Formed by four "Vegan Straightedge dudes" in 1997 because "the hardcore scene was in dire need of a sense of humor", this band uses self-irony when spreading their message of veganism, straight edge, and positivity. Their main influence is New York straight edge group Gorilla Biscuits, "We tried to sound as much like Gorilla Biscuits as possible." Other influences include 7 Seconds, Minor Threat, and Youth of Today.
The band recorded three records before parting way in 2002, saying "their mission had been accomplished and they reached for new goals." At the same time they released a compilation album from their entire career, Positively Positive 1997-2002, on Equal Vision. The band did a reunion tour in 2004 and released a brand new record in January 2006 entitled Between Christian Rock And A Hard Place, again on Equal Vision. In Europe their material is released by Reflections Records, and their new album will be accompanied by tours of Europe and the US.
They also released a limited edition split seven inch with Dead After School (UK hardcore, cat n cakey records) - a band that they met on tour in Iceland. they went on to tour together on their last UK tour.
Bully
Good Clean Fun Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But we've got better things to do.
You're proving that you're tough and shit,
But we're for real and don't forget.
We're fun, you're not,
We play, we fight,
You're off, we're not,
You go out and fight the world,
Beat up boys and beat up girls.
And nothing's gonna change your ways,
You look at us, but we just say:
Now another bully comes,
Beats your ass, away you run.
He'll be here to wear the crown,
'Til another comes around.
The song "Bully" by Good Clean Fun is a powerful response to the issue of bullying. The lyrics express an attitude of defiance towards the bully, who is described as someone who talks about themselves constantly and tries to prove their toughness. However, the singer and their friends have better things to do than engage with the bully's negative behavior. The bully is dismissed as insignificant, with the singer describing their own group as being "for real" in contrast to the bully's facade.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "We're fun, you're not" several times, emphasizing the positive energy and spirit of the singer's group of friends. The bully is portrayed as being disconnected from this sense of joy and playfulness, instead going out and fighting the world and beating up other people. Despite this violent behavior, the singer feels that nothing is going to change the bully's ways, which leads to a sense of frustration and powerlessness.
However, the song ends on a note of hope, as the singer predicts that another bully will come along to replace the current one. This suggests that the singer and their friends are resilient and will continue to stand up to bullying and intimidation, even in the face of adversity. Overall, "Bully" is a powerful and relatable anthem for anyone who has ever faced bullying or social pressure.
Line by Line Meaning
All you talk about is you,
You seem to be self-centered and only seem to talk about yourself.
But we've got better things to do.
We are engaged in much more constructive activities than engaging with you.
You're proving that you're tough and shit,
You are trying to show off your strength and bravado, which is not impressive.
But we're for real and don't forget.
We are genuinely strong, sincere, and not pretending to be something we're not.
We're fun, you're not,
We are enjoyable, happy and entertaining, but you are not.
We play, we fight,
We engage in playful activities and sometimes may get into fights.
You're off, we're not,
You behave badly, but we do not.
That chip is all you got!
Your aggressive and negative attitude is the only thing you have got going for you.
You go out and fight the world,
You are someone who goes around fighting people and is essentially a troublemaker.
Beat up boys and beat up girls.
You are picking fights with both boys and girls and engaging in violent activities.
And nothing's gonna change your ways,
It is highly unlikely that anything will change your behavior or attitude.
You look at us, but we just say:
You may be looking at us aggressively or threateningly, but we are choosing to ignore you.
Now another bully comes,
Another person who behaves like you shows up.
Beats your ass, away you run.
This person beats you up, and you run away cowardly.
He'll be here to wear the crown,
They become the new bully and take over the 'crown' of being the dominant troublemaker.
'Til another comes around.
Until someone else takes their place, in a never-ending cycle of bullying behavior.
Contributed by Carson L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.