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.
Yes I Know
Black Flag Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I need some common sense.
I need some attitude.
The doctor says Iām out of business.
What I need is mental fitness.
Yes, I know.
There aināt no coming out.
Yes, I know.
Now I know.
I need some help.
A long term overhaul
See the lies upon his face.
See the way I crawl, I crawl, I crawl, I crawl inside my head.
Yes, I know.
Now I know.
There aināt no coming out.
Yes, I know.
Now I know.
I think itās near the end.
I feel it might be sick.
Thereās a brave try right around the corner.
Iāll make that turn real quick.
Yes, I know.
Now I know.
There aināt no coming out.
Yes, I know.
Now I know.
Now I know.
Now I know.
There aināt no coming out.
Yes, I know.
Now I know.
Well if you wondering.
About what's going round.
One mans up.
Take another man straight down.
Yes, I know.
Now I know.
Yes, I know.
I know.
The lyrics of Black Flag's "Yes, I Know" convey a sense of self-awareness and struggle. The singer is seeking common sense and attitude, but his mental health has suffered to the point where a doctor has declared him "out of business." He is in need of mental fitness and a long-term overhaul, but he is also acutely aware that there may be no coming out of his current state. The repeated refrain of "Yes, I know" emphasizes this awareness and resignation.
The second verse continues the theme of struggle, with the singer seeing lies on someone else's face and crawling inside his own head. The line "I think it's near the end, I feel it might be sick" shows a sense of impending doom and despair. However, there is still a glimmer of hope in the form of a "brave try" just around the corner, and the singer vows to turn that corner quickly.
The final verse introduces an element of violence and competition, with one person rising up and taking another person down. The repetition of "Yes, I know" and "Now I know" in the final lines emphasize the finality of the situation and the singer's acceptance of his own struggles.
Overall, "Yes, I Know" is a raw and honest expression of mental health struggles and the fight to overcome them, even if success may be uncertain or difficult to achieve.
Line by Line Meaning
I need some common sense.
I require practicality and logic to make sensible choices.
I need some attitude.
I want a change in my conduct and behavior.
The doctor says Iām out of business.
The medical professional has stated that I am mentally unstable and unfit to function at work.
What I need is mental fitness.
I require a healthy state of mind in order to function optimally.
Yes, I know.
I have recognized a truth or reality.
Now I know.
I have acquired knowledge or understanding.
There aināt no coming out.
I have come to the realization that there is no escape or avoiding the situation at hand.
I need some help.
I require assistance and support from others.
A long term overhaul
A comprehensive and thorough restructuring or renovation over a prolonged period.
See the lies upon his face.
Perceive the deception and dishonesty in the person's facial expression.
See the way I crawl, I crawl, I crawl, I crawl inside my head.
Observe the manner in which I struggle internally, mentally and emotionally.
I think itās near the end.
I believe the situation is reaching its conclusion or final stages.
I feel it might be sick.
I sense that something may be wrong or unhealthy.
Thereās a brave try right around the corner.
There is a courageous attempt or effort coming soon.
Iāll make that turn real quick.
I will take advantage of the opportunity right when it appears.
Well if you wondering.
If you are curious or interested.
About what's going round.
Concerning the events or occurrences taking place.
One mans up.
One person succeeds or prevails.
Take another man straight down.
Cause another individual to fail or lose.
I know.
I have certainty or awareness of something.
Contributed by Makayla T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ctrl-Alt-Del-U
I NEED SOME COMIC SANS!
Sabre division
Yes i know, now i know
wolfgang6424
Ctrl-Alt-Del-U There ain't no times new roman
SOUTHERN SEARCHER
I've been a fan of BF since 84 and didn't know this recording existed till now.
Denny Davidson
Still rockin
Jason Misfit
DC3 later on did these songs..