Greg Graffin, the band's frontman, holds a Master's degree in geology from UCLA and a Ph.D. in zoology from Cornell University. His dissertation for Cornell was a comprehensive study of how modern scientists, especially those who believe in strict Darwinism, view theism and religion, and how their own religious beliefs, if any, affect their study and work. He has since published it for fans of the band.
In 1983, Bad Religion released into the unknown, a keyboard-driven psychedelic rock album that was enormously unpopular among the band's core fan base. It is now out of print, and generally disowned by the band. However, in past years it has become a collectors item, and has gained some acceptance from fans. It now can be seen going for more than $100 on eBay, and is often pirated.
In 1984, Greg Hetson (Circle Jerks) replaced Gurewitz. Bad Religion returned to a somewhat mellower, rock and roll version of their original sound with the back to the known, but they disbanded soon after.
The band reformed in 1987 and released suffer in 1988, cementing their comeback in the punk community. Not only is this album considered one of their best by most fans, but it is often credited with "saving" the Southern Californian punk rock scene by fans and Bad Religion's contemporaries alike.
no control (1989) and against the grain (1990) further increased the band's popularity, followed by generator (1992). Before the recording sessions for the latter album commenced, drummer Pete Finestone left the band in to focus on his other band, The Fishermen. Bobby Schayer joined the band as his replacement. recipe for hate (1993) followed shortly thereafter.
With alternative rock breaking into the mainstream, Bad Religion left Epitaph for major label Atlantic and quickly re-released Recipe for Hate on the major label. 1994's stranger than fiction followed, but shortly after its release Brett Gurewitz left the band again. Officially, he cited the increasing amount of time he was spending at Epitaph's offices as the Offspring (then a part of the Epitaph roster) became one of the biggest bands of the mid-1990s. But it was well-known that the departure was not on good terms, as he later accused the band of selling out for leaving Epitaph in favor of a major label. Gurewitz recorded a song with his new band The Daredevils entitled "Hate You," reportedly directed towards Jay Bentley. Gurewitz, moreover, was struggling more seriously with heroin and other addictions that had plagued him for years.
Gurewitz was replaced by Brian Baker, former member of bands such as Minor Threat and Dag Nasty. Previously, Graffin and Gurewitz had split songwriting duties, but Gurewitz's departure left Graffin as the band's lone songwriter.
What followed were a series of moderately successful albums, the gray race (1996), no substance (1998), and the new america (2000). As their popularity waned, Bad Religion left Atlantic in 2001 and returned to Epitaph. Bobby Schayer left the band following a serious shoulder injury and was replaced by Brooks Wackerman (Suicidal Tendencies) and Brett Gurewitz rejoined the band in time to record the process of belief (2002). the empire strikes first was in June 2004. Both albums are widely regarded as a return to form for the band.
In 2004, the band released digitally-remastered versions of five of their early albums (How Could Hell Be Any Worse?, Suffer, No Control, Against the Grain, and Generator). The How Could Hell Be Any Worse? re-issue also contained all of their first EP, the Public Service EP (alternative versions of Bad Religion, Slaves and Drastic Actions from the self titled EP) and Back To The Known.
Bad Religion's fourtheenth full-length studio album, titled new maps of hell, was released on July 10, 2007. It debuted at #35 on the U.S. Billboard 200, selling about 21,000 copies in its first week. It was originally intended to be released in 2006, but was pushed back largely due to the release of Graffin's second solo album, cold as the clay and his work at UCLA.
In 2010, Bad Religion released 30 Years Live for the band's 30th anniversary. The album was available for free to subscribers of the Bad Religion mailing list. Later the same year, Bad Religion released their fifteenth studio album, The Dissent of Man. The album took nearly two years to write and record, mainly due to the band's heavy touring schedule.
Brett Gurewitz, who still heads Epitaph Records, still records with the band and plays local shows, but doesn't tour with them. Greg Hetson can still be found at the occasional Circle Jerks show and helped open a bar in LA. Wackerman is working on a side project called The Kidneys. Graffin spends 10 weeks a year teaching two classes (Life Sciences 1 and Earth and Space Sciences 116) at UCLA. Jay Bentley keeps the Bad Religion MySpace page updated.
Against The Grain
Bad Religion Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A lonely restitution of pavement, pomp and show
I seek a thousand answers, I find but one or two
I maintain no discomfiture, my path again renewed
Against the grain, that's where I'll stay
Swimming upstream, I maintain against the grain
There ignored and defeated by the government
There's an oriented public whose magnetic force will pull
But away from the potential of the individual
Against the grain, that's where I'll stay
Swimming upstream, I maintain against the grain
The flow is getting stronger with small increments of time
And eddies of new ideas are increasingly hard to find
You need all that the other has, it's your right to seize the day
But in all your acquisitions you will soon be swept away
Against the grain, that's where I'll stay
Swimming upstream, I maintain against the grain
There's a common consensus and an uncomfortable cheer
A reverberating chorus that anyone can hear
It sings 'leave your cares behind you, just grab tenaciously'
This lulling sense of purpose will destroy us rapidly
Against the grain, that's where I'll stay
Swimming upstream, I maintain against the grain
Against the grain, against the grain
Against the grain
The lyrics of "Against the Grain" by Bad Religion describe a person who goes against the norms of society. The first verse talks about overcoming the vast wilderness, and the second line suggests that the person is now in a world of superficiality- "lonely restitution of pavement, pomp, and show". The person seeks to find answers, but only finds one or two, which is not enough to break away from the pack. However, the person's path is renewed, and they maintain their composure even when faced with discomfiture. The chorus emphasizes that the person will swim upstream- against the grain, and will maintain this stance.
The second verse discusses how being labeled a lunatic, ignored or defeated by the government, and being part of an oriented public that pulls away from individual potential cannot deter the person from their path. The third verse points to the fact that the flow of conformity is getting stronger, and ideas are harder to come by. While it is important to seize opportunities, the person must also be aware of being swept away by all their acquisitions. The final verse talks about the common consensus and uncomfortable cheer of leaving your cares behind and grabbing onto things tenaciously, which is a lulling sense of purpose that will ultimately destroy us rapidly.
Overall, "Against the Grain" depicts a person who is going against the flow of society but does so with conviction, maintaining their individuality, and resisting the pull towards conformity.
Line by Line Meaning
Three thousand miles of wilderness overcome by the flow
I have traveled a long way through nature and civilization, but still feel pushed by the flow of society.
A lonely restitution of pavement, pomp and show
Despite the urbanization around me, I feel disconnected and alone.
I seek a thousand answers, I find but one or two
I have so many questions about the world, but only a few answers can satisfy me.
I maintain no discomfiture, my path again renewed
I am comfortable with my way of life, and feel refreshed in continuing it.
Against the grain, that's where I'll stay
I will go against societal norms and expectations.
Swimming upstream, I maintain against the grain
I will continue to resist the current of society, and not be pulled along with it.
Here labeled as a lunatic, sequestered and content
Despite being labeled as crazy, I am happy in being apart from society.
There ignored and defeated by the government
The government does not acknowledge or support me in my beliefs.
There's an oriented public whose magnetic force will pull
The public has a strong pull to conform to societal norms.
But away from the potential of the individual
This conformity suppresses the individual's potential.
The flow is getting stronger with small increments of time
Societal pressures to conform are increasing.
And eddies of new ideas are increasingly hard to find
New and innovative ideas are harder to come by in a conformist society.
You need all that the other has, it's your right to seize the day
People think they need to take what others have in order to succeed in life.
But in all your acquisitions you will soon be swept away
This constant need for more will eventually consume and destroy you.
There's a common consensus and an uncomfortable cheer
Many people agree with societal norms, but it makes me uncomfortable.
A reverberating chorus that anyone can hear
This conformity is loud and noticeable to everyone.
It sings 'leave your cares behind you, just grab tenaciously'
People are encouraged to ignore their worries and cling to societal ideals.
This lulling sense of purpose will destroy us rapidly
These false senses of purpose will lead to our downfall.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: GREG GRAFFIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Corey kishman
For me personally (I'm 50) this is one of the best albums of all time. Saw these guys many times at the Commodore Ballroom ( Vancouver, BC) throughout the 90's. Don't wanna argue, just saying. One of the best of all time.
landons play world Lee
I agree. Good stuff. I have seen them several times myself
S50014+81
Blender head.
Mariosaurus
Sir your opinion is correct
Josip Dinješ
No need to argue even i dont think like you. But great songs
knothole5
Everyone has their own opinion. I personally think "How could hell be any worse " was the best. But enjoy it all.
sean t
What a record...still stands up against ANYTHING in punk rock today. This band blazed so many trails and evolved what punk was and could be...without Bad Religion, there would be no Rise Against, no NOFX...and not just because the record company that spawned them was a part of Bad Religion. Anesthesia is one of the greatest songs ever written, and still gets me all riled up.
Dr.Gillingstein
Anesthesia is indeed one of the greatest songs ever written. ♥
sean t
@Josh W Fat Mike has said countless times that Bad Religion were a major influence on the band, musically. Mr. Brett signed them to Epitaph and produced their records, helping to further refine their sound. Mike has gone on to say he copied the business model and practices of Epitaph while building Fat Wreck.
Dave
@Josh W Way to comment utterlly brainlessly to a 9 year old comment well done. jfc.