Crashdog were known for their very direct lyrics, which they used to make social commentaries and discuss political issues of their day. Their albums included both strongly Christian songs and overtly political songs, often with a liberal bent. They were one of the first Christian bands to do this; later Christian old-school punk and hardcore bands followed suit.
In 1998 they released 8 Years to Nowhere, a selection of songs from previous recordings (originally called 8 Years from Nowhere to Nowhere). After its release, they decided to go on a one-year hiatus because their drummer, Greg Jacques, was starting a new record label, 2 Jake Records.
During their hiatus, they started another band, Ballydowse, which featured a mix of Celtic music and punk rock along with other styles. As of 2006, they still consider themselves to be on an "indefinite hiatus", but it is unlikely that they will re-form as a band.
Members
Andrew Mandell - lead vocals (originally played guitar)
Greg Jacques - drums
Brian Grover - bass
Jason Burt - guitar
Mike Perlmutter - guitar
Former members
Spike Nard (born Tim Davis) - lead vocals
Mike Simicek - bass
Discography
Hard Knocks for Hard Heads (Grrr records/Rrrough, 1990)
Humane Society (Grrr recordS/Word Entertainment, 1990)
The Pursuit of Happiness (Grrr recordS/Word Entertainment, 1993)
Mud Angels (Grrr recordS/R.E.X. Music, 1994)
Cashists Fascists and Other Fungus (Grrr recordS/R.E.X. Music, 1995)
7 Inch Finch Pinch (2Jake Records/Sin Club Records/Grrr Records, 1996)
Outer Crust (2 Jake Records/Grrr recordS, 1997)
8 Years to Nowhere (Grrr recordS, 1998)
Live at Cornerstone 2002 (authorized indie CDR)
Branded
Crashdog Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
our liberation stories only we will retell
the voice which will sing our song
belongs to us alone
once they forced us out but
now you could not pay us to return
(chorus)
ugly, weakling, empty-handed
a tribe of broken people rebuilt together
different irons we've all been branded
permanent misunderstanding
a union of misfits lasts forever
like ghosts, we haunt the edges of your world
can you feel the center on which we turn?
astrocized, unified by what exists
beyond the cold reductions and the haze they emit
(chorus)
from suffering and sorrow we hold no immunity
but a hope is now before us beyond futility
we claim nothing but need alone
despite all your warnings we found a home
(chorus)
The song “Branded” by Crashdog delves into the theme of social outcasts and misfits coming together to form their own community. The lyrics describe a group of people who have been ostracized by society and forced to stand outside the encircling walls. Despite their liberation stories, which they alone are able to retell, they have been given different irons or labels such as ugly, weakling, and empty-handed. However, rather than being destroyed by their branding, they have rebuilt themselves together as a tribe of broken people. They have created their own center which is separate from the one that society is turning around.
The chorus of the song repeats the concept of different irons they have been branded with and the permanent misunderstanding they carry in contrast to a union of misfits that lasts forever. The song highlights how the act of being branded or labelled by society is not an isolated experience, but rather an experience that a lot of people have faced. The band Crashdog uses music as a medium to give voice to this neglected group of society. In the second verse, the band likens themselves to ghosts haunting the edges of society, making their presence known but never quite fitting into society's definition of norm. They refuse to be reduced to the hazy definitions that society attempts to impose on them.
The final section of the song describes the hope and need for a community in which they can belong. They claim nothing but need alone, and despite warnings from those who have branded them, they have found a home together. This is a powerful message that suggests that hope, healing, and community can be found even in the darkest of situations. Crashdog's "Branded" serves as a reminder that no matter how society brands us, it's possible to create a space of belonging where everyone can thrive.
Line by Line Meaning
outside encircling walls we stand
We are on the outside of society's norms, looking in.
our liberation stories only we will retell
Our stories of overcoming oppression will only be truly understood by our community.
the voice which will sing our song
Only we can tell our own story.
belongs to us alone
Our experiences cannot be appropriated or told by others.
once they forced us out but
At one point, we were pushed out of society because we didn't fit their mold.
now you could not pay us to return
We have found community and acceptance outside of the mainstream and would never go back to being outsiders.
different irons we've all been branded
Each of us has struggled and been oppressed in unique ways.
ugly, weakling, empty-handed
Society has labeled us with derogatory terms due to our differences.
a tribe of broken people rebuilt together
We have found strength and support through our shared experiences of being marginalized.
permanent misunderstanding
We will always be misunderstood by society at large.
a union of misfits lasts forever
Our community of marginalized people is strong and enduring.
like ghosts, we haunt the edges of your world
We exist on the fringes of society, always present but not always visible.
can you feel the center on which we turn?
Our marginalized experiences are fundamental to the fabric of society.
astrocized, unified by what exists
We are united by our shared experiences of being marginalized.
beyond the cold reductions and the haze they emit
We exist beyond the simplistic and dismissive labels society often attaches to us.
from suffering and sorrow we hold no immunity
We experience pain and struggle just like everyone else.
but a hope is now before us beyond futility
Despite our hardships, we have found a sense of purpose and hope in our community.
we claim nothing but need alone
We don't seek material wealth, just acceptance and belonging.
despite all your warnings we found a home
Despite society's warnings and prejudices, we have found a place where we belong.
Contributed by Luke A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.