Originally known simply as GBH (inspired by then-bassist Sean McCarthy’s trial for grievous bodily harm), their name was changed to Charged G.B.H 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 G.B.H embarked on several English and mainland US tours during the early 1980s, including several gigs at the 100 Club. 1982 saw G.B.H’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 G.B.H.
Unlike many early punk bands who evolved towards a more post-punk sound, G.B.H 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.
Give Me Fire
Charged G.B.H Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Rising from the ashes the phoenix lives, life and death the red flame gives.
Give me fire, on which I feed, give me fire, 'cause it's a need.
Real fine, I can tell, real fine really burns in hell.
Take a breath the heat surmounts, your mind wanders, you have your doubts.
Brain goes numb, in the heat, body glows, you cling to your seat.
It's on my head if I burn, sit next to me and take your turn.
Don't blame the flame by which I'm fuelled, one day by fire we'll all be ruled.
The lyrics of Charged G.B.H's song Give Me Fire talk about the destructive yet captivating power of fire. The song presents fire in two opposing perspectives, as something that brings life and also death. The first and second verse of the song talks about the allure of fire which is portrayed as something that provides warmth and comfort, but also has a destructive tendency that destroys everything in its path. The lyrics "Smoke and fire are burning bright, we'll set the tinderbox alight. Rising from the ashes the Phoenix lives, life and death the red flame gives" illustrates this viewpoint.
The chorus of the song "Give me fire, on which I feed, give me fire, 'cause it's a need. Real fine, I can tell, real fine really burns in hell" has a different perspective. It portrays fire as something that is addictive and seductive. The idea of fire being a need is a representation of the power fire possesses. The term "real fine" is thought to be a slang term that describes a high level of enthusiasm for fireworks/pyrotechnics. This chorus line further emphasis that there is something alluring and fascinating about the power of fire that draws people towards it.
The final verse, "It's on my head if I burn, sit next to me and take your turn. Don't blame the flame by which I'm fuelled, one day by fire we'll all be ruled" states consequences of playing with fire. The lyrics are essentially a warning against the seductive power of fire that can lead to its destruction. It emphasizes that playing with fire can lead to terrible consequences, but regardless of the outcome, it's humankind that will ultimately be ruled by fire.
Line by Line Meaning
Smoke and fire are burning bright, we'll set the tinderbox alight.
We are surrounded by smoke and bright red flames, as we set the tinderbox alight.
Rising from the ashes the phoenix lives, life and death the red flame gives.
The phoenix rises up from the ashes, as red flames depict the cycle of life and death.
Give me fire, on which I feed, give me fire, 'cause it's a need.
I crave the heat of the flames, it's a necessity for me.
Real fine, I can tell, real fine really burns in hell.
I can sense the heat of the fire, and its intense heat can be likened to burning in hell.
Take a breath the heat surmounts, your mind wanders, you have your doubts.
As the heat intensifies, you start to doubt yourself and your own abilities.
Brain goes numb, in the heat, body glows, you cling to your seat.
The heat is so intense that you start to feel numb, but your body still glows with the fire as you sit tight.
It's on my head if I burn, sit next to me and take your turn.
If I get burned, it's my responsibility, so you can sit next to me and see for yourself.
Don't blame the flame by which I'm fuelled, one day by fire we'll all be ruled.
Don't blame the fire that fuels me, as one day we will all be governed by fire in some way.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ANDREW PAUL WILLIAMS, COLIN DEREK ABRAHALL, COLIN ROBERT BLYTH, ROSS ANDREW LOMAS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ostapbendervan7874
dude you gotta think
im 52
see the Toronto 82 with discharge one two blk punk-skin ..i dont listen that much
once in awhile i pump the shit
business still my band
proletariat
marginal man
adict
damned
rudimentary peni
all our fave siouxsie
@Armando301992
One of my all time favorite punk bands
@MH-zg5yw
Technically they are an Oi band
@BobGeanis
@@MH-zg5yw No lol
@peterstamatelos9525
@@MH-zg5ywwhere did you get that idea?
@christhebamaman
Every time i hear this, for over 20 years of my life, it still makes me wanna do a fucking stage dive!!!!!!!!!
@philpatton5652
chris Bryant same ere boss band in the day seen them loads iv times wish i was 20 again
@ferdinandgarcia4912
GBH Patches on some punk dude at a bar here in Orlando brought me here
@wsouth383
Have seen them a few times in Orlando.
@southamericanrocker
@w south we had them here in medellin colombia for the first time last december 2018
@titantron5840
Word of clothes