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.
Fuck You
Bad Religion Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It never hurts to have a strategy you can go to
Sometimes I have no sense at all
As most flawed men are one to do
Just say fuck you
Pavlovian rude
A menace too
Pay homage to
Your bad attitude
You can even get cerebral if you want to
Make a radical assessment that sticks like glue
Sometimes it takes no thought at all
The easiest thing to do
Is say fuck you
Pavlovian rude
A menace too
Pay homage to
Your bad attitude
The reaction it brings, just one of those things
Your friends might not want you around
If the impulse is right you might get in a fight
Even though you can't hold your ground
But all rest assured, sometimes just a word
Is the most satisfying sound
Sometimes it makes no sense at all
The easiest thing to do
Is say fuck you
Pavlovian rude
A menace too
Pay homage to your bad attitude
Just say fuck you
What you gonna do to your attitude
Just say fuck you
The lyrics of Bad Religion's song You deal with the various ways in which people express their frustration and anger towards others. The first two lines suggest that it is common for people to have a catchy line or slogan that expresses their beliefs or outlook on life. The next lines, "Sometimes I have no sense at all; as most flawed men are one to do," indicate that the singer, like most people, can be impulsive and irrational when it comes to expressing anger. Despite this, the chorus presents a simple, yet powerful solution that the singer proposes - "Just say fuck you."
The lyrics elaborate on different ways in which people can express their frustration. The second verse suggests that people can take a more cerebral approach and make a radical assessment. However, the easiest and most satisfying way, according to the singer, is to just say "fuck you." The lyrics acknowledge that this approach may not always be the best, as it can lead to fights, and even alienation from friends. Nevertheless, the singer still sees value in the simplicity and straightforwardness of saying "fuck you."
Overall, the song is a commentary on how people express their anger and frustration towards others. The singer seems to suggest that while there may be different ways to do this, sometimes the simplest and most impulsive way is the most satisfying. The song also suggests that there are consequences to such actions, and acknowledges that this approach is not always the best way to deal with one's emotions.
Line by Line Meaning
Everybody needs a slogan in their pocket or two
Having a go-to phrase or motto can be helpful in various situations
It never hurts to have a strategy you can go to
Having a plan or approach can prevent feeling overwhelmed or unprepared
Sometimes I have no sense at all
Admitting to imperfection is a common trait among humans
As most flawed men are one to do
Imperfection is a human characteristic that affects all genders
Just say fuck you
Expressing anger or frustration in a vulgar way can be empowering
Pavlovian rude
Reacting angrily in response to a specific stimulus can be a learned behavior
A menace too
'Bad' behavior can have a disruptive and intimidating effect on others
Pay homage to
Acknowledging and embracing one's own 'bad' behavior
Your bad attitude
Accepting and owning one's own negative attitude and behavior
You can even get cerebral if you want to
One can analyze or approach their negative behavior or attitude in a thoughtful way
Make a radical assessment that sticks like glue
Taking a critical look at one's own behavior can lead to significant changes
Sometimes it takes no thought at all
Reacting impulsively can be the easiest way to handle a situation, even if it's not the best way
The easiest thing to do
Taking the path of least resistance is a common human behavior
The reaction it brings, just one of those things
Aggressive or rude behavior can provoke a negative reaction from others
Your friends might not want you around
Consistently exhibiting 'bad' behavior can cause friends or peers to distance themselves
If the impulse is right you might get in a fight
Reacting aggressively can lead to physical altercations or confrontations
Even though you can't hold your ground
Not being able to back up aggressive behavior can lead to feelings of inadequacy or embarrassment
But all rest assured, sometimes just a word
Saying something provocative or vulgar can make one feel empowered or in control
Sometimes it makes no sense at all
Human behavior can often be irrational or illogical
What you gonna do to your attitude
Asking oneself what changes can be made to improve one's negative attitude and behavior
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Greg Graffin, Brett Gurewitz
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@sabbaseleftheriadis5601
Man this band..
So many years in the trade, and still they're making masterpieces like they're first timers.
@davewalker9823
sabbas eleftheriadis yeah they are! Totally agree man.
@Pedro370100
Most authentic and honest punk rock band ever, gotta love these guys
@BrettGurewitz
I guarantee you that the 8 dislikes are from our biggest fans.
@ki4dbk
Holy cow, my name is Brett too. One of the thumbs up was from my opposable thumb. It came 13.8 Billion years to thumbs up this video. It was a Long time Coming before that but here we are. ;-) Thanks for 42 years of Integrity and Scrutiny.
Wither The Path, whether worth the fee. ...skeptical scrutiny is always worth the fee.
@scouts9447
Haha They're just saying it back lol At least they get it.
@chriskennedy2298
Mr brett hope you're well
@chriskennedy2298
The intro is iron maiden - wicker man, right?
@megenthal
hey brett, how is it possible that br have not created a song called godspeed?
@rafaelvalle5451
I got fired today. The chorus is the exactly thing what I would like to say to my damned boss