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.
Knife Edge
Charged G.B.H Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
won't let me go, won't let me be.
This opression is screwing my head,
if I ain't careful I'll end up dead.
I'm living my life ..
.. I'm living my life on the edge of a knife.
defending her honour with a steel blade.
Three on to one just isn't fair ..
but now they're in intensive care.
So now I'm running all over the world,
all because of a stupid girl.
But I've gotta carry on, I've gotta be brave,
else I'll end up in my grave.
The lyrics of Charged G.B.H.'s song Knife Edge speak about the struggles and challenges faced by the singer, who is constantly being pursued and oppressed by an unknown group of people. The first verse suggests that the singer is surrounded by danger and is in constant fear for his life. The second part of the stanza highlights how this constant oppression is affecting his mental state and that there is a real possibility of him ending up dead if he's not careful. The use of the metaphor "living my life on the edge of a knife" emphasises the precarious and uncertain nature of his life.
The second verse explains that this oppression stems from his love for a woman and how he was compelled to defend her honour with a knife. This resulted in him causing harm to others and having to flee from the authorities, leaving him with no choice but to run all over the world. The last two lines of the song talk about the importance of perseverance and bravery in the face of adversity, and how giving up would only lead to his untimely demise.
Overall, the song's lyrics deal with themes of oppression, survival, and preservance, and the consequences which can arise from defending oneself or others. The motifs of danger, struggle, and defiance are prominent throughout the song, which makes it a popular choice among fans of punk and hardcore music.
Line by Line Meaning
On the streets they're after me,
I am being pursued relentlessly in the streets
won't let me go, won't let me be.
I am being prevented from escaping - I feel trapped
This opression is screwing my head,
The excessive control is driving me insane and making me crazy
if I ain't careful I'll end up dead.
If I do not proceed cautiously, I will be killed.
I'm living my life ..
This is how I choose to live my life
.. I'm living my life on the edge of a knife.
My existence is constantly in a precarious situation and can change rapidly
Loving her was the mistake I made,
I regret falling in love with her
defending her honour with a steel blade.
I used a knife to protect her reputation
Three on to one just isn't fair ..
I was outnumbered and disadvantaged
but now they're in intensive care.
As a result of my actions, they are hospitalized
So now I'm running all over the world,
I am now moving all over the earth
all because of a stupid girl.
My life has been altered because of a careless woman
But I've gotta carry on, I've gotta be brave,
I must continue forward and be bold
else I'll end up in my grave.
Otherwise, the end result will be my demise.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ANDREW PAUL WILLIAMS, COLIN DEREK ABRAHALL, COLIN ROBERT BLYTH, ROSS ANDREW LOMAS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Andy Joyce
I'm 43 and still listen to this album. It made me want be a drummer and I am. It made me question everything and I do. It still gets me fired up....Its you Wilf!
ISAACS Line !
Even at my age of 52 i still love punk 😁😨👍
Lee Neale
Snap!.....one of the first albums I ever bought
Arturo Cicatriz
At 55 I still play punk and keep punk ;)
ClydeJarrod37UK
@Arturo Cicatriz 52 me
Buddy Shoe
yep 56 grew up with Dks , black flag , misfits, the cramps, the germs... one of the best compilations ever put together was The Decline of Western Civilization
Chip Monk
I'm nearly 60 and still loving it!! Good Punk Rock will never die!! Long live GBH!!!!
Celtic Warrior
Full-on, charged GBH! Punks not dead and I love it!
Alan Knotts
It's so brilliantly executed. More inventive than Discharge but just as powerful.
*BikeNerd*
So tough! Love this band