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.
I Can See You
Black Flag Lyrics
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You can see me
I can hear you
You can hear me
I can feel you
You can feel me
I can see you
You can see me
You can hear me
I can feel you
You can feel me
Don't Stab me in the back
Don't Stab me in the back
Don't Stab me in the back
Don't Stab me in the back
I can see you
You can see me
I can hear you
You can hear me
I can feel you
You can feel me
I can see you
You can see me
I can hear you
You can hear me
I can feel you
You can feel me
Don't Stab me in the back
Don't Stab me in the back
Don't Stab me in the back
Don't Stab me in the back
Don't Stab me in the back
Don't Stab me in the back
Don't Stab me in the back
Don't Stab me in the back
I can see you
You can see me I can hear you
You can hear me I can feel you
You can feel me I can see you
You can see me I can hear you
You can hear me I can feel you
You can feel me
Don't Stab me in the back
Don't Stab me in the back
Don't Stab me in the back
Don't Stab me in the back
I can feel you
Really, I can,
Friend
The lyrics to Black Flag's song "I Can See You" are deceptively simple. The song repeats the same phrases over and over, almost like a mantra, with the singer assertively stating that they can see, hear and feel the other person, while cautioning them not to stab them in the back. The repetition of these lines creates a sense of urgency and anxiety, as if the singer is trying to convince themselves that they can maintain a connection with the other person, but also aware that there is a risk of betrayal.
One interpretation of these lyrics is that they are about the difficulty of maintaining a relationship or a sense of intimacy with someone while also being aware of the potential for hurt and betrayal. The repeated lines "I can see you" and "You can see me" suggest a mutual recognition or awareness, but the fear of being stabbed in the back indicates a lack of trust. The lines "I can feel you/You can feel me" also suggest a physical or emotional connection, which can be reassuring but also vulnerable.
Another possible interpretation is that the song is about the difficulty of communication and the fear of being misunderstood or misrepresented. The repeated lines could be seen as an attempt to establish a clear understanding between two people, but the caution not to be stabbed in the back suggests that there is a risk of misinterpretation or betrayal. The line "Don't stab me in the back" could be seen as a plea for honesty and transparency, or as a warning against manipulation or deception.
Overall, "I Can See You" is a tense and confrontational song that explores themes of connection, trust and communication, set against a driving punk rock beat.
Line by Line Meaning
I can see you
I am aware of your existence and actions
You can see me
You are aware of my existence and actions
I can hear you
I am aware of the things you say
You can hear me
You are aware of the things I say
I can feel you
I am aware of your emotions and intentions
You can feel me
You are aware of my emotions and intentions
Don't Stab me in the back
Do not betray or deceive me
I can feel you
I am aware of your true feelings and motives
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: GREGORY REGIS GINN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind