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]
Tell Me Why
Circle Jerks Lyrics
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Why are they always pushing me?
Block my vision so I can't see
Hold me down while they grind on me
Mind your own, just let me be
Go let them in, there are our friends
As long as they play Monopoly
Heading a false reality
We need a hype, got a hype
If we believe in what they say
Closer to me, rather behind
It don't seem so far away
Watch your mouth on mindless beach
Be your best, stay on your feet
Cry to so when you weep
Why are they always hounding me?
Why? Tell me why?
Brother's crying, sons are dying
Sounds of weapons, bullets flying
Never giving always taking
Filled with lies, always faking
Never carry, never shake
Always rough and overbearing
Why do you want to fight with me?
Tell me why, tell me why
Sell them tractors, give them seeds
Help them boost their economy
Let them up and hear their pleads
Mind your own, just set them free
It's closer than you know
The Circle Jerks' song Tell Me Why is an anthem for non-conformity and freedom. The lyrics express the frustration of the singer who is being constantly pushed around and held down by others. The first verse mentions how they block his vision and hold him down while grinding on him, which could be interpreted metaphorically as people not letting him see things clearly and continuously impeding his progress.
The second verse touches upon the issue of false reality and how hype is being used to control the masses. The line "If we believe in what they say" implies that people are being manipulated into accepting what they are told without questioning. The singer asks why people are hounding him and why they want to fight with him, which could be a reference to society's tendency to ostracize those who do not conform to its norms.
The final verse mentions the devastation of wars, where brother's cry and son's die. The song ends with a call to action to help those in need and set them free. The lyrics are an attack on the oppressive systems that society imposes on individuals and a plea to fight against conformism and to help the marginalized.
Line by Line Meaning
Tell me why, tell me why
Asking for a reason why they are being pushed
Why are they always pushing me?
Questioning the constant harassment
Block my vision so I can't see
Referring to others' attempts to manipulate and control the situation
Hold me down while they grind on me
Feeling oppressed by others' actions
Mind your own, just let me be
Requesting privacy and freedom
Go let them in, there are our friends
Suggesting that outsiders should be given a chance, as they could be helpful
As long as they play Monopoly
Implying that newcomers should be willing to adapt to the established rules
Nothing to hide, set up the scene
Urging a transparent, honest approach to the situation
Heading a false reality
Feeling disconnected from reality
We need a hype, got a hype
Desiring excitement and energy to fuel their actions
If we believe in what they say
Suggesting that outsiders may be able to offer helpful advice
Closer to me, rather behind
Preferring to work alongside others rather than be pushed from behind
It don't seem so far away
Feeling optimistic about the future and their goals
Watch your mouth on mindless beach
Warning against mindless gossip and small talk
Be your best, stay on your feet
Encouraging a strong work ethic and personal strength
Cry to so when you weep
Encouraging emotional expression and vulnerability
Brother's crying, sons are dying
Lamenting the tragedies of war and violence
Sounds of weapons, bullets flying
Describing the horrors of battle
Never giving always taking
Feeling resentful of those who take advantage of others
Filled with lies, always faking
Distrustful of those who pretend to be something they're not
Never carry, never shake
Rejecting a passive, weak approach to life
Always rough and overbearing
Feeling oppressed by those who are too forceful
Why do you want to fight with me?
Questioning the motives of someone trying to start a conflict
Sell them tractors, give them seeds
Suggesting that helping others achieve self-sufficiency is a better way to promote prosperity than just giving aid
Help them boost their economy
Advocating for assisting others in ways that promote their independence and success
Let them up and hear their pleads
Encouraging listening to others' needs and wants
Mind your own, just set them free
Urging a respectful approach that allows others to make their own choices
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: Alexander Schloss, Greg Hetson, Keith Morris
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind