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.
Depression
Black Flag Lyrics
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I ain't got no one else
The situation is bleeding me
There's no relief for a person like me
Depression's got a hold of me
Depression, gotta break free
Depression's got a hold of me
I ain't got no friends to call my own
I just sit here all alone
There's no girls that want to touch me
I don't need any of your fucking sympathy
Depression's got a hold of me
Depression, I gotta break free
Depression's got a hold of me
Depression's g-gonna kill me
Everybody just get away
I'm gonna boil over inside today
They say things are gonna get better
All I know is they fuckin' better
Depression's got a hold of me
Depression, gotta break free
Depression's got a hold of me
Depression's gonna kill me
Aah, aah, depression's got a hold of me
Depression, gotta break free
Depression's got a hold of me
Depression's gonna kill me
Aah, aah!
Black Flag's song "Depression" is a poignant and evocative portrayal of the debilitating emotional and mental state of depression. The singer of the song is alone - without friends or anyone to turn to - and feels utterly hopeless and helpless in the face of his condition. He is overwhelmed by feelings of despair, and his situation is literally "bleeding" him - this may refer to the physical manifestations of depression, such as self-harm or the toll it takes on one's body. The refrain of the song - "depression's got a hold of me" - is a recognition of the powerful grip that this illness can have on a person's life.
The lyrics also express a sense of anger and frustration at the lack of understanding or support from others. The singer doesn't want anyone's sympathy - in fact, he seems to push people away and relish the isolation that depression can bring. The final lines of the song express a sense of desperation and a need for something to change: "They say things are gonna get better / All I know is they fuckin' better." The repetition of the chorus drives home the message that depression is not something to be taken lightly and can have deadly consequences.
Line by Line Meaning
Right here, all by myself
I am currently alone and without company.
I ain't got no one else
I do not have any companions around me.
The situation is bleeding me
The circumstance is causing me emotional and mental distress.
There's no relief for a person like me
There is no respite or reprieve for an individual in my depressed state.
Depression's got a hold of me
I am currently in the clutches of depression.
Depression, gotta break free
I must break free from the hold of depression.
Depression's gonna kill me
If I don't overcome my depression, it may lead to my ultimate demise.
I ain't got no friends to call my own
I have no personal relationships or friendships currently.
I just sit here all alone
I am currently sitting in solitude.
There's no girls that want to touch me
I am without any sexual or romantic connections.
I don't need any of your fucking sympathy
I do not wish to receive pity or compassion from anyone else.
Everybody just get away
I am feeling the need to be alone and isolated from others.
I'm gonna boil over inside today
I am currently feeling a rise in emotions that will soon erupt violently.
They say things are gonna get better
There are people who believe that my circumstances will improve.
All I know is they fuckin' better
I am only aware that it would be best for me if things improve.
Aah, aah, depression's got a hold of me
I am still being held captive by my depression.
Depression, gotta break free
I must break the chains of my depression.
Depression's gonna kill me
The weight of depression may cause fatal consequences if not addressed.
Aah, aah!
Exclamation of deep emotional pain and anguish.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: GREGORY REGIS GINN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind