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.
Puppet On a String
Government Issue Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I never thought I'd be so happy
I never thought we'd fall apart
I guess that it had to happen
I'm a puppet on a string
I can't help thinking about you
I'm a puppet on a string
Now I find myself so sad
Hard to deal with all the pain
I say I'll never do it again
But I keep on searching for my dream girl
The lyrics to Government Issue's song "Puppet on a String" tell a story of heartbreak and longing. The singer expresses surprise at the way things have turned out in his relationship, admitting that he never thought he would be so happy or that it would end in such a sad way. Despite his pain, he can't help but think about the person he's lost, and he feels like he's being controlled like a puppet on a string. He's not sure how he'll go on without his former partner, and though he says he'll never try again, he can't stop searching for someone to fill the void.
The overall message of the song is one of vulnerability and the human need for connection. The singer is admitting to his listeners that even though he's been hurt, he still longs for love and companionship. The metaphor of being a puppet on a string suggests that he feels powerless in the face of his emotions, as if he's being controlled by forces beyond his control.
Line by Line Meaning
I never thought that I'd fall
I never thought that I would become vulnerable to someone and lose control
I never thought I'd be so happy
I never thought that I would experience extreme happiness and joy with someone
I never thought we'd fall apart
I never thought that our relationship would end in a separation or breakup
I guess that it had to happen
I accept that everything has a reason and fate had a role in our separation
I'm a puppet on a string
I am being controlled and manipulated by the emotions and thoughts of missing my ex-partner
I can't help thinking about you
I cannot stop myself from continuously thinking and reminiscing about our past experiences
I don't know how I'll live without you
I am uncertain about how to cope and survive without the presence and love of my ex-partner
Now I find myself so sad
Currently, I am feeling unhappy and burdened due to the recent separation
Hard to deal with all the pain
It is challenging to handle the emotional pain and hurt of the breakup
I say I'll never do it again
I make promises to myself that I will not engage in another relationship or put myself in a vulnerable position again
But I keep on searching for my dream girl
Despite the pain and hurt, I cannot stop hoping and looking for my ideal partner, my 'dream girl.'
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ROY C. BENNETT, SID TEPPER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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John Stabbed!.