Dead Kennedys' lyrics were usually political in nature, satirizing the Reagan Administration and the American establishment in general, as well as popular culture and even the punk movement itself. Several stores refused to stock their recordings, sparking debate about censorship in rock music. Jello Biafra became an active campaigner against the Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC), culminating in an obscenity trial in 1985-1986 which resulted in a hung jury.
The group released a total of four studio albums and one EP before disbanding in 1986. Following the band's dissolution, Jello Biafra continued to collaborate and record with other artists including D.O.A., NoMeansNo and his own bands Lard and the Guantanamo School of Medicine, as well as releasing spoken word performances and becoming an activist with the Green Party.
In 2000, Jello Biafra lost an acrimonious legal case initiated by his former Dead Kennedys band mates over songwriting credits and unpaid royalties. In 2001, the band reformed; various singers have since been recruited for vocal duties.
Ill in the Head
Dead Kennedys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Little gardens grow
They grow very wide
They grow very tall
Why am I alive?
Urban Wonderland
By the fence I stand
There are many paths
Dripping dark so dense
Do not enter here
Enter over there
Why am I alive?
Urban Wonderland
By the fence I stand
In and out of hand
People closing in
Barking at my mind
Shouting "do you mind?"
I want all alone
I want my own home
I want my own girl
Help me hate the world
Own and love my life
Why am I alive?
Urban Wonderland
By the fence I stand
In and out of hand
The lyrics to Dead Kennedys' "Ill in the Head" describe a state of desperation experienced by the singer. The first verse describes how in their mind, little gardens grow, possibly representing their hopes and desires. The phrase "in and out of hand" could mean that they feel like their goals slip out of their grasp just as they think they are making progress. The chorus features the repeated question "why am I alive?" which could suggest that the singer is feeling hopeless and questioning their purpose in life.
The second verse features more imagery of an urban landscape, with "dripping dark" paths that are warned against. This verse could represent the confusion and overwhelming nature of city living. The third verse features the singer feeling overwhelmed by people who are "barking at [their] mind." They shout "do you mind?", which could emphasize that the singer is feeling like they don't belong or aren't wanted. The last lines of the song contrast with the previous verses, where the singer expresses a desire for a home with a partner and to "own and love [their] life," rather than feeling lost and alone.
Line by Line Meaning
In a desperate mind
When someone is in a desperate state of mind
Little gardens grow
They tend to create imaginary places in their mind and try to find comfort in it
They grow very wide
Those imaginary places become bigger in their mind
They grow very tall
They start imagining more things which further amplifies their thoughts
Why am I alive?
A question that pops up in their mind whenever they are lost
Urban Wonderland
A place where there is hustle-bustle, no calmness
By the fence I stand
The person is standing near the fence contemplating about their life
In and out of hand
Their thoughts are going in and out of their control
There are many paths
There are several ways to deal with the problems, and it can get confusing
Dripping dark so dense
The thoughts get darker and darker, leading to depression
Do not enter here
Admonishing themselves to not indulge in dark thoughts
Enter over there
Trying to steer towards positive thoughts
People closing in
The fear of being judged by others surrounds the person
Barking at my mind
Their own thoughts start screaming, leading to anxiety
Shouting "do you mind?"
The person turns to the others and asks, 'Does it bother you?'
I want all alone
The person wishes to be left alone
I want my own home
The longing to have a peaceful, personal space
I want my own girl
The desire for emotional support and stability
Help me hate the world
The person wishes to shun the world and its problems, hoping to get relief
Own and love my life
The person wishes to take control of their life and enjoy it
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: DEAD KENNEDYS, CARLO CADONA, KLAUS FLOURIDE, EAST BAY RAY, JELLO BIAFRA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
dtox
The guitar and weird time signature changes makes this one of the most original punk albums of all time. Definitely bred the way for bands like DEP
Onutube
Whats dep
Daniel Araujo
This song could have been written by Gentle Giant. I read it was written and played by a second guitar player who left the band during recording of the album because he as more interested in prog than in punk. I like both genres and I think this song is incredible.
perseapina
me too but gentle giant is horrible :)
thecashmerekitten
How do these people hate this riff? I love it.
Amones-Ray
This is brilliant. I wish the Dead Kennedys had done more songs like this.
Sütiszörny
Gaslight!
DIVIDED WE FALL
East Bay Ray?
BlackestOfTheBlack
Amones-Ray yeah this song was masterminded by 6025 if you look up specifically him you can find some unreleased dead Kennedys songs with a similar vibe
Nacho Herrera
6025, amazing writer, a pity he didn't remain longer in the band