Frontman Bryan Jones and rhythm guitar player Dave Aronson left the band early on. Bryan Jones had broken his leg at one of their gigs and his parents denied him permission to play in the band any further. Bassist Rick Jones (Bryan's brother) switched to vocals and Chris Doherty of Gang Green took over on rhythm guitar. It was this line-up that recorded the classic 12 song LP Is This My World? on X-Claim in 1983, featuring songs such as "Cracks In The Wall", "Build Me A Bomb" and "Vietnam Syndrome". They broke up in 1985, but reformed in 1987 with a more speed metal sound and released an LP on Taang! Records entitled Kill Kill Kill. Reflex/Wolfpack Records released a limited re-issue of the Is This My World? LP in 2002. The band reunited again in 2004 and has been playing several shows per year around Boston since then. Their current recording plans, if any, are unknown.
New World
Jerry's Kids Lyrics
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You pay your dues but who do you pay
When right is wrong and wrong is right
And there's no more day, you're living in night
IT'S A NEW WORLD YOU BETTER LEARN TO DIE
IT'S A NEW WORLD YOU BETTER LEARN TO STARVE
IT'S A NEW WORLD YOU BETTER LEARN TO KILL
A new world where movie stars govern
And all the mutants fry in ovens
I turn on the TV and watch people die
The lyrics to Jerry's Kids's song "New World" express a bleak and dystopian view of society. The first stanza emphasizes the harsh reality of living for the future while neglecting the present, resulting in a spiraling descent into death. While society dictates that individuals must pay their dues, the question remains - who ultimately benefits from these dues? Confusion arises from the inversion of what is right and wrong; the darkness prevails over light. The chorus of the song bluntly conveys a message of self-destruction, as if the only way to survive this new world is to learn to die, starve, and kill. The final stanza finishes with the image of society being controlled by movie stars, while individuals with mutations are left to suffer and die in ovens.
Overall, the song speaks to the feelings of powerlessness and frustration many individuals may experience in the face of societal decay and corruption. The bleak future it describes is a call to action, to resist the forces that would lead society down that path.
Line by Line Meaning
You live for tomorrow but you're dying today
Despite living for the future, you are deteriorating in the present
You pay your dues but who do you pay
You are putting in effort, but there's no sign of recognition or reward
When right is wrong and wrong is right
The moral compass is askew with issues of what's right seen as wrong and vice-versa
And there's no more day, you're living in night
Hopelessness is creeping upon you and you are living a life filled with darkness
IT'S A NEW WORLD YOU BETTER LEARN TO DIE
In this new world, death seems like a better option than living
IT'S A NEW WORLD YOU BETTER LEARN TO STARVE
Hunger is a part of this new world, and one must adapt to this harsh reality
IT'S A NEW WORLD YOU BETTER LEARN TO KILL
This new world is plagued with violence, and one has to be prepared to take life in order to survive
IT'S A NEW WORLD AND YOU'RE AT WAR
This new world is like a battleground, and you are constantly fighting for survival
A new world where movie stars govern
Celebrities wield significant power and influence in shaping the norms and values of this new world
And all the mutants fry in ovens
People who are considered different are being persecuted and killed
I turn on the TV and watch people die
The media is perpetuating a culture of violence by showcasing death and destruction as forms of entertainment
Contributed by Gavin O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Chuck Clayton
Most underrated hardcore band of them all. Fucking fabulous. A sonic disaster, a wall of destruction without even the slightest hint of stoopid "metal". This music can flatten cities.
Mike Butler
One of my favorite bands. Fucking rips