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.
Jaded Eyes
Government Issue Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In your head had no plot
Got the jaded eyes, so naive
Talk flies, hours roll
Some folks have no lip control
Ankh tattoo on her hip
The lyrics of "Jaded Eyes" by Government Issue suggest a feeling of disillusionment and disappointment with respect to a person or group of people. The opening lines express regret for judging someone incorrectly, assuming they had no thoughts or plans. However, the rest of the song paints a picture of a group that may not be trustworthy or forthright. The singer mentions "jaded eyes" and people who have "no lip control," indicating a lack of sincerity or honesty. The mention of another person drinking from a bottle and sporting an ankh tattoo hints at a rebellious or possibly self-destructive lifestyle. The overall tone of the song is one of weariness and frustration with human behavior and relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
I've judged you wrong I thought
My initial opinion of you was incorrect
In your head had no plot
I believed you lacked direction or purpose
Got the jaded eyes, so naive
My cynical and distrustful mindset has caused me to misunderstand even the simplest of things
Talk flies, hours roll
Conversation passes by quickly, without much thought or substance
Some folks have no lip control
Certain people lack the ability to control what they say or how they say it
Another bottle rouches lips
Someone is drinking from another bottle
Ankh tattoo on her hip
A symbol of life and death adorns her body
Contributed by Julia J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ash Flynn
Government Issue - Jaded Eyes
I've judged you wrong I thought
In your head had no plot
Got the jaded eyes, so naive
Talk flies, hours roll
Some folks have no lip control
Another bottle rouches lips
Ankh tattoo on her hip
Chuck Clayton
One of the best punk/hardcore/whatever albums ever made. A masterpiece.
TheAmilcar111
Fantastic song, fantastic album ! One of my all time favourites ! It really rocks a lot !!!
cthulhugamete
Very glad to see this record gettin' the props it always deserved
PiousWarrior
Listened to Government Issue for my first time today. Sad to hear that Stabb passed earlier this year. Great song. Wish I could have seen them live...
80sadventurer
RIP Stabb. Thank you for sharing your gift.
karatefools
Been years since I’ve heard this.. beautiful
Henry Anglin
In my top 5 of D.C hard core songs of all time!
pancrack tv
OUTSTANDING AND AS FRESH AS EVER! MOFFATT & ROBBINS I BOW DOWN !
Linus Wallgren
Farewell, Stabb. Our wonderful, perfect, unfiltered weirdo.
damian andres
Buenísimo, muy bailongo.
Saludos desde Monte Grande, Argentina!