Originally known simply as GBH (inspired by then-bassist Sean McCarthy's trial for grievous bodily harm), their name was changed to Charged GBH in order to differentiate themselves from another band of the same name. Founding members were Colin 'Col' Abrahall (vocals), Colin 'Jock' Blyth (guitar), Sean McCarthy (bass) and Andrew Williams (drums).
Charged GBH embarked on several English and mainland US tours during the early 1980s, including several gigs at the 100 Club. 1982 saw GBH's first LP, City Baby Attacked By Rats. Lyrically, the album dealt with criticism of British and European culture, violence, morbidity (especially in reference to the song "Passenger On The Menu", which describes in graphic detail the experiences of the passengers on the Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571), atheism, nihilism and general absurdity. Musically, the album was loud and fast, with few songs exceeding three minutes. In 1983 the band changed their name to GBH.
Unlike many early punk bands who evolved towards a more post-punk sound, GBH have stayed fairly faithful to their original UK82 sound in subsequent releases. However, the band have experimented to some degree with a more metal-inflected sound, notably with their 1992 release Church of the Truly Warped, although they have since returned to a more purist punk sound. The band is still active and touring and maintain a strong following both in England and the rest of Europe, as well as in America and Japan.
Time Bomb
Charged G.B.H. Lyrics
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It's meant to be, you can't change fate.
We got a time bomb ..
.. 5-4-3-2-1 go
The time will come when we gotta say no.
Decide ourselves who's friend or foe.
It's in our hands, above your head.
Think carefully or you'll be dead.
It's happened before, been called a traitor.
'cause we control .. the detonator.
The lyrics of Charged G.B.H.'s song Time Bomb talk about the concept of revenge and the power it holds over people. The first line "perpetual torture, from those we love to hate" suggests that the people who have wronged us continue to cause us pain even when they're not around anymore. This can be seen in the way we hold grudges against people who have betrayed us, and we can't let go of the anger we feel towards them. The second line "it's meant to be, you can't change fate" implies that whatever happens, happens for a reason and there's no escaping from it.
The chorus of the song "we got a time bomb, 5-4-3-2-1 go" suggests that the anger and resentment we feel towards those who have hurt us is like a ticking time bomb. The countdown indicates that at some point, we will reach a breaking point, and we will lash out. The lines "the time will come when we gotta say no, decide ourselves who's friend or foe" indicate that the moment of reckoning has arrived, and it is time to choose our allegiances.
The third and fourth lines "it's in our hands, above your head, think carefully or you'll be dead" suggest that the power to seek revenge is in our hands. We need to be careful about how we use it, or it can backfire and harm us. The final two lines "it's happened before, been called a traitor, 'cause we control..the detonator" implies that in the past, we've been blamed for taking revenge, and people have labeled us as traitors. However, the reality is that the power to choose when to detonate the bomb lies with us.
Line by Line Meaning
Perpetual torture, from those we love to hate.
We are constantly tormented by people we despise or have ill feelings for, and it seems endless and unchanging.
It's meant to be, you can't change fate.
The situation is destined to be this way, and there is no way to alter the course of events.
We got a time bomb ..
We are faced with a ticking time bomb, a dangerous and unpredictable scenario that could explode at any moment.
.. 5-4-3-2-1 go
The countdown is on, and we have to act quickly before it's too late.
The time will come when we gotta say no.
A time will arrive where we must refuse to comply or tolerate the actions of others.
Decide ourselves who's friend or foe.
We must determine who is genuinely trustworthy and who is not, as discerning friend from foe correctly might be critical.
It's in our hands, above your head.
The outcome of the situation is up to us and is crucial. We are responsible for the ramifications and consequences of our decision.
Think carefully or you'll be dead.
It's critical to weigh the situation's various factors and make an informed decision before it's too late, or there could be severe consequences.
It's happened before, been called a traitor.
Similar incidents have occurred in the past, and some individuals have been branded as traitors for their actions.
'cause we control .. the detonator.
As we hold the power to make a final decision, we control the situation's outcome, and it entirely depends upon us.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MORITZ DRATH, CHANELLE CLARKE, HAUKE MALECK, PETER MANDESA, LEE WILLIAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
G Shock Babe614
First punk band I ever got into and the best!
Sam M.
This is how real Punk sounds like!!!!!!
Jermaine Guillory
Classic Hardcore Punk! 🇬🇧🤘
Antonia Sambrano
I love this song. It rocks.
Klaudiusz Myszogląd
GBH pierwsza moja kapela którą nagrałem na magnetofon! miałem 13 lat ale czad!
Pug Toobys
This is a great band and song
Tim L
Saw them at George Robey, Finsbury Park in 1990. Hardest band I've ever seen. Was 19 at time and felt slightly out of my depth. Great gig though!
Reto Hofmann
1:11 Love it❤
Anto CrashTek
Love this band :D
Charles
Long live Charged G.B.H! Let's keep supporting them!!!