Their first release was a 7" EP on Porcell's label Schism (which he ran along with Side By Side/Gorilla Biscuits guitar player Alex Brown) entitled New York Crew. The record featured five songs, one of which was a cover of "Warriors" by the British oi!/punk band Blitz. On this recording, the band was merely a two-piece, featuring Porcelly on bass and guitar, and Ferraro on vocals and drums. But with the addition of bass-player Jimmy Yu (of Mike's former band Death Before Dishonor, which eventually evolved into Supertouch) and drummer "Lukey" Luke Abbey (Warzone/Gorilla Biscuits), they got together a fully functional live line-up.
The band received much criticism due to their militant Straight Edge lyrics, especially from fanzines like San Francisco's Maximum Rock'N'Roll. The militant lyrics were a conscious move on the band's part, as they were sick of seeing bands like Youth Of Today, who in reality had a very positive message, get slagged for being too militant. So they decided to give the nay-sayers exactly what they wanted – the most militant Straight Edge band imaginable. Mike Ferraro has later on admitted that provocation was an important aim for the band.
Judge was not just heavy in message, the music had very metal-influenced riffing, but remained close to its hardcore roots, without going all out metal, such as bands like Agnostic Front and DRI.
With a new line-up of Sammy Siegler (Side By Side/Youth Of Today/Project X etc.) on drums and Matt Pincus on bass, the band proceeded to record their full-length LP Bringin' It Down for Revelation Records at Chung King Studios in New York City. The recording was finished, but the band were so unhappy with the result that they decided to scrap it and re-record it at Normandy Sound in Rhode Island, where The Cro-Mags had recorded their Best Wishes album. Revelation did however put out a limited pressing of the original recording, fittingly titled Chung King Can Suck It (LP). It was given to people who had pre-ordered the record, and with only 110 copies pressed (all on white vinyl), it is one of the most sought-after hardcore records in existence, going for as much as $6,600 USD on online auction sites such as eBay. Eventually, Bringin' It Down was released in 1989. Judge continued touring up until 1991, and even released another 7" EP, There Will Be Quiet, featuring "The Storm" and "Forget This Time" (the CD-version also contains a cover-version of "When the Levee Breaks", originally by Led Zeppelin).
In May 2013 Judge have reunited and played two sold out shows in NYC. In 2014 and 2015 the band have continued to play shows in United States as well as in South America and Europe.
Holding On
Judge Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
and looks weren? t that important
rumours had no place here
a friend stayed true
you could laugh and joke because he cared
chorus:
times had to change
and i accept it
but don't tell me to forget
remember you believed as strong as me
i look ahead as to what's to come
and i'm happy to say i'm excited
you turn away like it's the end of a book
well i tell you i'm gonna rewrite it
''cause there's a younger kid
and he's just like me
and for him i'm gonna fight it
and give him every chance
that was given to me
and make sure he's never silenced
chorus:
you-let-me-down
i'm holding on
The lyrics to Judge's song Holding On speak to the nostalgia of a time when they believed in something greater than themselves, and when superficial appearances and rumors didn't hold much weight. They speak to the enduring power of true friendship, and the comfort of laughter and humor. But times have changed, and the singer acknowledges that fact, though they refuse to forget the past. They remember that their friend believed in the same things as they did, just as strongly, and they look to the future with excitement and determination.
But there is a sense of disappointment towards someone who has let the singer down, and they are holding onto that feeling. They vow to fight for the younger generation, to give them the same opportunities that they were given and to never let them be silenced. The phrase "holding on" takes on a double meaning here- it can refer to the singer's disappointment and lingering anger towards the person who let them down, as well as their determination to hold onto their beliefs and values.
Overall, the lyrics to Holding On are a testament to the power of belief and friendship, even in the face of change and disappointment. The singer acknowledges the reality of the present while refusing to forget the past, and holds onto their values and determination to fight for what's right.
Line by Line Meaning
i remember when what we said made a difference
I recall the time when our words held weight and had a positive impact on people's lives.
and looks weren?t that important
During that time, people were not judged solely based on their appearance.
rumours had no place here
Gossip and unfounded speculation were not given any credence or attention.
a friend stayed true
Loyalty was valued, and friends were reliable and consistent.
you could laugh and joke because he cared
The care and concern shown by friends allowed for a lighthearted and enjoyable atmosphere.
times had to change
The passing of time inevitably brings change and evolution.
and i accept it
The singer acknowledges and embraces the necessity of change.
the past stays the past
While recognizing the past's importance, the artist realizes that dwelling on it can hinder future progress.
but don't tell me to forget
The artist refuses to allow others to dictate how they approach their memories and experiences.
remember you believed as strong as me
The artist is addressing someone they used to know and urging them to recall the shared passion they once had.
i look ahead as to what's to come
The singer is focused on the future and what opportunities it may hold.
and i'm happy to say i'm excited
Looking forward brings the artist joy and enthusiasm.
you turn away like it's the end of a book
The person being addressed is acting defeated and like their story is already over.
well i tell you i'm gonna rewrite it
The singer is determined to take control of their own narrative and make a change.
''cause there's a younger kid and he's just like me
The singer sees themselves in someone younger and wants to be a positive influence on them.
and for him i'm gonna fight it
The artist is committed to fighting for a better future for the younger generation.
and give him every chance that was given to me
The artist wants to ensure that the younger generation has all the opportunities they had, and more.
and make sure he's never silenced
The singer wants the younger generation to have a voice and not be suppressed or ignored.
you-let-me-down
The singer addresses someone who has disappointed them.
i'm holding on
Despite setbacks and disappointments, the artist remains steadfast in their determination to make a positive change.
Contributed by Brody T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
ill phil
One of the best songs of my youth... Back in 1995