Black Flag is an American hardcore punk band formed in 1976 in Hermosa Beac… Read Full Bio ↴Black Flag is an American hardcore punk band formed in 1976 in Hermosa Beach, California, United States, largely the brainchild of Greg Ginn, the guitarist, primary songwriter and sole continuous member through multiple personnel changes.

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.

Gimmie Gimmie Gimmie
Black Flag Lyrics

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Gimme gimme gimme
I need some more
Gimme gimme gimme
Don't ask what for

One-two-three-four!

Standing here like a loaded gun

Waiting to go off
I've got nothing to do but
Shoot my mouth off

Gimme gimme gimme
Gimme some more
Gimme gimme gimme
Don't ask what for

I'm gonna go out
Get something for my head
If I keep on doing this, I'm gonna end up dead

So, gimme gimme gimme
Gimme some more
Gimme gimme gimme
Don't ask what for

I know the world's got problems
I've got problems of my own
Not the kind that can be solved with an atom bomb

So, gimme gimme gimme
Gimme some more
Gimme gimme gimme
Don't ask what for

Gimme gimme gimme
I need some more
Gimme gimme gimme
Don't ask what for

One-two-three-four!

Standing here like a loaded gun
Waiting to go off
I've got nothing to do but
Shoot my mouth off

So, gimme gimme gimme
Gimme some more

Gimme gimme gimme
Don't ask what for

Overall Meaning

The song "Gimmie Gimmie Gimmie" by Black Flag is a punk rock anthem of dissatisfaction and frustration with the world. The repeated phrase "Gimme gimme gimme" echoes the demands of a consumer-driven society that is hungry for more and more, even though it may not be clear what exactly it is that is wanted or needed. The song seems to capture the feeling of being stuck in a rut and needing a change, but not knowing how to go about making that change or finding what it is that is missing in one's life.

The line "Standing here like a loaded gun, waiting to go off" suggests a sense of explosive energy and potential that is not being utilized in a productive way - instead, the singer is "shooting their mouth off," perhaps in frustration and anger. The line "I'm gonna go out, get something for my head, if I keep on doing this, I'm gonna end up dead" hints at a literal or metaphorical drug addiction or self-destructive behavior that is being used as a coping mechanism.

Overall, "Gimmie Gimmie Gimmie" is a powerful punk rock anthem that captures the feeling of frustration and dissatisfaction with the world that many people experience at some point in their lives.

Line by Line Meaning

Gimme gimme gimme
I desire more things

I need some more
I have an insatiable hunger for things

Don't ask what for
I don't have a specific reason or purpose for wanting more things

One-two-three-four!
An arbitrary countdown before continuing the song

Standing here like a loaded gun
I am restless and ready to take action

Waiting to go off
I am waiting for the right opportunity to act and fulfill my desire for more things

I've got nothing to do but
My only focus is on obtaining more things

Shoot my mouth off
I only talk about my desires and do not take any real action

I'm gonna go out
I'm going to take action to get more things

Get something for my head
I am going to find something to satisfy my cravings

If I keep on doing this, I'm gonna end up dead
My intense desire for more things is leading me towards self-destruction