Chris was born in Michigan, however, he grew up in Port Charlotte, Florida where he met Vinnie Fiorello. The two friends played in a local band, Good Grief, and when Chris moved up to Gainesville, Florida to attend the University of Florida, Fiorello followed suit to ensure their musical collaboration would continue.
Chris is known for his stage presence. Along with saying outrageous things on stage, he appears to have a fetish for running around the drumset during songs and getting the crowd to start huge mosh/circle pits. He sometimes dresses up in costumes for Less Than Jake's live shows, though this was mostly done during the earlier years. Some examples include a gym teacher, a redneck, a baseball player, an 80's metal head, a college professor and more recently, Bob Barker from The Price Is Right.
The bassist/vocalist for the band The Goo Goo Dolls, Robby Takac, has been said to have a deep, harsh voice similar to Chris Demakes, as well as a fanaticism for PEZ Candy, a trait shared by two of Chris's bandmates.
A few of the Less Than Jake songs are written about some of Chris' actual friends. Mark Cruce, mentioned in the lyrics of Mr. Chevy Celebrity is an example of this. Also, according to Vinnie, the song Jen Doesn't Like Me Anymore is about a girl who had a crush on Chris, but ending up hating him in the end.
Never Surrender
Chris DeMakes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But we keep comin' round for more
And we won't stop
Until we settle the score
Yeah the faces have changed
But we're still the same
Fighting the good fight
Our head's in the game
We'll keep on playing punk rock
We march to the beat
Of our own imperfect drum
Because the sum of our parts
Are greater than the sum of one
Yeah the faces have changed
But we're still the same
Fighting the good fight
Our head's in the game
From city to city
We'll keep on playing punk rock
We're never giving up
No we'll never surrender
Not cashing in our chips
Not calling it a day
The passion's burning brighter
Stronger than ever
It's full speed ahead
No we're never looking back again
We're never looking back again
We're never looking back again
Yeah the faces have changed
So have some of the names
Fighting the good fight
The feeling's the same
From city to city
We'll keep on playing punk rock
We're never giving up
No we'll never surrender
Not cashing in our chips
Not calling it a day
The passion's burning brighter
Stronger than ever
It's full speed ahead
No we're never looking back again
We're never looking back again
We're never looking back again
The lyrics of Chris DeMakes's song "Never Surrender" speak to the resilience and determination of a group of individuals who have faced challenges and obstacles but continue to persevere. They have experienced hardships and setbacks ("We've been to hell and back") but remain unyielding in their pursuit of their goals.
The song emphasizes their unwavering commitment to their craft, which is punk rock ("From city to city, we'll keep on playing punk rock"). They march to the beat of their own drum, embracing their imperfections and acknowledging that their collective efforts are more powerful than individual contributions ("The sum of our parts are greater than the sum of one").
The lyrics also convey a sense of defiance and refusal to give up. The line "We're never giving up, no we'll never surrender" reinforces their steadfastness and refusal to back down. They are not willing to abandon their passion or walk away from their dreams ("Not cashing in our chips, not calling it a day").
Despite facing changes and evolving circumstances ("Yeah, the faces have changed, so have some of the names"), their fighting spirit remains intact ("Fighting the good fight, the feeling's the same"). They are propelled forward by a burning passion, which only grows stronger with time ("The passion's burning brighter, stronger than ever"). They are resolute in their decision to move forward, leaving the past behind and embracing what lies ahead ("It's full speed ahead, no we're never looking back again").
Overall, "Never Surrender" encapsulates the determination and endurance of a group of individuals who have faced challenges but remain committed to their passion, music, and punk rock.
Line by Line Meaning
We've been to hell and back
We have faced great challenges and overcome them
But we keep comin' round for more
Despite the difficulties, we continue to seek new experiences and challenges
And we won't stop
We refuse to give up or quit
Until we settle the score
We will persist until we achieve victory or resolution
Yeah the faces have changed
People may have come and gone from our group
But we're still the same
But our core values and identity remain unchanged
Fighting the good fight
We are actively engaged in a just cause
Our head's in the game
We are focused and committed
From city to city
As we travel from place to place
We'll keep on playing punk rock
We will continue to express ourselves through punk rock music
We march to the beat
We follow our own unique rhythm
Of our own imperfect drum
Embracing our flaws and individuality
Because the sum of our parts
The combined strengths and talents we possess
Are greater than the sum of one
Are more valuable than an individual's contributions alone
We're never giving up
We will never abandon our goals or dreams
No we'll never surrender
We won't yield or give in
Not cashing in our chips
We won't give up our interests or assets
Not calling it a day
We won't end our efforts or aspirations
The passion's burning brighter
Our enthusiasm and drive are increasing
Stronger than ever
More resilient and powerful than before
It's full speed ahead
We are progressing with full energy and determination
No we're never looking back again
We are moving forward and leaving the past behind
So have some of the names
Some individuals within our group have also changed
The feeling's the same
However, the emotional connection and dedication remain consistent
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Chris DeMakes
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Captain Asshole
This is probably the best music video I have seen in a while! Eeey Holly, we should tour together or something. <3
Holly Would Surrender
Thank you, we had a lot of fun! Let's do this!!!
Ruth Klostermann
Das geht unter die Haut und ins Ohr! Ihr seid einfach SUPER!!!
Circus Rhapsody
Very lovely my friends. Sehr stark! 🎪
Rabies punkrock!
Thats great!
iamnotunusual
"Angry German Noises" lol
Torge Santjer
das ist 1 nice toronado
Incredilix
💕