… Read Full Bio ↴Cause for Alarm was a New York hardcore punk band from from the 1980's.
Originally a New Jersey band called Hinkley Fan Club, in early 1983 they moved to New York City and changed their name to Cause for Alarm. Throughout its various incarnations, CFA has always centered around singer Keith Burkhardt. The original lineup included Rob Kabula and Alex Kinon, both who would later play in Agnostic Front. In 1983, CFA recorded and self-released an excellent 7" along the lines of fellow NY bands Antidote or the Mob. Tensions regarding Burkhardt's increasing interest in Krishna consciousness lead to the band's original breakup, although they managed to hold it together long enough to record a song for the 1984 P.E.A.C.E. double LP compilation.
True Colors
Cause For Alarm Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In Cause For Alarm's song True Colors, the lyrics depict a sense of disillusionment towards someone who is getting drunk and seemingly changing into an unrecognizable person. The lyrics question the type of man this person truly is, and seems to hold a sense of gravitas towards their blatant disregard for their actions. The chorus speaks to the idea of letting one's true colors show, implying that the person is hiding behind a facade or false identity. The use of the word "choice" in the final verse suggests that this person is ultimately responsible for their actions and behavior, regardless of any external circumstances or influences.
The themes in this song can be interpreted as a commentary on substance abuse and the negative effects it can have on not only the individual, but those around them. The lyrics suggest a sense of disappointment and anger towards the person in question, who is seemingly losing control of themselves and acting in a way that is harmful to themselves and others. The repeated call to "let your true colors show" could be interpreted as a plea for the person to take ownership of their actions and behavior, and to be honest with themselves and those around them.
Line by Line Meaning
Having fun getting drunk what kind of man are you
Questioning the masculinity of someone who finds pleasure in getting drunk.
something's wrong, it's not the same which one of you should i blame?
Something is different and not right, making it difficult to pinpoint who is at fault.
let your true colors show
Encouraging someone to reveal their true intentions and character.
let your true colors show
Reiterating the previous line's plea for authenticity.
now you feel like superman fighting anyone you can
Feeling invincible and aggressive, ready to engage in conflict with anyone.
now you say you feel so good something i don't understand
Expressing confusion about the source of the person's sudden elation.
let your true colors show
Encouraging authenticity and honesty yet again.
let your true colors show
Reiterating the call for truthfulness and sincerity.
you're so fucked up... it's not the same
Exclaiming the person's extreme state of inebriation and acknowledging that it's no longer normal.
you made the choice... no one else to blame
Asserting that the person is responsible for their own actions and cannot shift the blame onto others.
let your true colors show
Insisting that honesty and authenticity are the only acceptable courses of action.
let your true colors show
Reaffirming the importance of being true to oneself and others.
Contributed by Michael H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Carlos 269
Great song. If I had a hardcore band today this along with the original ultra-fast Straight Ahead, and Sons of Ishmael is how I would want us to sound.
artificialenergie
This is such 🔥🔥. 10/10
Nikko Iovinelli-Topic
Fucking amazing so underrated 🤘