Government Issue (often just G.I.) was an American hardcore punk band origi… Read Full Bio ↴Government Issue (often just G.I.) was an American hardcore punk band originating from the Washington DC scene, formed in 1980 and signed to Dischord Records. Many early songs were straightforward hardcore, clocking in at under the one-minute mark. Still, they later progressed into a more melodic song-focused outfit (citing The Damned as key to gaining this catchy sound) and often with lyrics critical of the short-sighted behavior of the scene they aided in creating.

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.

Bored to Death
Government Issue Lyrics

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Ain't got a job
My life's a drag
I'm just a waste
Put me in a bag

I went to school
To learn how to cheat
And all I got

Were words on a sheet

Nothing to do
I'm bored to death
I'm so bored
I'm bored to death

When boredom sets in
I just wanna die
I just can't move
No matter how I try

I don't do drugs
And I won't start

I did 'em once
And got blown apart

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Government Issue's song Bored to Death express a sense of restlessness, hopelessness, and exasperation felt by an individual who is stuck in a situation they do not find satisfying. The first verse highlights the frustration of being jobless and feeling useless. The line "Put me in a bag" can be interpreted as the individual feeling as though they are disposable, unimportant, and not valued by society. The second verse hints at the disillusionment with mainstream education, which can be seen as an emblem for society's wider systems of order and control. The "words on a sheet" suggests that the individual feels as though they were not equipped with any real-life skills or opportunities for personal growth or exploration.

The chorus captures the essence of the song with the repetition of the phrase "I'm bored to death." The feeling of boredom is like a suffocating force that amplifies a sense of dissatisfaction with the present moment. The line "I just wanna die" could be seen as hyperbole or a genuine emotional response to the unbearable weight of boredom; when one is unable to escape their state of ennui, any way out seems viable, even death. The final verse explores the topic of substance abuse, which is often turned to as a way of coping with boredom and disconnection. The lyric "I did 'em once and got blown apart" suggests that the individual has experienced the negative consequences of engaging in risky behavior and is now reluctant to repeat the same mistakes.

Bored to DeathGovernment Issue Lyrics

Bored to Death
Government Issue Lyrics