Kelly Johnson and Denise Dufort later joined and in April 1978 they changed their name to Girlschool.
Their first single Take it all away was released on the City Records label which led to them gaining a Motörhead support slot on the Overkill tour in 1979.
Having signed with Lemmy´s record company Bronze later that year, the band released their first album Demolition in 1980.
After touring Japan in 1982, Enid left and was replaced by Gil Weston of The Killjoys and Girlschool recorded their third album Screaming Blue Murder.
When Kelly left to live in L.A. she was replaced by Cris Bonacci on lead guitar and singer Jackie Bodimead on lead vocals for the 1985 album Running Wild.
After many more line-up changes and releases on various labels, the original bassist/vocalist Enid rejoined the band in 2000, together with Jackie Chambers. In 2002 the band released the 21st Anniversary: Not that Innocent album.
Their 12th and latest output is the re-recorded Hit and Run: Revisited. Girlschool continued to tour Europe and South America in 2011-12 and returned in Japan in 2013. In early 2015, they recorded a new album titled 'Guilty as Sin' with producer Chris Tsangarides, which was released on 13 November 2015. On 30 January 2019, it was announced on the band's website that "Girlschool have parted ways once again with bassist Enid Williams" and that Tracey Lamb would return to replace her.
In 2023, Girlschool, now consisting of Kim McAuliffe on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Denise Dufort on drums, Tracey Lamb on bass and Jackie Chambers on lead guitar have unveiled a video for their new single “Are You Ready?” from their upcoming studio album WTFortyfive?, which will be released on July 28, 2023.
--Discography--
Demolition (1980)
Hit and Run (1981)
Screaming Blue Murder (1982)
Play Dirty (1983)
Running Wild (1985)
Nightmare at Maple Cross (1986)
Take a Bite (1988)
Girlschool (1992)
21st Anniversary: Not That Innocent (2002)
Believe (2004)
Legacy (2008)
Hit and Run - Revisited (2011)
Guilty as Sin (2015)
WTFortyfive? (2023)
Hellrazor
Girlschool Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
White line madness hits us hard again
Barmy army right there with us
Pulses racing
Denim, studs and chains
Drinking, sinking down under the table
Drinking, thinking, I'll be on my back again
Mad men, mad men
We'll hellraise through and that's alright, alright
Never listen when they tell you
The old black reaper's coming after you
'Cos the devil takes you no returns
Let's carry on and see this hell race through
The lyrics to "Hellrazor" by Girlschool tell the story of a wild night out with friends, indulging in reckless behavior and living life without a care in the world. The opening lines "Living like a hellraiser, white line madness hits us hard again" conjure images of a group of friends riding the high of adrenaline and the thrill of the moment.
As the lyrics progress, we get a glimpse into the debauchery and chaos of the night. "Drinking, sinking down under the table, drinking, thinking, I'll be on my back again" suggests that the singer is indulging in heavy drinking and possibly even drug use, knowing that they will likely pay the price for it later. The repetition of "mad men, mad men" emphasizes the reckless abandon that they feel, embodying the spirit of living for the moment and letting the consequences worry about themselves.
The final verse of the song introduces a cautionary note, warning the listener to ignore those who warn of the danger of their lifestyle. "Never listen when they tell you, the old black reaper's coming after you, 'cos the devil takes you no returns, let's carry on and see this hell race through" suggests that the singer is aware of the risks of their behavior, but chooses to ignore them in favor of living life to the fullest, come what may.
Overall, "Hellrazor" is a celebration of living life on the edge, of taking risks and embracing the thrill of the moment regardless of the consequences.
Line by Line Meaning
Living like a hellraiser
Living life of risk and excitement.
White line madness hits us hard again
Intense sensation while inhaling drugs
Barmy army right there with us
Crazed supporters cheering with us
Pulses racing
Feelings of excitement and anticipation
Denim, studs and chains
Wearing fashionable items to look rebellious
Drinking, sinking down under the table
Drinking excessively and reaching a drunken state
Drinking, thinking, I'll be on my back again
Drinking deep and thoughts turn to next day's hangover
Day break well gone we're no sight for sore eyes
Feeling shame and embarrassment after a long night out
Mad men, mad men
Insane beings consumed in the night
We'll hellraise through and that's alright, alright
Continuing with our crazy behavior is acceptable
Never listen when they tell you
Ignoring warnings and taking risks regardless
The old black reaper's coming after you
The grim reaper will take your soul
'Cos the devil takes you no returns
You'll receive no redemption from the devil
Let's carry on and see this hell race through
Continuing with our reckless path until the end.
Contributed by Mateo D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Marvin Wilsom
These girls just came into my mind again after so long. I remember this in the 80s and searched it up now... Great favourite then, still great now after all these years.
Susan Graham
Gil Weston is pretty good for singer/bassist this song kills!!!
Steve Rosberg
This is brutal.
paul roger
girlschool the best
NM Finne
INI <3 !
Mark Kelly
Bomber
Susan Graham
F*** off this song ROCKS!! how dare you insult Gil's singing abilities.