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.

Hall of Fame
Government Issue Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

It doesn't take that much
When it all goes to your head
Hall of Fame
Being on top of it all
Thinking that you've made it now.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Government Issue's "Hall of Fame" delve into the idea of success and how it can lead to a sense of egotism or overconfidence. The opening line "It doesn't take that much" suggests that achieving success may not be as difficult as one may think. However, the following lines caution against the negative side effects success can bring. When success goes to one's head, they may feel as if they are on top of the world and have made it to the "Hall of Fame." This can create a sense of arrogance and a lack of empathy for those around them.

This song speaks to the struggle of balancing success and humility. The desire for success is not inherently negative but the potential for its negative side effects should not be ignored. It is important to recognize the people and experiences that have helped lead to success and not let it define or overshadow our character. In essence, "Hall of Fame" asserts that true success is about more than just achieving a goal, it is maintaining a sense of gratitude and humility in the process.

Line by Line Meaning

It doesn't take that much
Achieving success doesn't require as much effort or hard work as one might think.

When it all goes to your head
When success gets to one's head, they become arrogant and self-centered.

Hall of Fame
A metaphorical place where those who have achieved great success are celebrated and remembered.

Being on top of it all
Being at the peak of one's career or success, feeling confident and in control of everything.

Thinking that you've made it now
Believing that one's success has been fully achieved and that there's no need to strive for further improvement or growth.

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Kevin Seconds

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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