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.

America The Beautiful
D.O.A. Lyrics

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lock your doors, lock it tight it's the new immoral right they wanna cleanse the home of the brave for the master race of the usa it's so beautiful on the street you won't know them like a pack of wolves in sheeps' clothing spreading wide, spreading far not just another false alarm it's so beautiful america -- i got my bible america -- i got my handgun america -- now i'm ready america -- home of the brave america - and the home of the slaves america -- now i'm ready but are you?

Overall Meaning

These lyrics from D.O.A's "America The Beautiful" song paint a bleak picture of the current state of society in the United States. The first two lines, "lock your doors, lock it tight it's the new immoral right," suggest that society is becoming increasingly unsafe due to the actions of a new group with questionable morals. The lyrics go on to suggest that this group is trying to "cleanse" the country for the "master race" of the USA. This can be interpreted as a critique of white supremacist groups that are becoming more vocal and visible in the country.

The next line, "you won't know them like a pack of wolves in sheeps' clothing" suggests that these groups are disguised and potentially dangerous. The following lines about the spreading of their message contribute to the sense of urgency and alarm that is present in the lyrics. The refrain of "America - I got my bible, America - I got my handgun, America - now I'm ready" reinforces the idea that some individuals feel that they need to be prepared to defend themselves in the current climate.

The final line of the song, "America - and the home of the slaves, America - now I'm ready but are you?" is a direct reference to the words of the US national anthem "The Star-Spangled Banner." The word "brave" in the anthem is replaced with "slaves," suggesting that while the country may pride itself on freedom and bravery, there are still many injustices and inequalities that exist.

Overall, these lyrics are a critique of the current state of affairs in the US, with a particular focus on white supremacist groups and the increasing sense of danger that many individuals feel. The lyrics also highlight the contradictions between the ideals that the country holds and the reality of the situation.

Line by Line Meaning

lock your doors, lock it tight it's the new immoral right
The current governing power promotes immoral and unethical practices that threaten the safety of American citizens, necessitating increased personal security measures.

they wanna cleanse the home of the brave for the master race of the usa
Those in power seek to eliminate anyone who does not fit within their preferred demographic, in order to create a uniform society that caters only to their interests.

it's so beautiful on the street you won't know them like a pack of wolves in sheeps' clothing
The facade of American society obscures the dangerous intentions of those in power, who masquerade as ordinary citizens while pursuing their oppressive agenda.

spreading wide, spreading far not just another false alarm
The widespread implementation of harmful policies and practices is not an isolated incident, but rather a deliberate and systemic effort to undermine the values of America.

it's so beautiful america -- i got my bible
Despite the facade of American values, religious beliefs are often used to justify and promote oppressive policies and practices.

america -- i got my handgun
Due to the lack of comprehensive gun control laws and the glorification of violence in American culture, many citizens feel the need to arm themselves for personal protection.

america -- now i'm ready
Despite the challenges and dangers of living in America, some citizens feel ready and prepared to face whatever may come.

america -- home of the brave
Despite the systemic issues that plague the country, there are still many courageous individuals who are willing to stand up against oppression and fight for justice.

america - and the home of the slaves
Despite the facade of freedom, many Americans are still trapped in systems of oppression and exploitation, living in conditions akin to slavery.

america -- now i'm ready but are you?
While some citizens feel equipped to face the challenges of living in America, the true question is whether or not the nation as a whole is prepared to address and overcome the issues that face it.

Lyrics © GLITTERFISH MUSIC, INC.

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