JFA was formed around March of 1981. Pendleton, then in the band The Deez and Cornelius, then in the band Jr. Chemists, knew each other from shows around Phoenix, Arizona and from skateboarding. They began playing together after a D.O.A. concert during the band's Hardcore 81 tour. Bam-Bam later joined after meeting Pendleton at an "Industrial Dance" in Phoenix, and bestowed the moniker on the band, which is a reference to his second-cousin's, John Hinckley, Jr., attempted assassination of Ronald Reagan.
The band's first show was opening for Black Flag at an Industrial Dance which was one of a series of early Phoenix punk shows. Their first song of the night was Pipetruck.
Placebo Records released their debut EP "Out Of School" in late 1981. The band toured the west extensively and played many local shows. Their first national tour was in the summer of 1983 following the release of their first album "Valley ot the Yakes".
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Great Equalizer
JFA Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
'cause you went out and dropped the bomb
It's too bad that you still aren't alive
'cause now it's a war where the fittest survive
No more fashion conspiracies
No more football games with stupid preppies
Topsiders melted credit cards burned
This is reagan's world now you've learned
We had the adaptability that you lacked
Anarchy prevails you can rule us no more
You try and stop us we kick your lies out the door
We'd like to thank you uncle ron
You went out and dropped the bomb
We'd like to thank you uncle ron
'cause now you're dead and society is gone
The song "Great Equalizer" by JFA is a punk-rock ode to the end of society as we know it, as the lyrics suggest. The song opens by thanking Uncle Ron, who presumably dropped the bomb that marks the beginning of the apocalypse. However, the gratitude is short-lived as the song goes on to describe a society free from the constraints of the previous status quo, where fashion conspiracies, football games with preppies, and credit cards no longer exist. The chorus sarcastically thanks Uncle Ron again, this time for being dead and for ushering in the end of society as we know it.
The song is a commentary on the punk-rock ethos of anarchism and anti-establishment, where the old ways and values are seen as outdated and oppressive. In this new world, skaters roam in packs, and adaptability is prized over rigid conformity. The lyrics suggest that this new world is more egalitarian, hence the title "Great Equalizer." However, it is also a world marked by violence, as those who try to assert their authority are met with resistance and the banding together of the people.
Overall, "Great Equalizer" is a powerful critique of the status quo and a rallying cry for a new world order. It champions the punk-rock ethos of freedom and individuality over conformity and oppression while acknowledging the violence and hardship that may come with the upheaval.
Line by Line Meaning
We'd like to thank you uncle ron
Acknowledging the actions of someone who has caused a major impact.
'Cause you went out and dropped the bomb
Referring to a significant historical event that changed the course of society.
It's too bad that you still aren't alive
Acknowledging that the person who caused the change is no longer alive to experience it.
'Cause now it's a war where the fittest survive
Commenting on the state of society where people have to fend for themselves to survive.
No more fashion conspiracies
Rejecting the idea of following fashion trends that are not genuine.
No more football games with stupid preppies
Rejecting the idea of elitism in society and sports.
Topsiders melted credit cards burned
Symbolically destroying the materialistic values that society used to hold.
This is reagan's world now you've learned
Commenting on the political state of society and attributing it to a specific leader.
Bands of skaters in roving packs
Commenting on the formation of groups in society that have found a way to survive together.
We had the adaptability that you lacked
Taking pride in the ability to adapt to the new state of society.
Anarchy prevails you can rule us no more
Rejecting the idea of a ruling class and promoting the idea of anarchy.
You try and stop us we kick your lies out the door
Expressing defiance towards those who try to impose their ideas on the group and promoting the importance of truth.
We'd like to thank you uncle ron
Reiterating the acknowledgement towards the person who caused the change.
You went out and dropped the bomb
Repeating the reference to the significant historical event.
We'd like to thank you uncle ron
Ending with a final acknowledgement towards the person who caused the change and emphasizing the implication of their actions.
'Cause now you're dead and society is gone
Commenting on the ultimate consequence of the person's actions and highlighting the chaotic state of society as a result.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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