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.

Familiar
Government Issue Lyrics

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You've seen it all
Before

These surrounds seem familiar
You've seen it all before
You've seen it all
Before

The act fits you oh so well

So that's what you do it for

Overall Meaning

The lyrics in Government Issue's song Familiar are talking about the repetition and familiarity of the government's actions, particularly when it comes to oppressiveness and control. The lines "You've seen it all before" and "These surrounds seem familiar" express a feeling of déjà vu and resignation to the cycle of government oppression. The repetition of "You've seen it all before" emphasizes the idea that the government's actions are predictable and unchanging.

The lyrics also suggest that those in power perform their roles with ease and comfort, as if it is their natural disposition. The line "The act fits you oh so well" implies a level of insincerity and the idea that those in power may be performing for their own benefit rather than for the benefit of the people they are supposed to be serving. The closing line "So that's what you do it for" reinforces this idea and suggests a cynical view of government motives.

Overall, the lyrics of Familiar convey a sense of frustration and powerlessness in the face of an oppressive government that seems to be stuck in a cycle of repeating the same actions and behaviors.

FamiliarGovernment Issue Lyrics

Familiar
Government Issue Lyrics