Since its inception, Fugazi has been self-managed and have released almost all their material through Dischord Records, an independent label founded by MacKaye and partner Jeff Nelson in 1980. The band maintained a policy of affordable access to their work through low record and ticket prices and all-ages concerts.
Says AMG All Music Guide, "Along with their stridently underground ethics — which were more out of pragmatism and modesty than anything else — they gained an extremely loyal and numerous global following. To many, Fugazi meant as much to them as Bob Dylan did to their parents."
They played their first show in the fall of 1987 and since then released 7 albums and toured the world extensively covering all 50 United States, Europe, Australia, South America, Japan and many points in between.
In addition to their recorded output Fugazi released a documentary film/video called "Instrument" in collaboration with independent filmmaker, Jem Cohen. The feature length video offers a documentary overview of the the band's career with footage shot in a variety of formats over the last 10 years combining concert, tour and studio material backed with a musical soundtrack by the band unique to the movie.
Fugazi's last musical releases were The Argument, a 10 song LP, and Furniture, a 3 song single, released in the Fall of 2001. These sessions marked the first studio appearance of long time roadie and second drummer Jerry Busher who played additional drums and percussion on a number of the tracks on both releases. The recordings were once again made in collaboration with long time Fugazi engineer Don Zientara at Inner Ear studios.
Prior to forming Fugazi, the members of the band played in various other bands with releases available on Dischord.
Fugazi are currently on hiatus as of 2002, with Mackaye in The Evens, Picciotto having produced various bands including Blonde Redhead and The Blood Brothers, and Lally playing with John Frusciante and Josh Klinghoffer on both Ataxia releases and working on a solo album.
Closed Captioned
Fugazi Lyrics
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The lyrics of "Closed Captioned" by Fugazi are a commentary on society's obsession with personal success and self-promotion at the cost of genuine human connection. The song opens by criticizing the etiquette and rules that people have created for social interaction, suggesting that they are barriers that prevent authentic communication. The lyrics then suggest that everyone is preoccupied with their own pursuits and that nobody is truly present or available to connect with others. The line "everybody wants their own damn station" reflects the idea that people are interested in broadcasting their own ideas and opinions, but not in listening to others or engaging in dialogue.
Later in the song, the lyrics question the notion of personal success and achievement. The lines "if we're so fine maybe you can tell me why no one counts until they're dead" suggest that people often overlook the value of others until they are gone. The lyrics also suggest that success is subjective and that everyone has their own version of what they want to achieve. Some people want art, some want politics, and everyone wants their own platform to achieve their goals.
Overall, "Closed Captioned" is a critique of the ways that modern society values individualism and self-promotion over genuine connections with others. The song calls for people to break down the barriers that prevent authentic communication and to recognize the value of others.
Line by Line Meaning
your etiquette your rules on interaction
Your manners and customs dictate how we interact.
what are you waiting for? nobody's home
Why do you hesitate? No one is available.
we're all out trying to find one
We are all searching for a place to belong.
what are we waiting for? the recipe
Why do we delay? We need the instructions.
a clear connection
We desire a direct and unambiguous link.
the time the time the time the time
Time is of the essence; it is urgent.
the direction we just want we don't know
We crave a destination but lack direction.
this one wants the art this one wants the politic
Some seek artistic expression; others pursue politics.
everybody wants their own damn station
Everyone desires their own platform or domain.
if we're so fine maybe you can tell me why
If we are doing well, can you explain why?
no one counts until they're dead
We only recognize or appreciate someone's worth after they pass away.
i asked you, i asked you a question, i just want
I inquired of you; I only seek an answer.
i don't know
I lack knowledge or understanding.
the imperfections are here to find
Flaws are present and need discovery.
if your position is so unkind
Your stance may be unfair or harsh.
everything is not alright
Things are not OK or satisfactory.
and since we live in present tense
We exist in the current moment.
the only hopeof making sense
The sole chance of comprehension.
all depends on the source of light
It hinges on the origin of illumination.
everything is closed captioned so come one
Everything is interpreted or explained, so let's proceed.
Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING
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