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.
Social Suicide
Bad Religion Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well it's finally time to face my fears
Gonna get the hell out of here
And create a fresher atmosphere
But the consequences clear
There's a furnace set on high
And the yearning undefyed
It's social suicide
Like you
Perseverance is a useless tool
Just a patron on a ship of fools
Painting interest in the cast and crew
Why you've broken every single rule
There's a furnace set on high
And the yearning undefyed
But it's time to turn the tide
It's social suicide
Shadows entertain me
I don't want it masses
Shadows explain their known reactions
I don't even know if I can ever find truth
But I'm sure it won't come from far away
There's a furnace set on high
And the yearning undefied
But it's time to turn the tide
It's social suicide
The lyrics of Bad Religion's "Social Suicide" speaks of facing one's fears and leaving a current situation in order to create a new and better environment, but at the same time acknowledging the consequences that come with such a decision. The image of a furnace set on high creates a sense of danger and urgency while the yearning that is indefied refers to a strong desire that cannot be resisted. However, there is a realization that this decision may lead to social suicide - social isolation or ostracism.
The second verse speaks to the uselessness of perseverance and the futility of trying to fit in. The persona is disinterested in trying to conform to societal norms and creates a sense of being an outsider, "just a patron on a ship of fools". The last stanza, "shadows entertain me", may refer to being satisfied with mediocrity or in the illusion of happiness without the effort of exploring and understanding the truth. The lyrics convey a sense of nostalgia for a time when a truth was clear and society encouraged individuality.
Overall, "Social Suicide" speaks to the feeling of being stifled by society and the need to break free, even if it means going against the norm or risking one's reputation. It also shows the struggle for truth and authenticity amidst societal pressures to conform.
Line by Line Meaning
Right now
At this moment
Well it's finally time to face my fears
I'm ready to confront my anxieties
Gonna get the hell out of here
I'm going to leave this place quickly
And create a fresher atmosphere
I plan to establish a new, refreshing environment
But the consequences clear
However, the results are obvious
There's a furnace set on high
A powerful force is in motion
And the yearning undefyed
The will to change cannot be denied
But it's time to turn the tide
It is now the moment to reverse the course
It's social suicide
The societal consequences will be dire
Like you
Similar to you
Perseverance is a useless tool
Endurance has no practical value
Just a patron on a ship of fools
Simply a supporter of a group making foolish decisions
Painting interest in the cast and crew
Faking concern for the actors and staff
Why you've broken every single rule
You have disobeyed all the regulations
Shadows entertain me
I find comfort in obscurity
I don't want it masses
I don't want to conform to the masses
Shadows explain their own reactions
The obscureness elucidates their behavior
I don't even know if I can ever find truth
I'm uncertain if I'll ever discover the truth
But I'm sure it won't come from far away
But I'm sure it's not somewhere distant
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BRETT W. GUREWITZ, GREG GRAFFIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
_ alex _
Social Suicide
Right now
Well it's finally time to face my fears
Gonna get the hell out of here
And create a fresher atmosphere
But the consequences clear
There's a furnace set on high
And the yearning undefyed
But it's time to turn the tide
It's social suicide
Like you
Perseverance is a useless tool
Just a patron on a ship of fools
Painting interest in the cast and crew
Why you've broken every single rule
There's a furnace set on high
And the yearning undefyed
But it's time to turn the tide
It's social suicide
Shadows entertain me
I don't want it masses
Shadows explain their known reactions
I don't even know if I can ever find truth
But I'm sure it won't come from far away
There's a furnace set on high
And the yearning undefied
But it's time to turn the tide
It's social suicide
Enrique Tamayo Torres
Right now
Well it's finally time to face my fears
Gonna get the hell out of here
And create a fresher atmosphere
But the consequences clear
There's a furnace set on high
And the yearning undefyed
But it's time to turn the tide
It's social suicide
Like you
Perseverance is a useless tool
Just a patron on a ship of fools
Painting interest in the cast and crew
Why you've broken every single rule
There's a furnace set on high
And the yearning undefyed
But it's time to turn the tide
It's social suicide
Shadows entertain me
I don't want it masses
Shadows explain their known reactions
I don't even know if I can ever find truth
But I'm sure it won't come from far away
There's a furnace set on high
And the yearning undefied
But it's time to turn the tide
It's social suicide
Jevon Washington
WWE Friday Night SmackDown! 2009 Theme Song Bad Religion Social Suicide
Friday Night SmackDown! Commentary Jim Ross & Todd Grisham SmackDown! Ring Announcer Andrew Nelson
Backstage Interview Josh Matthews
WWE Superstars and Divas
World Heavyweight Championship Jeff Hardy
Intercontinental Championship Oval Rey Mysterio
WWE Tag Team Championship Chris Jericho and Edge
WWE Women's Championship Michelle McCool
SmackDown! General Manager Steve Harvey
Lorrenzo Sigala
This is such an underrated song. This shit hits hella hard.
Taypan Erduran
One of the greatest songs of its genre in my opinion. Unfortunately so underrated. Memories with T.H. Project 8.
chrissipher
oh totally agree. this defines 2000s skate punk for me tbh, its literally a perfect song.
_ alex _
Social Suicide
Right now
Well it's finally time to face my fears
Gonna get the hell out of here
And create a fresher atmosphere
But the consequences clear
There's a furnace set on high
And the yearning undefyed
But it's time to turn the tide
It's social suicide
Like you
Perseverance is a useless tool
Just a patron on a ship of fools
Painting interest in the cast and crew
Why you've broken every single rule
There's a furnace set on high
And the yearning undefyed
But it's time to turn the tide
It's social suicide
Shadows entertain me
I don't want it masses
Shadows explain their known reactions
I don't even know if I can ever find truth
But I'm sure it won't come from far away
There's a furnace set on high
And the yearning undefied
But it's time to turn the tide
It's social suicide
Shangri-la-la-la
Throw back 15 years ago when I was first starting a music library from the CD collection my sister had.This who album is ingrained into my head.
Arturo Batista
Its a great Album and a great band!
kevinthekozakian
The older these albums get the more prophetic they are.
Selwyn Ellison
Such a catchy song
Booker_Sartoris
Loved listening to this song when racing in MX vs ATV untamed, legit nostalgia
April.w
same!