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.

I'm James Dean
Government Issue Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I'm James Dean
I create the scene
Know what I mean I'm James Dean
I'm James Dean
I'm James Dean I'm James Dean
I'm an American dream

Overall Meaning

The song "I'm James Dean" by Government Issue is a punk rock anthem that celebrates the rebellion and attitude of the Hollywood icon James Dean. The lyrics convey a sense of confidence and bravado, with the singer proudly claiming to "create the scene" and embody the American dream. The repeated chorus, "I'm James Dean," serves as a declaration of individuality and a rejection of conformity.

The opening line, "I'm James Dean," immediately establishes the singer's identity and sets the tone for the rest of the song. The second line, "I create the scene," builds on this sense of confidence and suggests that the singer is not just a passive participant in their surroundings, but actively shapes and influences them. The repetition of "I'm James Dean" adds a sense of emphasis and intensity, highlighting the singer's determination to stand out and be noticed.

The final line, "I'm an American dream," ties the song's themes of rebellion and individuality to larger ideas about American culture and identity. By claiming to embody the American dream, the singer suggests that their sense of self and defiance are not just personal, but also reflect broader cultural values. Overall, "I'm James Dean" is a powerful and catchy tribute to an iconoclastic figure, as well as a celebration of punk rock's own spirit of rebellion and nonconformity.

Line by Line Meaning

I'm James Dean
I am an embodiment of the iconic image and rebellious spirit of James Dean.

I create the scene
I am a trendsetter who starts something new and sets the standard for others to follow.

Know what I mean I'm James Dean
I am confident in my abilities and do not need to explain myself to others.

I'm an American dream
I represent the ideal life that many Americans aspire to and see as the epitome of success.

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: John Coinman, Topher Sisson

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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