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.
My Rules
Black Flag Lyrics
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I won't reach out for your hand
You offer me cool, and I reject it
I won′t wear your brand
I've got enough rules of my own
Pushing in on me
I don't need any more
You offer me your acceptance
You think that′s important to me
Well, I don′t like anybody
That's got all the answers for me
I′ve got enough rules of my own
Pushing in on me
I don't need any more
Rules that keep me tied up
Well, maybe now you′re getting what you expected
That may change
But I can change my mind any time
And I just might turn it on you
I've got enough rules of my own
Pushing in on me
I don′t need any more
Rules that keep me tied up
Ah
, the Black Flag classic "My Rules" is a song that captures the defiant spirit of punk rock. In the song, the lead singer states that he doesn't need anyone to tell him what to do and that he has enough rules of his own. He rejects the idea of conforming to someone else's standards, whether it is through fashion, ideology, or otherwise. He doesn't want anyone's acceptance and doesn't like people who claim to have all the answers. Ultimately, he asserts his autonomy and the power to change his mind whenever he pleases.
The lyrics can be interpreted as an expression of anti-authoritarianism and a rejection of the expectations of society. The idea of having "rules" can be seen as a metaphor for societal norms and conventions that people often feel pressured to follow. The song suggests that individuals have the power to define their own identity without relying on the approval of others.
The lyrics also evoke a sense of anger and frustration, which is characteristic of punk rock. The lead singer's refusal to conform to external expectations is not just a matter of personal preference but also a political statement against the structures of power that seek to control individuals.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't need a break from you
I don't need space away from you
I won't reach out for your hand
I won't seek your help or rely on you
You offer me cool, and I reject it
You offer me your trends or clothing style, but I don't want it
I won't wear your brand
I won't conform to your particular label or identity
I've got enough rules of my own
I have my own set of guiding principles to follow
Pushing in on me
They can feel overwhelming or stifling
I don't need any more
I don't want to be restricted or limited any further
Rules that keep me tied up
I don't want to be trapped or constrained by more rules
You offer me your acceptance
You offer me approval or validation
You think that's important to me
You assume that I want or need your validation
Well, I don't like anybody
I don't want to conform to anyone's ideas or expectations
That's got all the answers for me
I don't want anyone telling me what to do or how to live my life
Well, maybe now you're getting what you expected
You may be realizing that I won't conform to your expectations
That may change
My stance or attitude may change over time
But I can change my mind any time
I have the freedom to change my thoughts or perspectives at any moment
And I just might turn it on you
I might decide to challenge or resist your ideas or rules
Ah
Writer(s): Gregory Regis Ginn, Unknown Unknown
Contributed by Harper L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.