Coming out of the streets of Fullerton California, DI was formed in the sha… Read Full Bio ↴Coming out of the streets of Fullerton California, DI was formed in the shadows of The Adolescents back in 1983 in a studio behind a pawn shop. The Adolescents, Social Distortion, Agent Orange and several other local early punk rock pioneers were the breeding ground from which DI was born. DI branded their own form of punk rock that complemented the Orange County Punk scene in sound and attitude. DI was thrown to the forefront after the band performed "Richard Hung Himself" with the original line up that recorded the bands first EP in the 1984 movie, "Suburbia", directed by Penelope Spheeris who's previous production was "Decline of Western Civilization." When the band went through a line up change after the first EP titled Team Goon, members of emerging Fullerton band Almost 21 became the backbone for the sound that DI is known for today. During that line up change, front man Casey Royer known for his cutting and outrageous social commentary through humor is joined by Rikk Agnew of The Adolescents on guitar. Rikk brought to DI a handful of songs written in previous years, such as "Falling Out" and "OC Life" which were featured on Rikk Agnew's solo album, "All By Myself" and were made wildly popular though Casey Royer's style and personality. Over the many years that DI has been on the scene, the band has went though a lot of line up changes that has made DI a very incestuous family of players. Most of the former and present members were all part of the Fullerton and north Orange County Punk scene which proved to be the key ingredient to keeping the personality that makes DI what it is. DI has toured extensively throughout North America and Europe, and everywhere they performed DI left the audience not wanting the show to be over. The current line, which many have stated could very well be the hardest hitting and most cohesive line up ever, made up of Casey Royer on vocals, brothers Eddie and Joey Tatar as the rhythm unit of bass and drums, Chickenhead on rhythm guitar and brought together by lead guitarist Clinton Calton.
DI is proud to bring you the band’s 8th release, “On The Western Front”.

Martyr Man
D.I. Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Martyr man
This martyr man in a recent time
He loved his life but a little too fast
Out of control in a wreckless way
So easily it can be taken all away
Martyr man will die for what he sees
Martyr man will fight for what he thinks
Martyr man what did you really see?

A strong message for which this man leaves
When will people understand?
That he was just a common man
Still the people ask me why
This man had to die
Martyr man...
There's a place I know where the wild ones go
Where people rot and always spite
Loss of a friend mind, body and soul

One man death could save another man's life
Martyr man...

Overall Meaning

The song "Martyr Man" by punk band D.I. explores the theme of sacrifice and the idea that one person's death could save another's life. The song portrays a man who, despite living a reckless lifestyle, has a strong sense of morality and is willing to fight and die for what he believes in. Through his death, he leaves behind a strong message about the importance of understanding and valuing human life.

The lyrics describe the "Martyr Man" as someone who lived life fast and out of control, but who was also driven by a strong sense of purpose. He saw things differently from most people and was willing to fight and die for his beliefs. Despite being just a "common man," his death has a profound impact on those around him, leaving them to question why such a noble and selfless person had to die.

The song also references a place where the "wild ones go," a place of decay and misery where people are consumed by their own bitterness and anger. In the context of the song, this place represents the consequences of a life lived without regard for others, a life that ultimately leads to a lonely and painful end. The "Martyr Man" is held up as an example of someone who chose a different path, a path of sacrifice and service that ultimately leads to a greater good.

Overall, "Martyr Man" is a powerful song that speaks to the human desire for meaning and purpose, and the importance of recognizing the value of all human life.

Line by Line Meaning

Martyr man
Introducing the subject of the song, a martyr man.

This martyr man in a recent time
Describing the specific martyr man mentioned in the song as being from a recent time.

He loved his life but a little too fast
Acknowledging that the martyr man enjoyed his life but lived recklessly and dangerously.

Out of control in a wreckless way
Further emphasizing the fact that the martyr man took risks and lived in a way that was careless and irresponsible.

So easily it can be taken all away
Highlighting the fragility of life and how it can be lost in a moment.

Martyr man will die for what he sees
Stating that the martyr man is willing to die for his beliefs and principles.

Martyr man will fight for what he thinks
Emphasizing the fact that the martyr man is passionate and dedicated to his beliefs and will fight for them.

Martyr man what did you really see?
Asking a rhetorical question about what the martyr man observed and experienced that led him to his beliefs.

A strong message for which this man leaves
Acknowledging that the martyr man had a powerful message that he left behind.

When will people understand?
Questioning when society will truly comprehend and appreciate the actions and motives of a martyr.

That he was just a common man
Asserting that the martyr man was an ordinary person with exceptional beliefs and principles, not a hero or mythical figure.

Still the people ask me why
Indicating that even after the martyr man's death, people still question the reason for his sacrifice.

This man had to die
Suggesting that the martyr man's death was inevitable and necessary for his message to be heard.

There's a place I know where the wild ones go
Introducing a place where unconventional people congregate and gather.

Where people rot and always spite
Describing this place as being filled with negativity and animosity among the people there.

Loss of a friend mind, body and soul
Acknowledging the emotional and spiritual pain caused by the loss of a friend, including their absence from both the physical and mental planes.

One man death could save another man's life
Stating that one person's death can have a profound impact on the life and beliefs of others.

Martyr man...
Reiterating the subject of the song and the central theme of martyrdom.

Contributed by Connor S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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