Given the long-running nature of the band, many participants in the D.C. hardcore scene had gone through G.I.'s membership. Government issue featured Brian Baker of Minor Threat, as well as Mike Fellows of Rites Of Spring and many others.
The G.I.s, as they were known, became one of the longest-running bands in the D.C. hardcore scene. After numerous line-up changes, the band broke up in 1989, vocalist John Stabb (aka: "Fruit Loops", he also had a band called Betty Blue in the mid-'90s, around 96-98, not sure of the status of that group, however) and guitarist Tom Lyle formed an experimental outfit called Glee Club and made two records. In addition, Tom Lyle made two solo records that were a more straight-ahead hard rock in 1990 and 1992.
Tom Lyle, Bassist J. Robbins, and drummer Peter Moffett regrouped to record two unrecorded G.I. songs. This was released as the Rollkicker Laydown E.P.
Bassist Jay Robbins went on to form Jawbox. Robbins later began Burning Airlines with G.I. drummer Peter Moffett.
Stabb formed the D.C. quintet The Factory Incident in 2000.
Asshole
Government Issue Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I just came to have some fun
I've never seen this band before
I'm not like them, I'm hardcore
Asshole Asshole, look at me
I'm as drugged as I can be
Asshole asshole can't you see
I think it's cool to punch on them
Wait someone knocked me in the head
Now they're piling on top of me
I was an asshole, now I'm dead
The song "Asshole" by Government Issue is a scathing critique of the self-centered and violent behavior of some members of the hardcore punk scene. The first verse sets up the scenario: the singer is on the front lines of a show, eager to have fun and show off his "hardcore" status. However, he quickly reveals that he is not actually familiar with the band onstage and seems more interested in getting high than appreciating the music. The chorus repeatedly calls the singer an "asshole" and contrasts this behavior with his own perception of himself as a badass.
In the second verse, things take a turn for the worse. The singer brags about being willing to start fights with others in the audience, only to immediately get knocked in the head himself. The violence escalates as the other audience members pile on top of him, leading to the stark conclusion: "I was an asshole, now I'm dead." The song is a powerful condemnation of the way that some people use hardcore shows as an excuse to act out in destructive and potentially deadly ways.
Line by Line Meaning
Look at me, I'm in the front lines
I want to show my bravery by standing in front of the band among the crowd.
I just came to have some fun
I am not here to cause any harm or disturbance.
I've never seen this band before
I am not a die-hard fan of this band but want to experience their live performance.
I'm not like them, I'm hardcore
I consider myself superior to others for being an extreme punk rock fan.
Asshole Asshole, look at me
I am bragging about my identity as an asshole punk fan.
I'm as drugged as I can be
I am under the influence of drugs and want to show off my boldness.
Asshole asshole can't you see
I am asking others to notice my punk identity and respect me.
I'm so drugged that I can't see
I have lost my senses due to drugs and am not in a state to recognize things around me.
I think it's cool to punch on them
I find it impressive and tough to hit someone among the crowd.
Wait someone knocked me in the head
Someone has retaliated and hit me back in the face.
Now they're piling on top of me
The crowd is joining to hurt me instead of supporting me.
I was an asshole, now I'm dead
My obsession with punk culture and drugs has cost me my life and identity.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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