Fifteen released their first record in 1991 on Lookout records. It was singer/guitarist Jeff Ott's vision to create music that didn't just rock, but had something important to say as well. After four records on Lookout, two on Grass Records, three on Sub City Records, and three more on indefinite self-published labels, Fifteen were viewed as the leaders in the political-punk music scene. They tackle such burning issues as homelessness, drug abuse, needle exchange, environmental destruction and the government's use of counterintelligence measures to violate activist's civil rights. Fifteen first broke up in 1996 after the self-released "extra medium kickball star."
They reformed in 1998 and released Hush and Survivor then disbanded 2000 with Jeff Ott stating that the anti-commercial DIY ethics of punk rock made it too expensive for him to have a band while raising a family.
The band had a total of fifteen members during its existence: Jeff Ott, Jack Curran, Mikey Mischief, Mark Moreno, Jean Repetto, Lucky Dog, Chris Flanagan, John Ogle, Jessie Wickman, Joe Cable, John Quintos, Scott Pierce, Jim Prior, Lisa D. and Vanessa Bain.
The End II
Fifteen Lyrics
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When we're done putting back what we took from the ground
When the last republican and bureaucrat and liberal can admit to being a human being
When the last stubborn men stops refusing to learn from who he's met and what he's seen
There will come a day when there will be no more enemy, and no one left to hate
And on this day the earth will stand up and walk away
When the last line on all the maps has been erased
When we lose the reasons for division, and the separation has gone away,
When we know the love will stay
When all the songs have been heard and all the books have been read
When all the hate is gone and dead
The lyrics to Fifteen's song "The End II" speak to the idea of an idealized future in which humanity has overcome its divisions and learned to live harmoniously. The first verse speaks to the idea of rebuilding after conflict, focusing on the idea of putting things back together after tearing them apart. The second verse speaks to the idea of unity and understanding, envisioning a world where the last stubborn holdouts have finally accepted the humanity of their fellow human beings and learned to empathize with them.
The chorus is perhaps the most evocative part of the song, with the idea that one day all of the world's problems will be solved and the world will simply walk away from them. The verses and chorus together form a powerful expression of hope for a better future, one in which humanity has evolved beyond its current struggles and learned to live together in peace.
Overall, the song is a powerful statement on the importance of empathy, understanding, and unity in our society. It speaks to a vision of a better world, one in which all people can thrive and live in harmony with one another.
Line by Line Meaning
When we're done cleanin the rubble from the last wall torn down
When we finish clearing the debris from the last destroyed barrier of separation
When we're done putting back what we took from the ground
When we replace everything we have taken from the earth
When the last republican and bureaucrat and liberal can admit to being a human being
When the final person belonging to any political party accepts their human identity
When the last stubborn men stops refusing to learn from who he's met and what he's seen
When the last obstinate individual stops denying the wisdom imparted to him by his experiences and encounters
There will come a day when there will be no more enemy, and no one left to hate
A day will come when there will not be anyone to hate, no division between social groups, and everyone will live in harmony.
And on this day the earth will stand up and walk away
When this harmony is achieved, the world will move forward in a more positive direction.
When the last line on all the maps has been erased
Once the final physical borders are removed from all maps
When the last person learns to derive the simple pleasure, of seeing another's smiling face
When the last individual comprehends the gratification obtained by bringing joy to another person
When we lose the reasons for division, and the separation has gone away
When we forget why we were separated in the first place, and our divisions dissolve.
When we know the love will stay
Once we are confident that our love and unity will continue over time
When all the songs have been heard and all the books have been read
When all the knowledge and culture from our world have been acquired and embraced.
When all the hate is gone and dead
Once there is no hatred remaining or present in this world.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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