The… Read Full Bio ↴Hermosa Beach, California, USA (1979–1990, 1994–1995, 2001–2010)
The Circle Jerks were an American hardcore punk band, formed in 1979 in Los Angeles, California. The group was founded by former Black Flag vocalist Keith Morris and Red Kross guitarist Greg Hetson. They were among the preeminent hardcore punk bands of the LA scene in the late 1970s.
The band broke up and reformed three times, sometimes with different bassists and/or drummers. They disbanded for the first time after the release of their fifth album, 1987's VI, as Hetson decided to continue touring and releasing albums with Bad Religion. They reunited around 1994 and recorded a reunion album, Oddities, Abnormalities and Curiosities, during the following year, followed by a tour. After that, the Circle Jerks once again parted ways as Hetson was still involved in Bad Religion. They reunited again circa 2001, but as of 2010, are on hiatus.
To date, the Circle Jerks have released six studio albums, one compilation, a live album and a live DVD. Their last studio album, Oddities, Abnormalities and Curiosities, was released in 1995 and was the band's only reunion album to date.
Many recent groups and artists cite the Circle Jerks as an influence, including Flea (musician), Anti-Flag,[1][2] Dropkick Murphys,[3] The Offspring[2] and Pennywise.[2]
Casualty Vampire
Circle Jerks Lyrics
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Yet another victim another slaying
Silence, flashing lights, police line - do not cross
Blood on the sidewalk, your aunt's on the scene
Hide close to corners 'cause I heard someone say
This poor sucker's, run out of life!
Casualty vampires, thirsting for blood
Casualty vampires sharpen there teeth
Surrounded by the tv, waiting for the last string
Of casualties
Jet crash, news cast, devil's of disaster
How many were lost
Casualty vampires, see nothing but red
Casualty vampires, it's in all of our heads
Stop to watch, stand and stare
Yet another carcass lying there
Earthquake, bomb blast, domestic brawl
What does it matter? To all those who flood
Casualty vampires, drive along the freeway
Casualty vampires, draining their necks
Casualty vampires, pass right by
Causality vampires, look at all the rats
The song "Casualty Vampire" by Circle Jerks addresses the disturbing phenomenon of people who become addicted to observing and even seeking out acts of violence and tragedy. The lyrics describe the scene of a murder, where the violent act itself is the main attraction and even the perpetrator is elevated to "star billing". The chorus references the "casualty vampires" who thirst for blood and feed off of the suffering of others. The song also references other types of disasters and tragedies, such as jet crashes and earthquakes, which are sensationalized in the media and attract crowds of onlookers.
The verses emphasize the desensitization to violence and death that can occur when people are constantly bombarded with images and stories of tragedy. The police tape and flashing lights have become commonplace, and the singer notes that they have heard someone say that "this poor sucker's, run out of life" as if it is a throwaway comment. The metaphor of the "casualty vampire" is especially striking, as it suggests that these onlookers are actively seeking out the lifeblood of others, even if it is only in the form of gruesome news stories.
Overall, the song is a commentary on the ways in which society has become numb to violence and suffering. By examining the allure that such events have for some people, the Circle Jerks are calling attention to the need for empathy and compassion in the face of tragedy.
Line by Line Meaning
The architect of murder gets start billing
The person responsible for the murder receives the recognition and attention they crave.
Yet another victim another slaying
Another innocent person has been killed.
Silence, flashing lights, police line - do not cross
The aftermath of the murder scene is quiet, with the only sounds being police sirens and the flashing lights of emergency vehicles. The area is being blocked off to the public, warning them not to cross.
Blood on the sidewalk, your aunt's on the scene
There's blood on the ground, and someone's relative is present at the scene of the crime.
Hide close to corners 'cause I heard someone say
Stay hidden near the corners, as someone has hinted that there's danger ahead.
This poor sucker's, run out of life!
A person has lost their life, and this statement is being said with a sense of detachment and apathy.
Casualty vampires, thirsting for blood
The media and society as a whole are addicted to reporting and consuming stories of death and violence.
Casualty vampires, there's never enough
People always crave more stories of death and destruction, and there's never enough coverage to satisfy this hunger.
Casualty vampires sharpen there teeth
Journalists and those who consume their work ready themselves to feed off the next tragedy to report on.
Surrounded by the tv, waiting for the last string
Society is constantly inundated with news coverage of disasters and is impatiently waiting for the next big event.
Of casualties
Of the people who were affected by the event being discussed in the news.
Jet crash, news cast, devil's of disaster
The media tends to sensationalize disasters and portray them as almost demonic entities that cause chaos and destruction.
How many were lost
Asking about how many lives were taken in the disaster, with an almost predatory curiosity.
Casualty vampires, see nothing but red
The media and society as a whole sees nothing but tragedy, and are almost bloodthirsty in their desire to consume it.
Casualty vampires, it's in all of our heads
The need for violent news stories has become ingrained in our culture and way of thinking.
Stop to watch, stand and stare
People pause their daily routines to observe and gawk at the aftermath of a tragedy.
Yet another carcass lying there
Another victim has lost their life, and their body is lying there, on display for everyone to see.
Earthquake, bomb blast, domestic brawl
Examples of the kinds of events that the media loves to cover and that society is insatiably interested in.
What does it matter? To all those who flood
People are interested in these events, but often don't think through the real impact and meaning behind the tragedies.
Casualty vampires, drive along the freeway
Even when people are just driving on the highway, they're bombarded with news of the latest tragedy via radio, creating a constant cycle of consuming and reporting on bad news.
Casualty vampires, draining their necks
People are metaphorically sucking the life out of these tragic events, feeding off them almost as if they were creatures of the night themselves.
Casualty vampires, pass right by
People continue to move on and perpetuate the cycle of reporting and consuming violent news stories, never really stopping to question why.
Causality vampires, look at all the rats
People who are addicted to violent news stories and events are like scavengers, constantly looking for the next big tragedy to obsess over.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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