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.
Massacre
Government Issue Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Flipping the channels trying to decide
I'm sick and tired of every bit
And just too wired to have a fit
Just saw a massacre on the news
I wasn't there, I got nothing to lose
My social life is getting me down when I'm up here I play the clown
Can talk to boys but better with girls
Guess I'm just too emotional
What the
Government Issue's song "Massacre" is a powerful commentary on the numbness and disillusionment that can result from being bombarded with constant news coverage of violent events. The song's protagonist is depicted as flipping through TV channels, unable to find any relief from the overwhelming sense of horror and despair that seems to be permeating the world. The lyrics convey a sense of resignation and exhaustion, with lines like "I'm sick and tired of every bit" and "I just can't hide from the world" suggesting a kind of emotional burnout.
One of the most striking lines in the song is "I just saw a massacre on the news, I wasn't there, I got nothing to lose." This puts the violence and suffering that is so often depicted in the media into perspective, highlighting the ways in which we can become desensitized to it. The line "my social life is getting me down when I'm up here I play the clown" suggests that the singer is struggling to find meaning or joy in their personal life, and is using humor as a coping mechanism.
Overall, "Massacre" is a raw and honest portrayal of the psychological toll that constant exposure to violence and tragedy can take on a person. It is a reminder to stay engaged with the world, while also taking care of our own mental health and well-being.
Line by Line Meaning
It's late at night and my eyes are wide
I am awake and alert during the late hours of the night
Flipping the channels trying to decide
I am changing television stations while attempting to make a decision
I'm sick and tired of every bit
I am exhausted by every aspect of my life
And just too wired to have a fit
I am overstimulated and unable to have a meltdown
Just saw a massacre on the news
I recently observed a horrific event on the news
I wasn't there, I got nothing to lose
I am not directly impacted by the event and have no personal loss
My social life is getting me down when I'm up here I play the clown
My interactions with others are bringing me down, but I use humor to cope
I just can't hide from the world
I am unable to escape from the reality of the world
Can talk to boys but better with girls
I find it easier to converse with females rather than males
Guess I'm just too emotional
I am overly emotional and sensitive
What the
This is an abrupt end to the verse, implying confusion or uncertainty
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN BARRY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind