The Dicks emerged during the halcyon days of Austin, Texas punk. The scene centered around the local dive bar Raul's frequented by local freaks, artists, and soon-to-be punk rockers. The band was the creation of Gary Floyd, a 26 year old from Palestine, Texas who had been a conscientious objector to the Vietnam War and was openly, flamboyantly gay. Although he was advertising the Dicks before they were even an actual band, Floyd soon joined forces with three "terrorist thugs" to complete the group: guitarist Glen Taylor, bassist Buxf Parrot, and drummer Pat Deason. They started writing burly blues-drenched punk anthems and began playing raucous, shows with local heroes The Big Boys. Unlike that band's funk-infused, high-production value drag show, the Dicks opted for a cruder but still spectacular approach. Gary Floyd would assault the audience with chocolate frosting pulled from his panties, inviting any rowdy audience members to suck his dick.
The band's first single, Dicks Hate the Police, was dropped onto the world in 1980 on MDC's R Radical label. The title track to this EP is unlike anything else before or after - a total powerhouse of a song. The B-side found the band playing faster and harder than most other U.S. punk bands at the time. Like most of their Texas peers, the Dicks had a sound that didn't fit any one mold or genre. Sometimes punk, hardcore, blues, or free-form ranting, they were always playing music on the edge of insanity. Their next record is one of the ultimate documents of Texas punk - a split live LP with the Big Boys recorded at Raul's. While the Big Boys don't sound as great as their studio material, the Dicks really explode off the vinyl with a ripping live set that captures both the great songwriting and amazing energy they brought to the table.
Dicks Hate The Police
Having caught the attention of punk producer Spot, the Dicks recorded their first full length for SST. Kill from the Heart finds the Dicks' blues punk attacking conservatism and especially racism with unbridled fury. In 1982, before the album came out, Gary and the Dicks moved to San Francisco, followed by MDC and DRI who took up with them at a squatted beer plant known as the Vats. Along with their new neighbors Crucifix and Michigan's The Crucifucks, they embarked on the 1983 Rock Against Reagan tour: an exhausting 3 month extravaganza organized by the Yippies. The tour took a lot out of the band, and after its completion only Gary returned to the city by the bay. There he reformed the band with three new musicians: drummer Lynn Perko, guitarist Tim Carroll, and bassist Sebastian Fuchs.
This line-up recorded the PEACE? EP, a concept single attacking the injustices of war. While the record is powerful, especially the scorching "I Hope you Get Drafted," it also demonstrated the cleaner, more blues-rock direction that the new band was taking. 1985's These People LP, released on Alternative Tentacles, showcased a Dicks who were expanding punk sounds to play more straightforward, longer bluesy rock songs. Nonplused by the reaction from punk audiences ("play faster!"), Gary decided to end the Dicks in 1986. He and Lynn Perko started Sister Double Happiness, who recorded for SST. Gary later went solo and has a new project called Black Kali Ma on A.T. Glen Taylor, unfortunately, passed away. Alternative Tentacles has reissued a collection CD of Dicks material that is a good starting point, and bootlegs of the LP (good quality) and first 7" (bad quality) aren't too hard to come by. Go get them now.
(taken from KillFromTheHeart)
Anti-Klan
Dicks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I know you're in the Ku Klux Klan
You got a gun hung on your hip
It's underneath your silky slip
But we'll fight you
We'll fight
You're blue by day but white by night
I know you'd kill me if you could
You hide your head beneath a hood
I know that you're a closet case
Afraid to show your fucking face
But we'll fight you
We'll fight
You're blue by day, and white at night
Let's fight! Oh let's fight, oh yeah!
I see that you're a policeman
And I know you're in the Ku Klux Klan
You got a gun hung on your hip
It's underneath your fucking slip
But we'll fight you
Yes we'll fight
You're blue by day, but white by night
Let's fight, oh let's fight, oh let's fight fight, oh let's fight fight, oh let's fight fight, oh let's fight fight
Tight!
The lyrics in Dick's song "Anti-Klan" addresses the confrontation and resistance against systemic racism and white supremacy perpetuated by the Ku Klux Klan and its supporters, particularly those within law enforcement. The singer acknowledges the inherent danger in confronting individuals who are members of the police force and the Klan, powerful groups that possess both authority and weapons. The mention of the policeman's gun symbolizes the threat of violence and the potential for abuse of power by those who should be protecting and serving the community.
The repeated declaration of "We'll fight you" denotes the resolve and determination to stand up against oppression and bigotry. The juxtaposition of the policeman being "blue by day but white by night" refers to the uniform worn during the day, representing authority and order, while participating in racist activities under the cover of darkness. This contrast highlights the hypocrisy and duality of individuals who uphold systemic racism while hiding behind their positions of power.
The lyrics also address the cowardice of those who hide behind anonymity and masks, such as the Klan members who conceal their faces with hoods. The singer calls out the hypocrisy of individuals who preach hate and discrimination but are afraid to reveal their true identities, labeling them as "closet case[s]" who lack the courage to openly confront their beliefs. The call to "let's fight" is a rallying cry for unity and resistance against racial injustice, urging others to join in the struggle for equality and justice.
Overall, "Anti-Klan" is a defiant and assertive anthem that challenges the oppressive structures upheld by the Ku Klux Klan and its affiliated members within law enforcement. It advocates for solidarity and resistance against racism, urging individuals to confront bigotry and injustice head-on, even in the face of intimidation and violence. The song embodies a spirit of defiance and courage in the face of systemic discrimination, emphasizing the need to stand up and fight against hatred and prejudice wherever it may exist.
Line by Line Meaning
I see that you're a policeman
I recognize that you are a law enforcement officer
I know you're in the Ku Klux Klan
I am aware that you are a member of the Ku Klux Klan
You got a gun hung on your hip
You are armed with a gun holstered to your side
It's underneath your silky slip
The gun is concealed beneath your uniform
But we'll fight you
We are prepared to resist against you
You're blue by day but white by night
You wear a blue uniform during the day and embrace white supremacy at night
Let's fight, oh let's fight
We will engage in a struggle against you
I know you'd kill me if you could
I am aware that you would harm me if given the opportunity
You hide your head beneath a hood
You conceal your identity with a hood
I know that you're a closet case
I understand that you keep your true beliefs hidden
Afraid to show your fucking face
You fear revealing your true self
But we'll fight you
We are determined to confront and oppose you
Yes we'll fight
Indeed, we will engage in resistance
Let's fight, oh let's fight, oh let's fight fight, oh let's fight fight, oh let's fight fight, oh let's fight fight
We are ready for battle and will not back down
Tight!
We will stand firm and fight together
Contributed by Molly N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.