Brian Baker, formerly of Minor Threat, formed Dag Nasty with Colin Sears, R… Read Full Bio ↴Brian Baker, formerly of Minor Threat, formed Dag Nasty with Colin Sears, Roger Marbury and Shawn Brown in 1985. Shawn's replacement on vocals (by ex- DYS frontman Dave Smalley) shortly before the recording of their debut full-length, Can I Say, began a revolving door membership that was to continue throughout their duration as a band (ultimately leaving Brian as the only original member.) Dag Nasty recorded Can I Say in June 1986, and Wig Out at Denkos in July 1987, for Dischord Records before moving to Giant Records for the release of Field Day in 1988. The Can I Say line-up reformed in 1992 to record Four on the Floor for Epitaph Records and again in 2002 to record a full-length for Revelation Records. In 1991, Dischord combined the Can I Say and Wig Out LPs onto one maxi-CD. Dischord re-mastered both records in 2003 and re-released them back onto two separate CDs, both including extra live and unreleased tracks.

Dag Nasty(1985 - 1991)

Dave Smalley - vocals on #19
Peter Cortner - vocals on #26
Brian Baker - guitar
Roger Marbury - bass on #19
Doug Carrion - bass on #26
Colin Sears - drums

What Now?
Dag Nasty Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Silly boy
In over his head again
Silly boy
Doing his best again
Silly boy
Why don't you ever learn?
Silly boy you
Can't help getting hurt

Behind us, lying and hiding

Behind us, the lying and hiding

Overall Meaning

Dag Nasty's song "What Now?" explores the idea of a person who continues to make mistakes and get hurt but doesn't seem to learn from them. The repeated use of the phrase "silly boy" emphasizes a tone of frustration and disbelief towards this person. It's almost as if the singer is exasperated with the foolish actions of this person, yet at the same time empathetic because they continue to get hurt despite their efforts.

The lyrics "behind us, lying and hiding" signify that there is something the person is trying to escape or hide from, which could be their own insecurities or past experiences. However, the singer reminds them that they can't run from their problems and that it's time to face them instead.

Overall, "What Now?" is a cautionary tale about the dangers of repeating the same mistakes and not learning from them. It's an introspective reflection on personal growth and how we can't move forward if we keep looking back.

Line by Line Meaning

Silly boy
This line is addressed towards someone who is being foolish or naïve.

In over his head again
The subject is in a difficult situation that they are not fully prepared for.

Doing his best again
Despite being in over their head, the subject is still making an effort to succeed.

Why don't you ever learn?
The artist is frustrated that the subject keeps making the same mistakes and not learning from them.

Silly boy you
The artist repeats their previous comment, reminding the subject of their foolishness.

Can't help getting hurt
Despite their efforts, the subject is still prone to getting hurt or experiencing negative consequences.

Behind us, lying and hiding
The singer is referring to someone who is deceptive and not forthcoming with the truth.

Behind us, the lying and hiding
The artist repeats their previous comment to emphasize the deceitfulness of the person in question.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DOUG DIPRETA

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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