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.
Padded Cell
Black Flag Lyrics
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I'm living in hell, it's a paradise fraud
Straightjacket minds in line to be old
Telling me how time slips through my teeth
Well I'm no fool, I'm going to town
Manic reactions are always a buzz
Suspect, stranger in disguise
It's forced itself upon me, something I can't hide
See it in, maniacs!
Their eyes, maniacs!
Maniacs, maniacs!
Looking at you, inside of you
Through your eyes, behind your mind
Looking at you, inside of you
I'm invisible, nowhere to hide
I'm obscene, the living dead
See the flies in your head
Looking at you, I'm inside you
It's Walden too but the flower's dead
See it in, maniacs!
Their eyes, maniacs!
Maniacs, maniacs!
Earth's a padded cell, defanged and declawed
I'm living in hell, it's a paradise fraud
Straightjacket minds in line to be old
Telling me how time slips through my teeth
I'm no fool, I'm going to town
Manic reactions are always a buzz
Suspect, the stranger in disguise
Forced itself upon me something I can't hide
See it in, maniacs!
Their eyes, maniacs!
Maniacs, maniacs!
The lyrics to Black Flag's song "Padded Cell" are a commentary on the state of the world, and the idea that we are all trapped in a padded cell, unable to escape the horrors of reality. The first two lines, "Earth's a padded cell, defanged and declawed/I'm living in hell, it's paradise fraud" set the tone for the rest of the song, and suggest that life on Earth is far from perfect. The singer feels trapped in a world that is both inescapable and false.
The straightjacket minds in line to be old represents society's expectations that we conform and follow a set path in life, telling us how time slips through our teeth. But the singer refuses to conform and chooses to live life on their own terms, seeking out the thrill of manic reactions in a world that may seem crazy and out of control. The lyrics continue to describe the sense of being observed and scrutinized by others, with the refrain "See it in, maniacs! Their eyes, maniacs!" suggesting that everyone is unhinged and unstable, even those we might think of as "normal."
The final lines of the song, "It's Walden too but the flower's dead/See it in, maniacs! Their eyes, maniacs!" seem to suggest that even the natural world has been corrupted and stripped of its beauty, and that there is no escape from the madness of the world. Ultimately, "Padded Cell" is a dark reflection on the human condition, and a commentary on the ways in which we are all trapped and limited by our circumstances.
Line by Line Meaning
Earth's a padded cell, defanged and declawed
The world is like a mental institution, stripped of its natural power and ability.
I'm living in hell, it's a paradise fraud
The singer feels trapped in a false sense of happiness and comfort.
Straightjacket minds in line to be old
Society's expectations force people to conform and eventually become rigid and inflexible.
Telling me how time slips through my teeth
People pressure the artist to conform to their way of life, making it hard for the artist to use their time the way they want to.
Well I'm no fool, I'm going to town
The artist refuses to conform and will take their own path.
Manic reactions are always a buzz
The singer finds excitement in their nonconformity.
Suspect, stranger in disguise
The singer feels like an outsider, even though they are not that different from everyone else.
It's forced itself upon me, something I can't hide
The artist's identity is something they cannot conceal, despite others' expectations.
See it in, maniacs!
The artist sees a kindred spirit in those who defy the norm.
Their eyes, maniacs!
The intensity of their conviction is visible in their eyes.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: CHARLES DUKOWSKI, GREGORY REGIS GINN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind