Mike and Andrew went on to form Amateur Party after KTMWQ's breakup. Jeremy played drums in Jai Alai Savant. Andrew had formerly played guitar in DisSucks, and also played bass in Limp Wrist.
Preaching to the Converted
Kill the Man Who Questions Lyrics
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In the song "Preaching to the Converted" by Kill the Man Who Questions, the lyrics center around the idea of unity and the youth who are seeking it. There is a sense of anger and frustration amongst the youth, yet they do not understand the reasons behind it. They simply want something fast and loud that they can get excited about. The band speaks to their own experience of being on the road for long hours to play for their audience, who they feel don't always fully appreciate the message they are conveying through their music.
The phrase "preaching to the converted" is used in a sarcastic way to convey the feeling that the band's message is not being received or understood by their audience. The experience of being part of a band that plays to a crowd that is already in agreement with their message can be frustrating. The implication being made is that there is no real change happening if everyone already agrees with the message (hence the line "to call you converted is to assume nothing can change").
The song touches on a broader issue of social change in which the question of whether or not the arts can actually bring about change is interrogated. In the case of this song, the band seems to be saying that they feel like they're not making any progress in changing the minds of their audience because they're not really being listened to. The youth are angry, but they don't know why, and so they just want to hear something that makes them feel that anger without providing any real solution.
Line by Line Meaning
unity the battle cry.
The band is urging for unity among the audience through their music.
youth enraged but don't ask why.
Young people may be angry and rebellious, but they may not understand the root cause of their feelings.
they just want it fast and loud, with nothing real to talk about.
The younger generation desires quick and exhilarating entertainment without substance for discussion.
18 hours in a dying van.
The band had to endure a long and arduous journey to reach their destination.
proud to be your background band.
The band is content with their role of supporting the main act.
the kids have had their say, I've heard them yell it. 'Shut up and play!'
The younger generation may not be concerned with a deeper message from the band, only wanting to hear music.
preaching to the converted, isn't that what you call it?
The band is questioning whether their message is being heard by those who already share their beliefs rather than reaching those who need to hear it most.
a chance to sing along and pretend that nothing is wrong.
The audience may use music as an escape from reality and not confront societal issues.
to call you converted is to assume nothing can change.
Referring to the audience as 'converted' implies they aren't open to new ideas or change.
if the band is just entertainment then there's no one to blame.
If the band's message isn't taken to heart or acted upon, it's on the audience, not the band itself.
Contributed by Christian R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@helmutm3884
Love it! Saw them end of the 90ies in vienna and bought the album.
@MyMiserableLife
coatrack is one of my favorite punk songs of all times.
@jawndoep1027
truth!!!
@MyMiserableLife
I'm back, 7 years later
@erichjohnolsen
definitely a classic album. Still holds up as a great one
@MyMiserableLife
yeah, one of my favorites from the 90's era of good hc punk. one of there last shows at abc no rio, ACTUALLY IT WAS there last show there i think... did a cover of injustice system by sick of it all, so so good. played with murdock and most precious blood if i recall correctly.
@erichjohnolsen
MyMiserableLife sounds monstrous!!
@jawndoep1027
grew up on this but caught the last 2/3 years b4 they split. andrew went too limp wrist! upset i missed their reunion with r.a.m.b.o
@prowireless
What the heck is this noise. Ohhh my god