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.
Caring Line
Government Issue Lyrics
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Only kidding it's only a joke
Don't let him get too close
Don't let her get too close
Don't let anyone get that close
There's a fine line a caring line
Between overbearing a caring line
Got my number and got the dime
An information depression hotline
I let him get too close
I let her get too close
Don't let anyone get that close...
In "Caring Line," Government Issue delivers a song of caution about the dangers of getting too close to others. The opening line, "Morbid feelings in an envelope, only kidding it's only a joke," suggests that the thoughts people have can be dark and unpleasant, but then the singer reassures himself that it's not that serious. The next lines, "Don't let him get too close, don't let her get too close," indicate fear of being vulnerable and exposing oneself to others. The repetition of "Don't let anyone get that close" serves as a warning to all listeners to be careful of whom they trust.
The lines "There's a fine line, a caring line, between overbearing a caring line" highlight the thin boundary between caring for someone and becoming too controlling or overbearing. The song suggests that it's easy to cross that line and perhaps even easier to allow others to cross it. The chorus "I let him get too close, I let her get too close" implies that the singer has learned this lesson the hard way.
Overall, "Caring Line" is a song that speaks to the importance of setting boundaries and being mindful of how much of ourselves we give away to others. While it's important to care for others, we need to remember that we deserve care and respect as well, and that we shouldn't allow anyone to take advantage of our openness and trust.
Line by Line Meaning
Morbid feelings in an envelope
The writer is experiencing feelings of sadness and despair that they are keeping bottled up, like a letter in an envelope.
Only kidding it's only a joke
The writer is dismissing their own feelings as a joke, possibly as a way to cope or avoid confrontation.
Don't let him get too close
The writer is expressing the importance of maintaining distance with someone they don't trust or feel comfortable around.
Don't let her get too close
The writer is expressing the importance of maintaining distance with someone they don't trust or feel comfortable around.
There's a fine line a caring line
The writer is acknowledging the delicate balance between showing concern for someone and becoming overbearing or intrusive.
Between overbearing a caring line
The writer is reiterating the previous line with a slightly different phrasing.
Got my number and got the dime
The writer is referring to someone who has their contact information and is likely to call them in a time of need.
An information depression hotline
The writer is referring to a resource that provides support and assistance for people struggling with depression.
I let him get too close
The writer is admitting that they allowed someone to become too involved in their life, and may now regret it.
I let her get too close
The writer is admitting that they allowed someone to become too involved in their life, and may now regret it.
Don't let anyone get that close
The writer is emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries and not allowing anyone to become too close or overstep their boundaries.
Contributed by Alyssa F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.