In their time as a band they released two 12" records, "No Moderation" and "Paranoid Mess". Aside from those full-lengths, they also released three 7"s titled "No Way Out", "Arrested" and "Executed" as well as appearing on No Way Records "No Bullshit" compilation.
In February 2011, Government Warning embarked on their final east coast tour with Night Birds.
Safe And Sound
Government Warning Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Political Correctness has become a plague.
Everyones feelings are hurt all the time
stop trying to dictate what I do and say
If I'm so bad, go back to mom and dads
safe and sound
(I'm sick of modern art in a hardcore scene)
I just don't give a fuck!
Tell the message boards how much I suck
"you can't say that, it's too offensive
even though you know I never meant it
the sensitive youths need a place to hide"
Well sorry dudes, you're not my kind
Complain because you're bored
and senseless offensive
(If you are a wuss.)
The lyrics of Government Warning's song "Safe and Sound" are a powerful critique of political correctness, especially within the punk community. The first line, "If I only said lame shit about war I'd be okay," suggests that a narrow focus on traditional political issues is no longer sufficient, and that today's punks must also navigate the complicated and slippery slope of acceptable speech. The chorus, "Safe and sound," reinforces the idea that the singer is tired of being hamstrung by these constraints and longs for a sense of security and freedom.
The song's second verse takes aim at the idea of modern art in a hardcore scene, suggesting that art and other "feminine" pursuits are out of place in this traditionally male-dominated genre. The singer insists that they are not intolerant, but rather just indifferent to such things. They also deride the tendency of some to complain about offensive statements, instead of engaging in critical dialogue or taking decisive action to make a change. The song ends with a final jab at those who might be considered "wusses," implying that those who are easily offended are not welcome in this particular punk community.
Overall, the lyrics of "Safe and Sound" are a potent commentary on the ongoing debate around political correctness, both in society at large and within punk subculture. The song calls for a more critical and nuanced discussion around what is and isn't acceptable speech, while also pushing back against the idea that punks should be limited to certain topics or forms of expression.
Line by Line Meaning
(If I only said lame shit about war I'd be OK)
The prevalence of Political Correctness has become a hindrance to speaking one's mind freely.
Everyones feelings are hurt all the time
The culture of hypersensitivity to perceived offenses to individuals is exaggerated.
stop trying to dictate what I do and say
Stop imposing an obligation on others to conform to a particular set of beliefs or values.
If I'm so bad, go back to mom and dads
If you cannot tolerate my views and actions, feel free to leave and seek comfort with your parents.
I'm sick of modern art in a hardcore scene
I am baffled by the trend of abstract expressionism in a subculture that typically cherishes grittiness and authenticity.
I'm not intolerant
My refusal to embrace every new and outrageous cultural trend does not necessarily entail intolerance.
I just don't give a fuck!
I have better things to do than worry about what people think of me.
Tell the message boards how much I suck
Feel free to badmouth me on online forums if it makes you feel better.
"you can't say that, it's too offensive
The current atmosphere of Political Correctness has created a hypersensitivity to potential derogatory terms or language.
even though you know I never meant it
Even though my intentions were not to be offensive or discriminatory, there is still a stigma associated with certain language choices.
the sensitive youths need a place to hide"
The culture of Political Correctness has created an environment in which individuals are shielded from any sort of cultural or personal challenge.
Well sorry dudes, you're not my kind
Those who are hypersensitive to perceived insults or transgressions may not necessarily be compatible with my personal values and beliefs.
Complain because you're bored
The seemingly endless whining and complaining often stems from a lack of purpose or meaning in someone's life.
and senseless offensive
The pervasive sense of offense that seems to permeate every aspect of modern culture is often misplaced and unnecessary.
(If you are a wuss.)
If you are sensitive or squeamish, you may not necessarily be compatible with the hardcore scene.
Contributed by Aiden V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.