Undisputed as one the finest Chicago punk outfits during the 1990s, The Bollweevils were, and still are, defined by their spirited live performances and a song catalogue that demonstrates both their roots and creative ability as a band.
Known for their connection with fans, The Bollweevils began their recording career on Underdog Records, but soon were noticed by Dr. Strange Records. And shortly thereafter, the band released the punk staple “Stick Your Neck Out,” which featured favorites such as, “Dehumanize,” “Bottomless Pit,” and “John Doe.” The album defined The Bollweevils sound, which is laced with high-paced drumming, aggressive guitar and bass workings, and witty and sometimes tongue-in-cheek lyrics. Because of this, The Bollweevils soon garnered one of the largest local audiences and became one of the preeminent bands during the 1990s Midwest punk scene.
During this time, the band began playing more shows throughout the United States and shared the stage with bands that were both influences and contemporaries, including Naked Raygun, Rancid, AFI, Pegboy, Down By Law and Youth Brigade—many of which who later appeared on the band’s album liner notes.
The Bollweevils' second album, The History of the Bollweevils, Part One, collects previously released material from EPs and compilations. 1995's new studio effort Heavyweight boasted a more mature approach, with increasingly complex arrangements and backing vocals. The album concludes not only with a cover of the Bad Brains' "Pay to Cum," but also a 10-minute-plus, audio tour-diary entry.
And although the band went through several lineup changes, The Bollweevils never lost focus on creating an everlasting effect on the Chicago punk scene. Perhaps, one of the best representations of this is their release “Weevil Live.” To see The Bollweevils live is not only an experience, but an assault on the senses and the album surely captures that spirit. The band gels on stage like very few bands can—with Daryl flying around stage and jumping on the audience, Ken and Bob shredding guitars and the fans just eating it all up.
However, like all good things, things had to come to an end and the band officially disbanded in 1996 when they announced, on the legendary Fireside Bowl stage, that they would be playing their last show. To put it simply, fans were not only stunned, but very disappointed as well. At that time, it appeared that The Bollweevils were destined only to become folklore to a new generation of punks.
But in 2003, The Bollweevils reunited for a one-off sold-out show for WLUW at The Metro with a new drummer, Pete. The show, at that time, was considered as the best Bollweevils’ performance to date and whole new generation of Chicago kids were now even more intrigued by the band.
So when the band officially reunited once again in 2006 for Riot Fest, which included Naked Raygun, The Blue Meanies and 7Seconds, there was a resounding “Hell Yes” by the punk community because unlike many bands who have come and gone, The Bollweevils’ music is as relevant today as it was when it was first written. In the upcoming months on 2007, the band plans new releases, more shows and a dedication to its fans that will be rivaled by none.
Hate
Bollweevils Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He never said he'd love you,
That I know is true
I can't accept the way he bashed your face in two
I can't expect that you would understand,
The way his anger is his own best friend
Hate, hate, hate! hate, hate, hate!
It's always easier to disregard your life
He never told you that he'd want you for his wife
And when you look into his bloodshot eyes
You'll see a little bit of devil inside called hate
Hate, hate, hate! hate, hate, hate!
He lashes out in anger 'cause he thinks it's right
It's always your fault 'cause he never starts the fight
And I hope one day you will realize,
That it's not love when he blackens your eyes
I can't expect that you would understand,
The way his anger is his own best friend
Hate, hate, hate! hate, hate, hate!
The lyrics to Bollweevils' song "Hate" describe a toxic and abusive relationship. The singer of the song is talking to someone they care about, likely a friend or loved one, who is being physically abused by their partner. The singer acknowledges that the victim may not see the situation clearly and cannot accept the violent behavior of the abuser. The abuser is portrayed as being ruled by their anger and having a demonic side, referred to as "hate." The victim is blamed for the situation, for not understanding the abuser's anger, and for provoking the fights, which is a common pattern in abusive relationships.
The song's repetition of the word "hate" is intended to convey the intensity and power of the abuser's emotions, highlighting the danger that the victim is in. The lyrics also suggest that the victim may have conflicting feelings about the abuser, wanting to believe that they love them despite the violence. The overall message of the song is that this pattern of abuse is not love and that the victim deserves better.
Line by Line Meaning
Hate, hate, hate! hate, hate, hate!
The singer is expressing a strong feeling of hatred.
He never said he'd love you,
The person who hurt the subject of the song never promised to love them.
That I know is true
The singer is certain that the previous statement is accurate.
I can't accept the way he bashed your face in two
The singer is appalled by the violence inflicted upon the object of the song.
I can't expect that you would understand,
The singer acknowledges that the subject of the song may not comprehend their perspective.
The way his anger is his own best friend
The person who caused harm has a close connection with their feelings of rage.
It's always easier to disregard your life
The person who caused harm has little regard for the safety or wellbeing of others.
He never told you that he'd want you for his wife
The subject of the song was never given any indication that they were valued as a partner.
And when you look into his bloodshot eyes
The person who caused harm exhibits signs of intoxication or exhaustion.
You'll see a little bit of devil inside called hate
The singer describes the person who caused harm as being fueled by a negative force.
He lashes out in anger 'cause he thinks it's right
The person who caused harm rationalizes their anger and outbursts as justified.
It's always your fault 'cause he never starts the fight
The person who caused harm often blames their actions on others, refusing to take responsibility for their own behavior.
And I hope one day you will realize,
The singer has hope that the subject of the song will eventually come to understand the truth of their situation.
That it's not love when he blackens your eyes
The singer is calling attention to the fact that violence is not a form of love.
Hate, hate, hate! hate, hate, hate!
The refrain is repeated, emphasizing the theme of hatred throughout the song.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: GENE SIMMONS, SCOTT VAN ZEN, BRUCE KULICK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind