I Was...
Group S Lyrics

The lyrics of Group S's song "I Was..." express a sense of frustration and questioning about the punk culture and personal identity. The opening lines mention the merging of punk and metal corners, suggesting that the pure punk spirit has been overshadowed or absorbed by other genres. The references to influential figures like Joe Strummer from The Clash and members of The Ramones who have passed away evoke a sense of loss and the changing times in punk music.

The following lines express the singer's internal struggle and desire to break away from the punk scene. They question whether it is acceptable to stop being punk, remove tattoos, and change their appearance. The repeated statement "ダメですか!" (Is it not allowed?) emphasizes the conflict between personal desires and societal expectations.

The second paragraph introduces the symbols of a padlock necklace and a leather necklace with studs. The padlock necklace represents a sense of restriction and being confined to a specific identity, while the leather necklace is associated with something devalued and transformed into a dog collar. These contrasting images symbolize the conflict between wanting and rejecting labels and stereotypes. The mention of "アッちゃん" (Acchan) as a clown or pierrot indicates a sense of being seen as a joke or out of place in the punk culture.

The third paragraph continues the questioning and desire for change. The singer questions if there is enough water, rice, or "punk" in their lives, suggesting that these elements have lost their significance. The use of repetition once again emphasizes the frustration and the search for approval to change. The mention of "冷やし中華" (hiyashi chuka) refers to a cold noodle dish and symbolizes a new beginning, while the question about bleached hair reflects a desire to break away from the punk stereotype and embrace a different aesthetic.

In the last line, the singer expresses exasperation and a plea to not give up on punk. This can be seen as a final refusal to conform and a declaration to stay true to oneself and the punk spirit. Overall, these lyrics depict a personal struggle with identity and the desire to break free from societal expectations while still questioning the alternatives.