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.

Utopia
D.O.A. Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴

Angela, hands above your head
do you hear me now, they are wishing you dead
Emotions stirring up, rumour has it you've got special powers
The firing's waiting now, Oh, they don't think that you've kept you vows

So Run for you life
if I were you I wouldn't stay another night
Run for your life

I'll pray to the Lord to make sure you'll be alright

Angela, you stand out from the crowd
You're no stranger now, you looked up when they ask you to look down
Listen up, no one can save you but yourself right now
It's time to run or take a bow
The system's gonna take you down, the system is gonna break you now
The system's gonna break you down
The system's gonna eat you alive so..

So Run for you life
if I were you I wouldn't stay another night
Run for your life
I'll pray to the Lord to make sure you'll be alright

Run for your life, time is running out now
You're dangerous when you don't want to bow

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of D.O.A.'s song "Utopia" portray a narrative centered around a character named Angela who is facing opposition from society. The opening lines, "Angela, hands above your head, do you hear me now, they are wishing you dead," suggest that Angela is being targeted or criticized by others. Emotions are stirred up, and rumors circulate about her possessing special powers. The firing mentioned in the lyrics is likely a metaphor for the criticism and judgment she is facing. The line "Oh, they don't think that you've kept your vows" suggests that society expects her to conform and adhere to certain standards, but she has chosen to challenge or defy those expectations.

Throughout the song, there is a recurring theme of urging Angela to run for her life. It implies that her survival and well-being depend on escaping the oppressive forces she is up against. The lyrics express a plea for her safety, praying to the Lord to ensure she will be alright. Angela is portrayed as someone who stands out from the crowd and refuses to conform. The line "You're no stranger now, you looked up when they ask you to look down" suggests that she doesn't succumb to societal pressure to lower herself or shrink away.

The lyrics also touch upon the idea that the system is set to bring Angela down. The system is described as something that will break her and eat her alive. The song warns that time is running out and emphasizes the danger of Angela refusing to bow down to societal expectations.

Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: DAVID HUSSER, KARIN PARK, NICOLAS UHLEN, STEPHANE AZAM

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS