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]

When The Shit Hits The Fan
Circle Jerks Lyrics

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In a sluggish economy
Inflation, recession its the land of the free
Wait in unemployment lines
Blame the government for hard times

We just get by
However we can
We all have to duck

When the shit hits the fan

Ten kids in a Cadillac
Stand in lines for welfare checks
Let's all leech off the state
Gee, the money's really great!

We just get by
However we can
We all have to duck
When the shit hits the fan

Soup lines
Free loaves of bread
Five-pound blocks of cheese
Bags of groceries
Social security
Has run out on you and me
We do whatever we can
Gotta duck when the shit hits the fan

Just get by
However we can
We all have to duck
When the shit hits the fan

Soup lines
Free loaves of bread
Five-pound blocks of cheese
Bags of groceries
Social security
Has run out on you and me

We do whatever we can
Gotta duck when the shit hits the fan

Overall Meaning

The Circle Jerks' song "When the Shit Hits the Fan" explores the economic struggles faced by many Americans during the late 1970s and early 1980s. The lyrics paint a picture of a sluggish economy, rampant inflation, and high unemployment rates, all of which contribute to a sense of despair and hopelessness. In this context, people turn to the government for aid but find only frustration and resentment.

The first verse focuses on the hardships caused by inflation and recession. The singer notes that despite living in the "land of the free," many Americans are struggling to make ends meet and must wait in unemployment lines. They place the blame for this on the government, which they see as responsible for creating the economic conditions that make life difficult for so many.

The second verse delves into the consequences of these economic struggles, painting a picture of a bleak and desperate situation. The singer notes that even those who have access to assistance programs like welfare are barely surviving, and there are long lines and inadequate resources to meet everyone's needs. The government is seen as an insufficient safety net, with benefits that are not enough to sustain a decent standard of living.

Overall, "When the Shit Hits the Fan" is a scathing critique of government policies that fail to address the needs of ordinary Americans. It portrays a society in crisis, where people are struggling just to survive and are forced to rely on inadequate resources to get by.

Line by Line Meaning

In a sluggish economy
During a time of slow economic growth

Inflation, recession its the land of the free
The country is facing both high inflation and recession

Wait in unemployment lines
Standing in long lines to apply for unemployment benefits

Blame the government for hard times
Believing that the government is responsible for the economic hardship

We just get by
Trying to survive with limited resources

However we can
Using any means necessary to make ends meet

We all have to duck
Having to avoid the negative consequences of a bad situation

When the shit hits the fan
When things go wrong and a crisis occurs

Ten kids in a Cadillac
A large family crammed into a small car

Stand in lines for welfare checks
Waiting in queues to receive government aid

Let's all leech off the state
Suggesting that people are dependent on the government for support