, you'll detest me
You control what I'll be
You control who I see
And if I let you
You're the man who owns all the keys to the stores
You're the man who always wants so much more
You're the regulator
You're the regulator
You're the regulator
You're the regulator
The Bad Brains song "The Regulator" speaks to the idea of societal control, and specifically the idea of those in power controlling those who are not. The lyrics express the idea of being told what to do and how to do it by those in authority, with the threat of punishment for disobedience. The lyrics also explore the idea of material greed, with the phrase "you're the man who owns all the keys to the stores" referencing the ultimate power of money and who controls it.
The repetition of the phrase "You're the regulator" throughout the song drives home the idea of being under the control of those in power. The lyrics are a commentary on the ways in which society can be controlled by those with money and power, and the fear and oppression that can come with that control.
Overall, "The Regulator" is a powerful statement on the nature of societal control and the ways in which individuals can be disempowered by those in positions of authority.
Line by Line Meaning
You tell me what to say and when to say it
You hold authority over me and dictate my words and their timing
You tell me what to do and how to do it
You hold authority over me and determine my actions and methods
And if I ask you why, you'll arrest me
If I question your authority, you'll punish me for insubordination
And if I call you liar, you'll detest me
If I accuse you of falsehoods, you'll dislike me and may retaliate
You control what I'll be
You have the power to shape my future and identity
You control who I see
You limit and direct my social interactions
And if I let you
If I submit to your control
You control me
You have complete power over my life
You're the man who owns all the keys to the stores
You are the person with exclusive access and authority over valuable resources
You're the man who always wants so much more
You are constantly striving for additional power and control
You're the regulator
You are the authority figure who regulates and controls everything
You're the regulator
You are the authority figure who regulates and controls everything
You're the regulator
You are the authority figure who regulates and controls everything
You're the regulator
You are the authority figure who regulates and controls everything
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Paul D. Hudson, Darryl Jenifer, Earl Hudson, Gary Miller
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind