Based in Austin, Texas the band members were Randy 'Biscuit' Turner on vocals, Tim Kerr on guitar and Chris Gates on bass. Over the years the group played with four drummers in all; Steve Collier, Greg Murray, Fred Shultz and Rey Washam. The band also featured a horn section on some recordings and at many of their shows.
The hardcore punk style, a development from the earlier punk sound, arose spontaneously in various cities, but in Austin it was represented by MDC, Big Boys and The Dicks. The bands often played with each other, and Big Boys and The Dicks released a split single and an LP, Live At Raul's, together. Big Boys shows were legendary, frequently involving food fights, 'Biscuit' in a tutu, or dress, and invitations to the audience to come up and sing along, which often occurred. At the end of early shows the band was famous for yelling, "OK y'all, go start your own band". The Big Boys are credited as well with the introduction of funk rhythms to hardcore, producing funkcore, an innovation influential on later bands such as Red Hot Chili Peppers. They were also one of the first bands involved in the skate punk scene, appearing in Thrasher skateboarding magazine and in Thrasher's videos, and had their own Big Boys skateboard. After a Bad Brains show in Austin that ended in controversy involving Biscuit (and later inspired the song "Pay to Come Along" by MDC), conflicts began to arise within the band, specifically between Biscuit and Chris. The Big Boys played their last show very unexpectedly. Biscuit and Chris never spoke to each other again.
Tim Kerr went on to play with many bands, including Poison 13, Bad Mutha Goose, Monkeywrench, Jack O Fire, Lord High Fixers and, in 2004, The Total Sound Group. He has also been involved with the recording of bands. Chris Gates was also with Poison 13, Junkyard and Charter Bulldogs. Chris can currently be heard fronting Big Chris Gates and Gatesville, a southern fried country group based in Austin. Of their drummers, Rey Washam has played consistently with such groups as Jerry's Kids, Scratch Acid, and Ministry. Randy Turner has performed with The Slurpees, Cargo Cult, and Swine King, the latter band contributing the song "All Broke Down" to Outpunk Records' Outpunk Dance Party compilation. In 2004 the queercore band Limp Wrist released the song "Ode", a homage to Randy 'Biscuit' Turner and Gary Floyd of The Dicks as well as Joshua Plague of Mukilteo Fairies, as inspirational openly gay men in the hardcore punk scene. Big Boys were innovative in many ways and were influential in the direction music and music scenes would take in their wake. Randy Turner was found dead from Hepatitis C complications in his home on August 18, 2005.
Security
Big Boys Lyrics
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Security
You got a house
Security
You got a car
Security
You got a kid
Security
You got some clothes
Security
You got a smile
Security
You got some money
Security
You got some friends
Security
You got a gun
Security
You got your locks
Security
You got some dogs
Security
You got alarms
Security
I got me
These lyrics describe how people often rely on external factors to provide a sense of security in their lives, such as having a job, a home, a car, a child, clothes, money, and friends. However, the final line, "I got me," suggests that true security comes from within, and that one can find peace and confidence by relying on oneself rather than external possessions or relationships.
This message is particularly relevant in a society that often emphasizes material success and external validation. By reminding listeners that they can find security within themselves rather than seeking it from outside sources, the song encourages a more independent and self-reliant mindset.
In addition to its thoughtful message, the song also has a catchy beat and features the distinctive punk rock sound for which Big Boys are known. Its lyrical simplicity and repetition make it an easy song to remember and sing along to, while its underlying meaning provides food for thought.
Line by Line Meaning
You got a job
The fact that you have a job provides you with a sense of security in terms of financial stability.
You got a house
Having a house gives you a sense of security and stability in terms of having a place to live.
You got a car
Having a car provides you with a sense of security in terms of transportation and mobility.
You got a kid
Having a child gives you a sense of security in terms of having someone to care for and to care for you in return.
You got some clothes
Having clothes gives you a sense of security in terms of being able to cover and protect your body.
You got a smile
Being able to smile provides you with a sense of security in terms of your emotional well-being and social interactions.
You got some money
Having money gives you a sense of security in terms of being able to provide for yourself and your loved ones.
You got some friends
Having friends gives you a sense of security in terms of having a support system and companionship.
You got a gun
Having a gun provides you with a sense of security in terms of self-defense and protection.
You got your locks
Having locks gives you a sense of security in terms of being able to control who can enter your home or property.
You got some dogs
Having dogs provides you with a sense of security in terms of protection and companionship.
You got alarms
Having alarms gives you a sense of security in terms of being alerted to potential dangers or threats.
I got me
I find security within myself and my own abilities, rather than relying on external possessions or factors.
Contributed by Charlie K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.