Hermosa Beach, California, USA (1979–1990, 1994–1995, 2001–2010)

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]

Operation
Circle Jerks Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I went to see a rabbi
But despite his advise
I want an operation
I will not father life

Operation,
Operation
Snip & tie,

Snip & tie

They send me to a preacher
A really toughtful guy
He said my idea's crazy
I shouldn't even try

This operation,
Operation
Snip & tie,
Snip & tie

But I've just seen a surgeon
And with a knife he cut
I cannot bring you children
This world is such a rut

Operation,
Operation
Snip & tie,
Snip & tie

I had an operation
A statement of our times

They tied my balls together
What's insides not alive

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Circle Jerks' song "Operation" speak of the singer's decision to undergo a vasectomy, a surgical procedure that involves cutting or blocking the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the urethra. The singer seeks counsel from a rabbi and a preacher, but neither of them supports his decision. Despite their objections, the singer goes ahead with the operation and acknowledges that he won't be able to father a child because of it. The chorus of the song emphasizes the surgical procedure - "Snip & tie" - and the final line speaks to the idea that what's inside of him is no longer capable of creating new life.

Line by Line Meaning

I went to see a rabbi
I sought guidance from a religious figure

But despite his advise
But his counsel proved inadequate

I want an operation
I desire a surgical procedure

I will not father life
I have no intention of having children

Operation, Operation
The procedure I seek

Snip & tie, Snip & tie
A surgical method of sterilization

They send me to a preacher
They referred me to a clergyman

A really thoughtful guy
A genuinely compassionate person

He said my idea's crazy
He deemed my plans impractical

I shouldn't even try
He advised me against proceeding

But I've just seen a surgeon
But I just consulted a medical professional