Fugazi is an American post-hardcore band that formed in Washington, D.C., i… Read Full Bio ↴Fugazi is an American post-hardcore band that formed in Washington, D.C., in 1986. The band consists of guitarists and vocalists Ian MacKaye and Guy Picciotto, bassist Joe Lally, and drummer Brendan Canty. They are noted for their style-transcending music, DIY ethical stance, manner of business practice and contempt for the music industry.

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.

Exit Only
Fugazi Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Exuent.
This is three minute axcess,
So pop the question.
Will we leave the last place burning?

Or do we just get leaving?
Red-light,
Red-light my mind moves to refuse that filter,

Are you still surprised?

Keep my back above the tire tracks.
Sympatric.
I'll meet you,

I will meet you,
I'll meet you at the exit.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Fugazi's song Exit Only are a commentary on the idea of leaving and escaping from a situation or place. The opening line, "Exuent," is a Latin word meaning "they leave." The lyrics then pose a question about whether the individuals in the situation will go out with a bang ("leave the last place burning") or if they will simply slip away quietly ("just get leaving"). The use of the red-light metaphor suggests a sense of hesitation or reluctance on the part of the individuals to leave, as if they are waiting for some sort of external signal or permission.

The second half of the song's lyrics further emphasize a focus on escaping, with the lines "keep my back above the tire tracks" and "I'll meet you at the exit." The idea of keeping one's back above the tire tracks suggests a sense of urgency and vigilance, as if the individuals are trying to avoid being run over or left behind as they make their escape. The repeated phrase "I'll meet you at the exit" reinforces the theme of leaving, but also suggests a sense of camaraderie and solidarity between the individuals who are making this escape together.

Overall, Fugazi's song Exit Only explores the complex emotions and motivations that come with leaving a situation or place. The lyrics suggest a mix of fear, uncertainty, and excitement as the individuals contemplate their escape and navigate the obstacles that stand in their way.

Line by Line Meaning

Exuent.
We are exiting or leaving.

This is three minute axcess,
The time for action is now and we must act quickly.

So pop the question.
Ask the important question or make a crucial decision quickly.

Will we leave the last place burning?
Should we destroy everything as we leave?

Or do we just get leaving?
Should we just leave quietly without causing any harm?

Red-light,
A warning or halt.

Red-light my mind moves to refuse that filter,
I am cautious and skeptical about what is happening.

Are you still surprised?
Amazed or shocked by what is happening?

Keep my back above the tire tracks.
I am staying alert and aware of any potential threats or danger.

Sympatric.
I am in solidarity with those who share similar beliefs or values.

I'll meet you,
I am willing to cooperate or work together.