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.
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Black Flag Lyrics
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I'm not happy, I'm not free
Paycheck to paycheck, living for what?
Every night I get drunk to get sunk
I need action
Won't take no more, no more, no more, no more
It won't work, won't work no more
I knew what I had when I grew up
I know that it really sucked
Now I'm a slave to the same lies
If I don't get out I'm gonna die
I need action
Won't take no more, no more, no more, no more
It won't work, won't work no more
Control, control for who, for what?
I'm no robot, they can get fucked
Reactions, masochism, this can't last
I need to live, I need it now
I need action
Won't take no more, no more, no more, no more, no more, no more, no
In this song, Black Flag expresses their disillusionment with the American Dream and the idea that one can find happy and free life by working hard and earning a steady paycheck. The lyrics highlight the monotony and dissatisfaction of a life spent living paycheck to paycheck, with no purpose in sight. Rather than accept this life, the singer declares that they will take action and no longer tolerate the status quo.
The repeated phrase "I need action" is the rallying cry of the song, signifying the singer's desire to break free from the constraints of society and live a more authentic, fulfilling life. The song suggests that the American Dream is a lie, and that living as a slave to the system is not living at all.
The line "Control, control for who, for what?" questions the validity of societal norms and suggests that individual freedom is being sacrificed for the benefit of the few. The song's powerful message is a call to action for listeners to recognize their own enslavement and to take steps towards liberating themselves.
Line by Line Meaning
No, I won't believe that this is all
I refuse to believe that this is the only way to live my life.
I'm not happy, I'm not free
I am miserable and trapped in my current situation.
Paycheck to paycheck, living for what?
I am barely scraping by and don't have anything to show for it.
Every night I get drunk to get sunk
I resort to alcohol as the only way to escape my reality.
I need action
I am desperate for a change in my life.
Won't take no more, no more, no more, no more
I cannot tolerate my current situation any longer.
It won't work, won't work no more
Things cannot continue as they have been.
I knew what I had when I grew up
I was aware of the problems in the world since I was young.
I know that it really sucked
I recognize that the world and the system are flawed and unfair.
Now I'm a slave to the same lies
I am a victim of the same corrupt system that I despise.
If I don't get out I'm gonna die
If I don't find a way out, my life will inevitably come to a miserable end.
Control, control for who, for what?
The people in power do not have my best interests in mind, and I question their motives and actions.
I'm no robot, they can get fucked
I am not a mindless machine, and I will not be controlled or manipulated by those in power.
Reactions, masochism, this can't last
The negative and destructive patterns in my life cannot continue indefinitely.
I need to live, I need it now
I am desperate to start truly living my life, instead of just going through the motions.
No more, no more, no more, no more, no more, no more, no
I absolutely refuse to keep living my life this way, and I will not back down until things change.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: CHARLES DUKOWSKI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind