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.
Police Story
Black Flag Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They take the rights away from all the kids
Understand that we're fighting a war we can't win
They hate us, we hate them
We can't win, no way, aah
Walk down the street
I flip them off
Understand, we're fighting a war we can't win
They hate us, we hate them
Nothing I do, nothing I say
I tell them to go get fucked
They put me away
Understand, we're fighting a war we can't win
They hate us, we hate them
We can't win, no way
Gonna fucking pay, motherfuckers gonna pay
I got to court, I did my crime
Stand in line, pay bail
I may serve time
Understand we're fighting a war we can't win
They hate us, we hate them
We can't win, no way
Black Flag's song "Police Story" is a raw and angry commentary on police brutality and the abuse of power in the law enforcement system. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a city that is controlled by corrupt and violent police officers who strip away the rights of the citizens, especially the youth. The song expresses a sentiment of defiance and resistance against the unjust and oppressive system, even though the outcome of the fight seems bleak and futile.
The lyrics also touch upon the personal experiences of the singer who faces physical violence and unjust arrests at the hands of the police. The singer acknowledges the power dynamics involved in this fight and how the police force has the upper hand in terms of resources and authority. Despite this, the singer refuses to be silent and continues to fight back in whatever ways possible. The repetition of the line "They hate us, we hate them" emphasizes the divisive nature of the conflict between the police and the citizens and the lack of trust and respect between the two sides.
Overall, "Police Story" is a classic punk rock anthem that addresses an enduring issue in American society, and stands as a testament to the band's fierce commitment to promoting social justice and equality.
Line by Line Meaning
Fucking city is run by pigs
The city is controlled by corrupt and oppressive police officers
They take the rights away from all the kids
The police deprive the youth of their basic rights and freedoms
Understand that we're fighting a war we can't win
We are engaged in a struggle against a powerful and unjust system that is impossible to defeat
They hate us, we hate them
There is a deep-seated animosity and hostility between the people and the police
We can't win, no way, aah
There is no possibility of victory in our battle against the police
Walk down the street
Walking in public
I flip them off
Making an obscene gesture towards the police
They hit me across the head with a billyclub
The police use excessive and violent force against us
Nothing I do, nothing I say
The police are unresponsive to any attempts to reason with them
I tell them to go get fucked
Telling the police to go away and leave us alone
They put me away
The police arrest and detain us for no good reason
Gonna fucking pay, motherfuckers gonna pay
The police will face consequences for their violent and oppressive actions
I got to court, I did my crime
Appearing in court for a crime that may or may not have been committed
Stand in line, pay bail
Posting bail and waiting in line for court proceedings
I may serve time
There is a possibility of imprisonment as a result of interaction with the police
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: GREGORY REGIS GINN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind