For a couple of years, Jay and Lindsay (The Doctor) had a daily show on Australia's Triple J radio station. Although Jay left in 2009, The Doctor continues to have various roles on ABC radio and television.
All original members except Jason have been replaced. Ben, the original guitarist, supposedly left to become an animal rights activist. Nat, the drummer, left to focus on another band, Quadbox. Lex, the bass player left under controversial circumstances. This lead the band to consider changing their name. They even posted a press release suggesting that they would take over the name Shihad, which had been vacated by the New Zealand hard rock band in the wake of the September 11 attacks in 2001.
Jay also spent time as the bass player for Nancy Vandal under the name Jason Jason Beers, a play on Gary Gary Beers from INXS.
The band famously antagonized Today-FM breakfast show hosts Kyle and Jackie-O, starting at a festival in Darwin and ending in an on-air phone interview with Jay. With the exchange being documented by Media Watch. (see here and here)
Frenzal Rhomb's first EP 'Dick Sandwich' was produced in bassy grunge style and included a cover of the theme to 'Home and Away', a popular but uncool Australian serial drama; as well as a song about Roger Climpson, a TV news presenter. Their seminal album Coughing up a Storm followed. The original version, which included an abusive and threatening voicemail as its secret track, is now out of print.
The band's records have been released through a variety of labels in Australia and most notably Fat Wreck Chords internationally.
Don't Speak
Frenzal Rhomb Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If you can't say something nice
Just say what you like
And if you can say what you like
Don't say shit
If you want to speak your mind
Watch and you will find
And if they care
Then they won't want to know
I know your resistance is futile
Don't be afraid to say
Whatever comes your way
Because if you don't you will regret it
And you're pride will go
If you want to wait in line
Don't walk across it
If you want to, fine
Or if you don't you should never try
I know your resistance is futile
When you're never saying what's on your mind
The lyrics to Frenzal Rhomb's song "Don't Speak" encourage listeners to speak their minds, but only if they have something nice to say. The first verse emphasizes the importance of being respectful when speaking to others. If you can't say something nice, then just keep your thoughts to yourself. The second verse suggests that speaking your mind is important, but warns that not everyone will care what you have to say. The chorus reinforces the idea that keeping quiet is often the smarter choice, as resistance is ultimately futile.
The song seems to be promoting a certain level of tact when it comes to speaking your mind. It's important to express your thoughts and feelings, but not if they're going to hurt others. At the same time, the song acknowledges that speaking up can be scary, especially if you fear being judged by others or if you're worried about damaging your own pride.
Overall, the lyrics to "Don't Speak" advocate for striking a balance between speaking your mind and being respectful of others. It's a reminder that sometimes, it's better to keep your thoughts to yourself, but other times, it's important to speak up and make your voice heard.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't speak when you're spoken to
Only speak when given permission or asked to speak.
If you can't say something nice
If you cannot say something positive or constructive, it's better to not say anything at all.
Just say what you like
Speak your mind and be honest.
And if you can say what you like
If you have the ability to speak your mind freely.
Don't say shit
Do not speak negatively or offensively.
If you want to speak your mind
If you have something to say and want to express your thoughts.
Watch and you will find
Observe others around you and see how they respond to what is being said.
That no-one cares
People are not concerned with what you have to say.
And if they care
If someone is interested in what you have to say.
Then they won't want to know
They will quickly lose interest in what you are saying.
I know your resistance is futile
Your unwillingness to speak your mind will not work in your favor.
Don't be afraid to say
Do not fear expressing your thoughts.
Whatever comes your way
Whatever thoughts come to mind.
Because if you don't you will regret it
If you hold back, you may feel regret later on for not speaking up.
And you're pride will go
Holding back your thoughts could affect your self-esteem.
If you want to wait in line
If you want to keep to yourself and follow the norm.
Don't walk across it
Do not disrupt others who are waiting in line.
If you want to, fine
If you choose to express your thoughts, that's okay too.
Or if you don't you should never try
If you do not speak your mind, do not attempt to do so just for the sake of it.
When you're never saying what's on your mind
When you constantly hold back what you really want to say.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Blake Hann
Epic Frenzal track!