The band has been pounding the pavement hard since their formation in 2001, touring furiously and earning themselves a cult-like following across the US and Canada. Playing a hybrid style of thrash, metal, sludge, grind and punk, Ed Gein, who call Syracuse, NY home, use their self-described "angry-noise punk" style as a means to deliver their politically and socially charged message. "It's all a matter of being aware and thinking for yourself," says Jenkins. "A 'Judas-goat' is an older animal at a slaughter-house trained to lead the other animals to slaughter. In exchange, the animal is taken care of almost like a family pet until they are no longer of use. A large portion of the world's population falls into one of the unfortunate categories of either being a betrayer or one of the millions of mindless, resource-eating followers."
The band takes influence from such bands as Coalesce and Pig Destroyer.
Small Towns Small Minds
Ed Gein Lyrics
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The lyrics to Ed Gein's song Small Towns Small Minds are a powerful condemnation of racism and bigotry. The opening line directly addresses the issue of white supremacy, telling the listener not to yell "white power" at the singer. The use of the term "white trash" is significant, as it calls attention to the fact that racism and classism are often intertwined. The singer rejects any association with the listener, saying "I'm not your god damn brother." This suggests a complete repudiation of the kind of familial or community ties that are often used to justify racist beliefs.
The next lines speak to the way that racism can be used to divide people, with the listener drawing "lines in the sand" based on skin color. The singer is having none of it, and tells the listener to "fuck you and your heritage." This line is interesting because it challenges the idea that somebody's heritage is relevant to their worth as a person; instead, the singer suggests that we are all human beings and should start acting accordingly. The final line of the song contains an exhortation to the listener to change their ways and stop acting so hatefully.
Overall, this song is a potent critique of racism that manages to be both angry and compassionate. The singer is clearly fed up with the kind of ignorance and hatred that they are witnessing, but the message in the song is ultimately one of hope – that people can change and start treating each other with the respect they deserve.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't yell "white power" at me you white trash piece of shit.
I don't want to hear any racist remarks from you, especially if you consider yourself to be low-class and worthless.
I'm not your god damn brother.
Despite being of the same race, I want no association with someone who spews hateful and offensive language.
I won't stand here and watch you draw lines in the sand and divide us up by color.
I refuse to be a silent bystander while someone tries to segregate and discriminate against others solely based on their skin color.
Fuck you and your heritage.
I have no respect for your supposed cultural identity and history, especially if it is rooted in oppressive and discriminatory principles.
Fuck your ignorant confederate culture.
I find your allegiance to a defeated and immoral regime to be offensive and shortsighted.
We're all human beings, why don't you start acting like one.
Regardless of race, we are all human and should treat each other with respect and empathy, rather than perpetuating hate and bigotry.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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