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.

Melancholy Miss
Government Issue Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I know a girl
Who lives on candy street
Hey melancholy miss
You need another kiss
The world's a happy face
My melancholy miss
Stars burst
Taste not sweet

Overall Meaning

Government Issue's song "Melancholy Miss" is a poignant and thought-provoking piece that captures the feelings of a young girl living on a street named Candy Street. The lyrics paint a picture of a world that appears happy and vibrant, yet these emotions do not resonate with the melancholy miss. Her sorrowful nature is captured in the chorus as she is said to be in need of another kiss. The song continues to describe how the girl’s world appears to be filled with stars, but their taste is not sweet.

The song explores the concept of how appearances can be deceiving. Despite her surroundings, the melancholy miss still feels isolated and alone. The song suggests that even if the world around us seems vibrant and positive, there can still be a deeply ingrained sense of sorrow and melancholy that is difficult to shake off.

"Melancholy Miss" was released in 1980 as part of Government Issue's debut album titled "Legless Bull." The song was written by John Stabb, the band's lead vocalist, and Brian Gay, the drummer. The album was produced by Skip Groff and was released through his Virginia-based Limp Records. The song continues to be a beloved track in the hardcore punk rock scene and has been covered by various bands.

Line by Line Meaning

I know a girl
I am acquainted with a female individual

Who lives on candy street
This individual resides on a block that has a sweet-themed name

Hey melancholy miss
Greetings to the sad woman

You need another kiss
You require an additional display of affection with lip contact

The world's a happy face
The planet Earth has a joyful countenance

My melancholy miss
Addressing said woman again in a possessive manner

Stars burst
The celestial bodies explode or emit light suddenly

Taste not sweet
Their flavor does not contain a sugary or pleasant quality

Contributed by Harper F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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