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.
Day of Reckoning
Government Issue Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Your efforts are useless, to move a brick wall
You didn't seem to listen to a thing I said
You think that today will become your day
Open your eyes, to hich way to take
Reagan will laugh, as your resistance he breaks
Butchers and cowards, they're all running your life
Alright!
Open your eyes, to which way to take
Reagan will laugh, as your resistance he breaks
Please be strong, stretch your arms out at length
He'll dance on your grave, deprive all your strength
Yeah!
The lyrics of Government Issue's song "Day of Reckoning" describe a bleak picture of the world on the brink of collapse, with oppressive forces controlling people's lives and crushing their resistance. The first verse implies a sense of resignation, as the singer warns that the world is about to fall and that efforts to resist are useless – like trying to move a brick wall. The second line seems to be directed at someone who didn't listen to what the singer said, and who thinks that today will be their day – perhaps implying that they are overly optimistic or naive.
The second verse is more confrontational, urging people to "open your eyes" and decide which way to take. The reference to Reagan suggests that the song was written during the 1980s, when the US President Ronald Reagan was seen by some as a symbol of conservative and militaristic policies. The line "butchers and cowards, they're all running your life" implies that those in power are ruthless and weak at the same time, controlling people's lives but lacking the courage to face them honestly.
The chorus reinforces the message that this day is for reckoning – a time when people must stand up for themselves or face the consequences. The final line, "He'll dance on your grave, deprive all your strength," suggests that the forces of oppression will not only defeat people physically but also deprive them of their spirit and will to resist. Overall, the song's lyrics are a call to action in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, urging people to open their eyes and fight back against oppression and injustice.
Line by Line Meaning
Take a last look, the world's about to fall
Before everything collapses, observe the state of the world
Your efforts are useless, to move a brick wall
Attempting to change what is unmalleable is futile
You didn't seem to listen to a thing I said
It appears that none of my words had any effect on you
You think that today will become your day
An assumption made that this day will bring about positive change for them
Open your eyes, to hich way to take
Become cognizant of the path to follow
Reagan will laugh, as your resistance he breaks
President Reagan will jeer when he cripples any resistance you might put forth
Butchers and cowards, they're all running your life
Individuals lacking ethics and courage control your existence
This day is for reckoning if you wish to survive
This day invites an opportunity to face your actions and choices, required for survival
Open your eyes, to which way to take
Again, look carefully to choose the optimal direction
Reagan will laugh, as your resistance he breaks
President Reagan will mock as he dismantles your attempts at fighting back
Please be strong, stretch your arms out at length
Summon inner strength and extend yourself as much as possible
He'll dance on your grave, deprive all your strength
He will celebrate your defeat and deplete your power
Contributed by Callie W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.