<… Read Full Bio ↴Link 80 was a punk rock/ska punk band from the San Francisco Bay Area.
Link 80 started in early 1994 in the famous East Bay of California. In the beginning, original members (guitarist Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, drummer Joey Bustos, bassist Adam Pereria and singer Jeff Acree) played around town as Drano, The Rag-Tags, and Mr. Slave-Unit, before settling on Link 80.
The name came from the interstate highway I-80 which they used to get to the drummer's garage for band practice and connected the band members' homes.
In July 1995, Nick Traina joined the band after meeting Adam at a show in San Francisco's Mission District. Nick's passion and voice combined with the rest of the band to make them different from most ska bands and gave Link 80 the "against the rest" attitude they display throughout their lyrics. Far more punk than ska and with an energy and a sense of immediacy lacking in pop-oriented ska bands, Link 80 was able to avoid the clichés of ska-punk characterized by their peers. As Asian Man Records describes them, they are an energetic blend of ska, punk rock, and hardcore.
After some demos, split EPs, complilation releases, "17 Reasons" and "Killing Katie" (both on Asian Man Records) Nick left Link 80 and started another band called Knowledge. Knowledge released one record on Asian Man Records named "A Gift Before I Go". Shortly thereafter Nick Traina committed suicide, at the age of 19... Ryan Noble took over as lead singer of Link 80 and released "The Struggle Continues," as well as some split EPs.
In 2002, the band consisting of Adam Davis, Aaron Nagel, Steve Borth, Joey Bustos, Barry Krippene, and singer Ryan Noble went on hiatus. Steve Borth would join Rx Bandits, before forming his own band Satori in 2006. The remaining Link 80 members would form DESA. They have since maintained that Link 80 would return, but for now they are focused on their respective projects.
Joey and Ryan are now in The Soft White Sixties. Matt formed a band called Dolores (with Nick's brother Todd Traina) and is a member of the comedy trio Chad, Matt & Rob. Aaron runs Two Twenty Two Design Studio and is an artist whose work can be seen on the covers of The Resignation and ...And the Battle Begun. Adam Pereria played with Thought Crime after leaving Link 80.
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For The Crown
Link 80 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The lyrics to "For The Crown" by Link 80 seem to be about a relationship that started off well, but is now failing. The singer recalls a time when they were able to freely express themselves without inhibition and their partner was receptive, framing their poetry. However, as time passes, their creativity and energy seem to have dried up, leaving them feeling uncertain and stuck. The metaphor of a well drying up is repeated throughout the song, suggesting a depletion of resources, whether that be emotional or creative.
The line "crapshoot for the crown" seems to suggest that the singer is playing a risky game - perhaps pursuing their creative dreams at the expense of their relationship, or struggling to maintain both simultaneously. The reference to blood and rage suggests that they are passionate about their creative pursuits, and that this passion may be causing friction in their relationship.
The final lines of the song suggest that the singer feels trapped by their circumstances, unable to escape their "downfall". The conch metaphor implies that they are calling out for help, but their distress signals are futile. Overall, "For The Crown" seems to be about the difficulty of balancing personal ambition and romantic relationships, and the toll that pursuing one's dreams can take on oneself and others.
Line by Line Meaning
kissed inhibition goodbye.
She let go of her limitations and allowed her true self to emerge.
she blankly stared, understandably scared.
She looked at me without expression, because she was understandably afraid for what might happen next.
in some cellar of celibacy she yielded to me.
In a dark place where nothing grows, she surrendered to me.
framed my poetry.
She appreciated and admired the words I wrote.
but the well's drying up now.
The source of inspiration that we once had is running out.
crapshoot for the crown.
It is uncertain whether we will succeed or fail in our quest for greatness.
blood, a dry sponge morale.
We are becoming depleted and unmotivated, with nothing left to give.
not one red page.
We have not achieved anything notable or noteworthy.
dreams plead rage.
Our desire for success and achievement is becoming desperate and angry.
she blew the conch of my consciousness.
She awakened me to a new level of awareness and inspiration.
my futile distress call.
The cry for help that I send out seems to fall upon deaf ears.
up in the downfall.
Although we are failing, we remain resolute and determined to succeed.
but the well's drying out now.
Our source of inspiration is dwindling and we are running out of ideas.
crapshoot for the crown.
Our chances of succeeding are uncertain and we are taking a risk.
Contributed by Annabelle L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
jcx420
How the hell dose this only have 5,000 views? It's hands down one of the best fan made music videos on youtube.
Oliver Crawhurst
That was so good. Thank you. It's left me breathless.
Tim Bohrer
Such a good song! Thank you very much for posting it @hargcore
hargcore
Cheers, its a great track!
Andreas
scars are for ever and ska is for ever!!! R.I.P NIck
Tryla-G Ü
Link 80 + District 13 = WIN . Good job, I like
skaonline
che spettacolo...
hargcore
cheers!
hargcore
@jcx420 thanks mate.