Keith Morris was their original lead singer. He left the band suddenly in 1979 to form the well-known band, Circle Jerks. Ron Reyes was the second singer for the band, but decided to leave the band not too long after. Dez Cadena would be their next singer, but switched to second guitar when they found fourth and final singer Henry Rollins in Washington D.C. in 1981.
While Black Flag were - and remain - very respected among their underground culture, their music has not been the stylistic model one might expect, in spite of their formidable reputation. Rather, their influence was seen primarily in their tireless promotion of a self-controlled DIY aesthetic. They're often regarded as pioneers in the movement of underground do-it-yourself record labels that flourished among the 1980s' punk rock bands.
Over the course of the 1980s, Black Flag's sound, as well as their notoriety, evolved in ways that alienated much of their early punk audience. They were part of the first wave of American West Coast punk rock, are considered a key influence on Punk culture band, and are especially important in the creation of hardcore punk. Their later sound, however, was often reminiscent of proto-heavy metal bands such as Black Sabbath.
The band broke up in August 1986, when Greg Ginn decided to quit.
Through seemingly-constant touring throughout the USA and Canada, and occasionally Europe, Black Flag established an extremely dedicated fan base. Many other musicians would follow Black Flag's lead and book their own tours, utilizing a word-of-mouth, grass-roots network.
On January 25, 2013, it was announced that guitarist Greg Ginn and vocalist Ron Reyes would reform Black Flag, joined by Gregory Moore on drums, and 'Dale Nixon' on bass (Dale Nixon is a pseudonym sometimes used by Ginn, most prominently as the bassist on My War). The band will tour as well as release a new album, their first since 1985's In My Head. In March of that year, it was announced that Screeching Weasel bassist Dave Klein joined the band. On May 2, 2013, the band released a new song entitled "Down in the Dirt" through their website.
Around the same time, it was announced that the lineup that played at GV 30, Morris, Dukowski, Stevenson and Egerton, would tour performing Black Flag songs, under the name FLAG. It was later announced that the lineup would be joined by Dez Cadena.
Clocked In
Black Flag Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I can't get loose
My day is to myself
Put my brain in a noose
[chorus]
Buzzer sounds, gotta move
Feet move, legs move, hands move, brain moves....
I gotta' be on time
Just to collect my reward
I gotta stand in line
Makes me feel so fucking bored
'boss barks orders at me
But I can't yell back
'cause whenever I try....
Get that son of a bitch off my back
[bridge]
I have this problem every morning,
I gotta' face the clock;
Punch in, punch out, it makes me so pissed off
One of these days I'm gonna smash it off the wall!
Go home!
The lyrics to the Black Flag's song "Clocked In" are about the monotony of working a menial job where one's time is not their own, and the frustration that comes with it. The first verse describes the feeling of being trapped, unable to escape the constraints of the job. The singer wants to "get loose" and be free, but instead their day is controlled by the clock, their brain feeling like it is in a noose.
The chorus repeats the idea that the singer is controlled by the clock, noting that they have to move their feet, legs, hands, and brain all "real slow" as if they are just going through the motions. The second verse expresses the frustration of having to collect a reward, but having to stand in line to get it. The singer is forced to follow orders from their boss, but has no power to fight back or yell back. The bridge speaks to the daily struggle of facing the clock every morning, punching in and out, which only adds to the frustration and resentment of the singer. They dream of smashing the clock off the wall and going home.
Overall, "Clocked In" is a song about feeling trapped in a job, and the anger and rebellion that can arise from the frustration of being controlled by the clock. It is a relatable theme for many people who have worked in jobs where time is not their own, and the lyrics are a rallying cry for anyone who has dreamed of breaking free from the constraints of the clock.
Line by Line Meaning
i tried to apply
I attempted to start my work, but I struggled to do so.
i can't get loose
I am unable to break free from my work responsibilities, which makes me feel trapped.
my day is to myself
I wish I had more control over my time and schedule, but I am at the mercy of my job.
put my brain in a noose
My job requires me to constantly think and focus, which is mentally exhausting and draining.
buzzer sounds, gotta move
The sound of the buzzer signals the start of my work day, and I must begin my tasks immediately.
feet move, legs move, hands move, brain moves....
I must use every part of my body and mind to complete my work tasks efficiently.
real slow
Despite my efforts, I am still not moving at a fast pace, which makes the work day drag on.
i gotta' be on time
I must arrive at work promptly to avoid any negative consequences or disciplinary action.
just to collect my reward
My only motivation for working is the paycheck I receive at the end of the week or month.
i gotta stand in line
I must wait my turn to complete tasks or receive instructions from my superiors.
makes me feel so fucking bored
The monotony and repetition of my job tasks makes me feel unfulfilled and disinterested in my work.
'boss barks orders at me
My boss frequently gives me commands and expects me to follow them without question.
but i can't yell back
I am not able to express my frustration or anger towards my boss or other colleagues.
'cause whenever i try....
Whenever I attempt to defend myself or speak up, I face negative consequences or retaliation.
get that son of a bitch off my back
I want my boss to stop micromanaging me and give me more autonomy and trust in my work abilities.
i have this problem every morning,
Every day, I struggle with the same issues and frustrations related to my job.
i gotta' face the clock;
I have to constantly keep track of the time to ensure I am meeting deadlines and staying on schedule.
punch in, punch out, it makes me so pissed off
The daily routine of clocking in and out of work is tedious and irritating to me.
one of these days i'm gonna smash it off the wall!
I am so frustrated with my job that I often daydream about destructive actions I could take to express my emotions.
go home!
I am eagerly counting down the hours until I can leave work and have time to myself.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind