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]
What's Your Problem
Circle Jerks Lyrics
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because of the things we try
guys hate girls
because of the things they say
behind our backs while we're away
tell me what's your problem?
what's inside of you?
what you're gonna do?
I got a date
I can't be late
If she don't show up
I'll masturbate
The Circle Jerks' song "What's Your Problem" delves into the complicated dynamics between men and women. The opening lines claim that girls hate guys because of the things they attempt to do, and guys hate girls because of the things they say behind their backs while they're gone. The song acknowledges the stereotypes attributed to each gender and how they can breed animosity towards one another. However, the chorus turns the tables by directly asking the person, "What's inside of you?" and "What you're going to do?" instead of blaming the other gender for their issues. The song challenges the listeners to analyze and work on themselves instead of scapegoating an entire gender.
The latter half of the song takes a turn from the serious subject matter by addressing the classic fear of being stood up on a date. The lyrics address the anxiety felt by the singer, stating that if the girl doesn't show up, he'll masturbate. The inclusion of this line is meant to be comical and satirical towards the typical male ego, highlighting how much importance is placed on achieving sexual satisfaction.
Line by Line Meaning
Girls hate guys
Females despise males, possibly due to their actions or words or for other reasons unknown.
because of the things we try
Perhaps girls loathe guys for their futile attempts at things like winning them over or impressing them.
guys hate girls
Males despise females, perhaps due to their actions or the things they say or for other reasons unknown.
because of the things they say
Perhaps guys loathe girls for their words, or the things they say about the guys behind their back while the dudes are absent.
behind our backs while we're away
Girls talk trash about guys when the guys aren't present, revealing their true feelings and thoughts to each other.
tell me what's your problem?
The author queries their audience, inviting them to share what troubles them or refer to issues they are facing.
what's inside of you?
The artist inquires about the listener's inner self, what thoughts or emotions they may carry and how it affects them and their interactions with others.
what you're gonna do?
Urging listeners to take action and make a move towards resolving their problems, the author poses this line as a question to challenge and motivate their audience.
I got a date
The artist references having an upcoming romantic liaison.
I can't be late
The artist acknowledges the importance of being on time for the date, implying that tardiness could impede the success of the event.
If she don't show up
The author fantasizes about their partner possibly not appearing to the date, although they anticipate otherwise.
I'll masturbate
The artist indicates that they will stimulate their own genitals in the absence of their intended partner, presumably for sexual pleasure and release.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: KEITH G. MORRIS, ROGER DOWDING
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind