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.
Damaged II
Black Flag Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm confused, confused, don't wanna be confused
Stupid attempts, no conclusions
I'm confused, confused, don't wanna be confused
Put the gun to my head, and I don't pull
I'm confused, confused, don't wanna be confused
But you can't make me long for your life and security
Don't even feel a thing, no I don't wanna see
But you can't make me long for your life and security
Problems stick, my life drips
Feelings, stupid feelings
Stupid illusions
I'm confused, confused, don't wanna be confused
Scars
Aargh!
I'm confused, confused, my emotions are bruised
Wrong in what you think, you don't feel shit
I'm confused, confused, don't wanna be confused
Don't even feel a thing, don't even wanna see
But you can't make me long for your life and security
Don't even feel a thing, don't even wanna see
But you can't make me long for your life and security
Problems stick, my life drips
Feelings start
Aah
I'm confused, you are wrong, don't wanna be wrong
Stupid incompetence, stupid in what you think
I'm confused, leave me alone, I don't wanna be wrong
When I talk to you my mind falls apart
I'm confused, confused, don't wanna be confused
Don't even feel a thing, no I don't wanna see
You can't make me long for your life and security
Problems, my problems
No longer feel a thing, don't even wanna see
You can't make me long for your life and security
Problems stick, my life
Feelings, everything I know
The lyrics to Black Flag's "Damaged II" convey a sense of confusion, frustration, and emotional turmoil. The repeated refrain of "I'm confused, confused, don't wanna be confused" underscores the singer's sense of bewilderment and lack of control over their life. The image of putting a gun to their head and not pulling triggers provides a stark contrast to the earlier line "damaged by you, damaged by me" which implies that the emotional wounds inflicted by others may be just as dangerous as any physical threat.
Throughout the song, the singer expresses anger and bitterness towards an unnamed person. They reject the other person's attempts to make them "long for your life and security" and assert their own independence and autonomy. However, they also acknowledge the power of emotions and their own vulnerability to being "confused" and "bruised" by interactions with others.
Overall, "Damaged II" is a raw and intense expression of the pain and complexity of human relationships. The lyrics suggest that even as we strive for independence and self-determination, we are always inextricably bound up with others, and their actions can have a profound impact on our well-being.
Line by Line Meaning
Damaged by you, damaged by me
Both of us have caused damage to each other
I'm confused, confused, don't wanna be confused
I am experiencing confusion and I do not want to feel this way
Stupid attempts, no conclusions
I have made unintelligent efforts with no success
Put the gun to my head, and I don't pull
I have contemplated suicide, but I did not follow through with it
Don't even feel a thing, no, I don't wanna see
I am emotionally numb and would rather not face reality
But you can't make me long for your life and security
You cannot convince me to want your way of life or feeling of safety
Problems stick, my life drips
My issues are persistent and my life is slipping away
Feelings, stupid feelings
Emotions are frustrating and illogical
Scars
Physical or emotional traumas that have left lasting marks
Aargh!
Expressing frustration and pain
My emotions are bruised
My feelings have been hurt and are now sensitive
Wrong in what you think, you don't feel shit
You are mistaken in your beliefs and lack empathy
Don't even feel a thing, don't even wanna see
I am emotionally detached and do not wish to observe
Problems start, my life drips
Issues arise and my existence continues to slip away
Aah
Exclamation of distress or pain
Stupid incompetence, stupid in what you think
You lack intelligence and understanding
Leave me alone, I don't wanna be wrong
I want to be left alone and avoid being incorrect
When I talk to you my mind falls apart
I become overwhelmed and lose control of my thoughts when conversing with you
Problems, my problems
My issues, concerns, and troubles
No longer feel a thing, don't even wanna see
I am emotionally numb and do not desire to witness anything
Feelings, everything I know
My emotions have dictated my experiences and understanding
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: GREGORY REGIS GINN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind