D.O.A. was a hardcore punk band from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. T… Read Full Bio ↴D.O.A. was a hardcore punk band from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. They are often referred to as the "founders" of hardcore punk, along with Black Flag, The Germs, Negative Trend, and Middle Class. Their second album Hardcore '81 was thought by many to have been the first actual reference to the second wave of the American punk sound as hardcore. Singer/guitarist Joey "Shithead" Keithley is the only founding member to have stayed in the band throughout its entire history. However, original bassist Randy Rampage has been active in the band in recent years and has played on one of the band's last three albums, although he is not in the current lineup. D.O.A. has often released music on Jello Biafra's Alternative Tentacles Records, and they have released an album with Jello Biafra titled Last Scream of the Missing Neighbors.

D.O.A. has always maintained an uncompromising leftist political stance. The band is known for its outspoken political opinions and has a history of performing for many causes and benefits. Its slogan is "Talk minus Action equals Zero." The band has been active on many issues, including anti-racism, anti-globalization, freedom of speech, and the environment.

A Season In Hell
D.O.A. Lyrics

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2 months, behind the rent and i'm feeling like i'm somewhat bent well it could be, that not too long from now i could spend winter in a tent. [Chorus:] a season in hell. well, most things get tougher everyday but i know, it's got to be that way. 'cause cattle have blockers on their heads and quartz dogs fire in their eyes. [Chorus] sitting home in an empty room air seems thick as an ancient tomb little ears seem to grow from ceilings and walls. need no keeper to know the score grisly faces peer through your door. could it be time to cast these demons aside. [Chorus] i'm on a teetering ledge peering down at the ground with a hurricane wind beating me down oh no, no, no, no, no

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to D.O.A.'s song A Season In Hell describe a situation of financial hardship and despair. The singer is two months behind on rent and is worried about having to spend the winter living in a tent. The chorus, "a season in hell," emphasizes the severity of the situation and the feeling of being trapped in a difficult situation. The second verse takes a more metaphorical turn, describing an empty room where the air feels heavy and strange things seem to be happening, like ears growing from the ceiling and walls. The singer wonders if it's time to "cast these demons aside" and overcome their struggles.

Overall, the song depicts a sense of hopelessness and desperation, but also hints at the possibility of finding a way out of a difficult situation. The use of metaphors like "cattle with blockers on their heads" and "grisly faces" adds to the feeling of being trapped and helpless.

Line by Line Meaning

2 months, behind the rent and I'm feeling like I'm somewhat bent
I am two months behind on rent and I am feeling distressed and overwhelmed.

Well it could be, that not too long from now I could spend winter in a tent.
I am concerned that if things don't improve soon, I may be homeless this winter.

[Chorus:] A season in hell.
Things have been difficult, and I feel like I am in a personal hell.

Well, most things get tougher every day, but I know it's got to be that way.
Life can be hard and challenging, but I understand that it's just part of the journey.

'Cause cattle have blockers on their heads and quartz dogs fire in their eyes.
The world can be cruel and unfeeling, and sometimes it seems like everyone is just mindlessly following without thinking for themselves.

[Chorus] Sitting home in an empty room, air seems thick as an ancient tomb.
I am alone and isolated, and the atmosphere around me is heavy and oppressive.

Little ears seem to grow from ceilings and walls, need no keeper to know the score.
I am paranoid and feel like I am being constantly monitored, even though no one is actually there.

Grizzly faces peer through your door, could it be time to cast these demons aside.
I am haunted by my own personal demons and it may be time to confront them and move on.

[Chorus] I'm on a teetering ledge peering down at the ground, with a hurricane wind beating me down, oh no, no, no, no, no.
I feel like I'm hanging on by a thread, constantly battered by the storms of life and struggling to keep afloat.

Contributed by Carter C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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