Fishbone first assembled with John Norwood Fisher (bass), his brother Philip "Fish" Fisher (drums), Angelo Moore (vocals, saxophones and theremin), Kendall Jones (guitar), "Dirty" Walter A. Kibby II (vocals, trumpet), and Christopher Dowd (keyboards, trombone, vocals). They achieved their greatest success in the late 1980s and early 1990s, after which they went through many personnel changes. From 2003 to 2010, John Norwood Fisher and Angelo Moore were the last remaining original members of the band. In the 2010s, all the other original members except Kendall Jones rejoined the band for various reunions and anniversary activities.
Behind Closed Doors
Fishbone Lyrics
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I've fallen and I can't get up and I'm slipping through the cracks
I'm in a crisis and I can't afford the prices
No means to feed my family, never mind the nices
No escape, no pleasure
I really can't seem to get my shit together
Can't protect my children from the weather
Me and my baby skin grows the toughest leather
Where do they go?
When it rains
Where do they go?
When it snows
Where do they go?
When the cold winds blow
Where do they go?
When we are warm behind closed doors
The children cry themselves to sleep
Another night with no food to eat
Tear soaked pillow is a step of concrete
It's enough to drive me to rob steal kill or cheat
You may ask how can you live this rigid life
No means to feed or house your babies and your wife
As I will, I sunk to depths you can't fathom
My lifes a blunder, it's no wonder why you can't imagine
Where do they go?
When it rains
Where do they go?
When it snows
Where do they go?
When the cold winds blow
Where do they go?
When we are warm behind closed doors
Dem a go back down, dem a go way out
Back to this real world we live in
Dem a too far down, dem a too far out
For the real concern we're givin'
Dem all rob and steal, shoot up and kill
Is the common misconception
We all justify, we all ease our minds
With these deceptions
Now if life was a thing that money coulda buy
Then the rich man would make war and the poor man would fight
The rich mother would pity while the poor mother would cry
While the rich make excuses and the poor people die
Type a thing make I wanna go run and hide
Back to me condo over off of Rodeo Dr.
Grab a beer, try to remember a verse from the Bible
Put on me Tivo and see who's off American Idol
Where do they go?
When it rains
Where do they go?
When it snows
Where do they go?
When the cold winds blow
Where do they go?
When we are warm behind closed doors
Fishbone’s song “Behind Closed Doors” is a powerful commentary on poverty and the struggle to survive in a society that doesn’t provide adequate support for those in need. The opening lyrics of the song describe the singer’s desperation and the feeling of being trapped and helpless. They acknowledge their inability to provide for their family and the harsh reality of their situation.
The chorus of the song poses a series of questions about what happens to those who are struggling to survive in different types of harsh weather conditions. It contrasts the warm shelter that those who are better off can take for granted with the harsh reality faced by those who are living in poverty.
The second verse of the song provides a glimpse into the emotional toll of poverty on families. The description of children crying themselves to sleep and pillows soaked with tears is heart-wrenching. The singer recognizes the temptation to turn to crime or violence in order to survive, but acknowledges that this is not a viable or desirable solution.
The final verse of the song calls into question the societal illusions that people use to justify their own comfort and inaction. It critiques the idea that money and power equal worth and value, and suggests that this belief damages everyone in the society. The final line of the song suggests that the singer feels overwhelmed and tempted to escape, but ultimately recognizes that there is nowhere to hide from the reality of poverty.
Line by Line Meaning
Forward, forward, back, back, back
Feeling stuck and going nowhere, going in circles.
I've fallen and I can't get up and I'm slipping through the cracks
Feeling helpless and struggling.
I'm in a crisis and I can't afford the prices
Unable to afford basic necessities due to financial difficulties.
No means to feed my family, never mind the nices
Struggling to even provide food for the family, luxury is out of the question.
No escape, no pleasure
Feeling trapped without any enjoyment or release.
I really can't seem to get my shit together
Struggling to get things under control and improve the situation.
Can't protect my children from the weather
Unable to provide basic needs for the family, let alone protect them from harsh weather conditions.
Me and my baby skin grows the toughest leather
Having to become resilient and tough in order to survive hardships.
Where do they go? When it rains
Questioning where homeless people go during adverse weather conditions such as rain.
Where do they go? When it snows
Questioning where homeless people go during adverse weather conditions such as snow.
Where do they go? When the cold winds blow
Questioning where homeless people go during adverse weather conditions such as cold winds.
Where do they go? When we are warm behind closed doors
Drawing the contrast between the shelter and comfort of being inside a home versus those who are homeless.
The children cry themselves to sleep
The stress and hunger can be overwhelming for kids who are forced to live in poverty.
Another night with no food to eat
The family struggles to provide the most basic needs such as food.
Tear soaked pillow is a step of concrete
The reality of the situation is incredibly harsh and affects everyone in the family.
It's enough to drive me to rob steal kill or cheat
Desperation can lead people to consider immoral actions just to survive.
No means to feed or house your babies and your wife
The financial struggles can be overwhelming and cause immense stress.
As I will, I sunk to depths you can't fathom
Succumbing to desperation and taking actions that others may not be able to understand.
My life's a blunder, it's no wonder why you can't imagine
Feeling like a failure and understanding that others cannot fully understand the situation.
Dem a go back down, dem a go way out
People often try to distance themselves from the harsh reality of poverty.
Back to this real world we live in
Despite trying to ignore poverty, it is still a harsh reality for many.
Dem a too far down, dem a too far out
The divide between the rich and the poor is vast and difficult to bridge.
For the real concern we're givin'
Despite the severity of the situation, many are apathetic to the plight of the poor.
Dem all rob and steal, shoot up and kill, is the common misconception
Assuming that people in poverty are criminals is a widespread and harmful misconception.
We all justify, we all ease our minds with these deceptions
It can be comforting to believe negative stereotypes about those in poverty, but it is harmful and ignores the real issues.
If life was a thing that money coulda buy
Questioning the value and purpose of wealth.
Then the rich man would make war and the poor man would fight
Exploring the power dynamics between the rich and poor, with the poor often being forced to fight wars.
The rich mother would pity while the poor mother would cry
Even as a mother, wealth divides people and creates very different experiences of life.
While the rich make excuses and the poor people die
Being rich can afford protection and excuses, while those in poverty are vulnerable and suffer the consequences.
Type a thing make I wanna go run and hide
The harsh reality of poverty can be overwhelming and difficult to face.
Back to me condo over off of Rodeo Dr.
Desiring an escape from harsh realities and returning to luxurious living.
Grab a beer, try to remember a verse from the Bible
Trying to find comfort and solace in alcohol and religion.
Put on me Tivo and see who's off American Idol
Trying to distract oneself from harsh realities with television and entertainment.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ARTIS L., JR. IVEY, GEORGE S. CLINTON, WILLIAM EARL COLLINS, RONNIE STERLING, RONALD DUNBAR, DONNA LYNN CLINTON, STEVE ARRINGTON, CHARLES CEDEL CARTER, BUDDY HANK, ROGER PARKER, GREGORY JACOBS, WILLIAM CALHOUN, O'SHEA JACKSON, ERIC WRIGHT, ANDRE YOUNG, AN
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fishbone3333
Jay "Flyin J" Armant was a bad-ass for this band.
Before a show in Cleveland, J was out and about mingling. I had my 16 year old son, who also plays trombone, with me at the show.
..and I approached Jay and said, "Hey! Flyin' J...welcome to Cleveland. This is my son Holden and he plays trombone too"
..J then proceeded to talk to my son for THIRTY MINUTES about music and trombone playing. THIRTY FUCKING MINUTES.
I, nor my son, will Never forget that interaction. Thanks Jay!
Kitty Fantastic
The most intelligent band to survive the Punk scene. <3 I will always have love in my heart for Fishbone. At this point I feel like they are old friends and I just want to hug the hell out of them for never giving up.
Nyles French
Smoking Band. Still Rocking. One of the Baddest to Do it
HeroBrian8It
Wish I could choose a heart instead of a thumbs up.
1st Name Basis
Pure Musicians Talented !
David Ouellette
John is so smooth and sick on drums. Jacksonville says wassup bra! BTW this song sounds awesome at this tempo!
uhoh!
Of course the Bone is ever the Bone in any configuration (goes without saying). Gotta give props to the sound man tho. Shit is poppin!
Kevin Trotter
I get so,so tired of saying what an incredibly underrated band they are. All of the bands they inspired made it big then faded away.Glad they are still rocking! God Bless Fishbone!!
Sir Derty ✓
This was pretty awesome. And unique. These guys should travel the Emerald Cup style events.
Daniel G
Amazing Drummer
Dinterworld
There is no such thing as a bad fishbone line-up! Always solid!!!!!