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)
Fair Play
Crashdog Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
with the fearless leaders of the world
we'll dispense health and property
for the pigs at the top, we'll sling the most slop
they need more, more, so much more
it's going fast, it'll never last, pacify the middle class
teach 'em helping hands are crazy
all the hungry must be lazy
calm the shouts, make a showing
keep the winds of change from growing
selfish escape, no sign of slowing
(chorus)
one man makes ten times the other
but is his worth ten times his brother?
some bask in food and land and light
while others sink within their sight
we bless it all without a fight
what's a priveledge? what's a right?
fair play...playing fair
you got it, you desrve it
why worry? why share?
fair play
behold the church triumphant, breathing life into worn out lies
who says we must choose between equal yet empty left and right
i'll never buy the line that this is the best we can do
community and fair share
common love and open hands
no empty words and no pipe dreams
no argument stands against what i've seen
(chorus)
one man dies for all the others
what was lost can be recovered
man needs bread from earth and heavan
neither hunger can be deadened
when a segment suffers the whole is threatened
priceless losses every second
Crashdog's "Fair Play" is a powerful criticism of the unfair distribution of resources in society. Through the clever use of lyrics, the band highlights the issues surrounding the distribution of wealth, inequality, and greed. The song opens by taking aim at the government, highlighting how those in power are more concerned with maintaining their own positions, and ensuring that the wealthy continue to get richer. The lyrics suggest that those in positions of power are content to throw scraps to the working class while they live a life of luxury at the top.
The chorus of the song is particularly poignant as it challenges society's perception of fairness. The lyrics suggest that some individuals are worth more than others simply because they have more money or more property. This belief is something that society has ingrained in us, but the song suggests that it is flawed. The song also suggests that the Church is complicit in this system, which is a powerful message in itself.
The second verse of the song offers hope for a better future, suggesting that we can do better than the current system. The lyrics suggest that we can create a fairer society where everyone has access to basic needs like food and shelter. The song speaks of the need for community spirit, love, and kindness in achieving this goal.
Overall, the lyrics of the song strike a powerful chord, highlighting the need for a fairer system, where everyone has access to basic needs. The song speaks to the power of music in bringing vital issues to the forefront.
Line by Line Meaning
let's go on a shopping trip courtesy of uncle GNP
Let's benefit from the nation's GDP and spend excessively
with the fearless leaders of the world
With the policymakers who are not afraid of taking bold and daring decisions
we'll dispense health and property
We'll distribute healthcare facilities and material possessions as we deem fit
for the pigs at the top, we'll sling the most slop
For the powerful elites, we'll offer the most benefits and privileges
they need more, more, so much more
The elites are greedy and insatiable for more resources and power
it's going fast, it'll never last, pacify the middle class
The resources are depleting at a fast rate, so let's calm the middle class with false satisfaction
teach 'em helping hands are crazy
The concept of helping those in need is considered absurd
all the hungry must be lazy
Those who suffer from hunger and poverty are thought to be unmotivated or undeserving
bread and circuses we suggest
We suggest only basic necessities and entertainment as a solution to societal miseries
calm the shouts, make a showing
Let's silence the voices of protest and make superficial efforts to show we care
keep the winds of change from growing
Don't let any significant revolution or transformation take place
selfish escape, no sign of slowing
We have a selfish motive, and we won't stop anytime soon
one man makes ten times the other
There's a significant discrepancy in income and wealth distribution
but is his worth ten times his brother?
Is that person really ten times more valuable than their counterpart?
some bask in food and land and light
Some enjoy plentiful resources, space, and opportunities
while others sink within their sight
Others struggle and suffer right in front of them
we bless it all without a fight
We accept this inequality and injustice without any resistance
what's a privilege? what's a right?
We question the meaning and distribution of privileges and rights in society
fair play...playing fair
We crave fairness and justice in society
you got it, you deserve it
People should get what they rightfully deserve without hindrance or discrimination
why worry? why share?
Why care for the welfare of others when one's self-interest is paramount?
behold the church triumphant, breathing life into worn out lies
The religious institutions perpetuate false narratives to maintain the status quo
who says we must choose between equal yet empty left and right
Why must we choose between political ideologies that offer little substantial change?
i'll never buy the line that this is the best we can do
I reject the notion that there's no better alternative or solution available
community and fair share
The solution lies in a shared community and fair distribution of resources
common love and open hands
We should nurture a culture of care and generosity
no empty words and no pipe dreams
We need practical and genuine solutions instead of hollow promises
no argument stands against what i've seen
I've witnessed the harsh reality, and nothing can dispute that
one man dies for all the others
There are people who sacrifice their lives for the welfare of others
what was lost can be recovered
We can recover what we've lost or squandered
man needs bread from earth and heaven
We need physical and spiritual nourishment to thrive
neither hunger can be deadened
We should strive to alleviate all forms of hunger and deprivation
when a segment suffers the whole is threatened
Suffering and injustice within a segment of society can disrupt the entire system
priceless losses every second
We face incalculable losses every moment we fail to address these social issues
Contributed by Logan P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.