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.
Unknown
D.O.A. Lyrics
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The lyrics of D.O.A.'s song "Unknown" reflect the frustrations of an artist who has finally achieved some level of success, yet still feels overlooked and disregarded by the public. At the beginning of the song, the artist notes that he is "on the cover of TV week," which suggests that he has achieved some level of celebrity or recognition. However, this success has come at a cost - it took him three years to get where he is, and he feels that others dismiss his achievements as nothing more than an "industry scam."
The lyrics then shift to a more confrontational tone, with the artist calling on the listener to "recognize me." He notes that the fashion industry is a major part of his success, but he leaves the price tags on his clothes as a way of signaling that he is still "unknown." The artist seems to be mocking those who have relied on him for financial gain, urging them to "try it yourself, see what ya get" and calling them out for ignoring his earlier warnings about his potential for success.
Line by Line Meaning
everyone thinks i'm the one to beat because i'm on the cover of tv week.
People consider me as someone to beat because I was featured on the cover of a popular TV magazine.
took me three years to get where i am. but you write it off as an industry scam.
It took me three long years of hard work to achieve this, but you dismiss it as a scam of the industry.
hear the sound of falling bricks. hear the sound of crunching fists. here's our song, it sounds like this.
You can hear the sound of destruction in the background, but here we are presenting our song amidst all the chaos.
hear the sound of money to bet. try it yourself, see what ya get. hear the sound of your sweet success.
Listen to the sound of the money you can make. If you try it for yourself, you can hear the sound of your own success.
i'm calling on you to recognize me. turn on your channel and stare at me.
I'm requesting you to acknowledge my existence. Switch on your TV and take a look at me.
i get my clothes from the fashion show. leave on the price tag, so you'll know.
I obtain my garments from the fashion show, but I leave the price tag on them for you to see.
now you're making money to bet if you're lucky, get 5% told you it would happen, but nothin' it meant.
You are now earning money to gamble, and if you are fortunate, you may get a 5% share. I previously warned you, but it made no difference.
it's you who this message is for. can't get out, cause they locked the door. isn't it fun to be a bore.
This message is directed towards you. Unfortunately, you are now trapped, and there is no escape. Isn't being tedious so much fun?
everyone thinks i'm the one to beat because i'm on the cover of tv week. took me three years to get where i am but you write it off as an industry scam.
People assume that I'm formidable due to my TV magazine coverage, but it took me three years of hard work to reach this point, which you dismiss as an industry scam.
Contributed by Isaac L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
zanevibore
Does it get any better than DOA? Nope.
Larry Cwik
Awesome song! So happy to hear DOA live here in Portland two weeks ago - thanks for coming to Portland!
BEWARE OF GOD
Thank you for posting this barnburner one of DOA's best tracks!
ja50n
great album !
xamountofgrief xamountofgrief
When I was 14 (2000/01) I bought "Hardcore '81" and "Damaged" lp's on the same afternoon......good times!
Zwillenschuetze77
love the piano in this one ! :)
votejello
One night I got a little too stoned and went for a walk, and turned my ipod on shuffle. This song came up, and once that anthemic riff kicked in I had one of those insane weed epiphanies that are always annoying to hear about. To keep it short I love punk rock.
Robert Flores
Robert Yes Indeed.
L. Salisbury
0:52 - how many early 80s hardcore song can install a piano... and get away with it?! (Bad Religion's "damned to be free" is another one...)
ISOZero
Got to see the Hardcore 81 Tour at the Marion Hotel In Winnipeg. It was a toss up between Motorhead at the Playhouse or DOA a the Marion. DOA was late to get on to the stage but that was because they went to see Motorhead first. The Hardcore 81 tour when Randy Rampage was still in the band and Dream their roadie was present was very influential to the city because of their bandana style that left a lasting impression. A year before that on a Hot summers day they played Winnipeg for the first time after Black Flag backed out to a packed house at the Sick Hebrew benefit hall, it was a life changing moment seeing them for the first time. Some drunk idiot threw a bottle at the band which sailed over their heads. DOA threw down their instruments and collectively beat him up while dragging him outside, it was very impressive and me my childhood friends still bring it up in conversation now and then, I was 16 at the time.