1. Mathangi “Maya” Ar… Read Full Bio ↴There are five known artists under this name:
1. Mathangi “Maya” Arulpragasam also known as M.I.A., (born 18 July 1975 in Hounslow, London, U.K.) is a British artist of Sri Lankan descent. As a baby she moved with her family to their native Sri Lanka, where her father became increasingly politically active in militant activities. As the Civil War escalated the rest of the family was forced to flee as refugees, first to India and then the UK. “M.I.A.” [“Missing In Action”] references both her London neighborhood (Acton) and her politically tumultuous youth.
Her style contains elements of hip-hop, reggae, alternative, dance hall, electro and baile funk and is strongly inspired by her Sri Lankan background.
2. American Punk/Hardcore band formed in Orange County, CA in 1981 by Chris Moon, drums; Mike Conley, bass; Nick Adams, guitar (all previously of Las Vegas, NV punk band The Swell); and Art Carasco, vocals. Their sound was generally hardcore and thrasher, though they produced more melodic and progressive sounds in their later albums. Allmusic called the band "one of the 50 best So-Cal punk bands of the great early-'80s second wave explosion. In 1984 they signed a deal with the cult Alternative Tentacles label, after the label's founder, Dead Kennedys frontman Jello Biafra, saw them play at a secret illegal punk nightclub in Las Vegas. Biafra was impressed by Mike Conley's distinctive voice, saying "The minute you hear a song with him singing you know it's him." They released the album Murder in a Foreign Place on Alternative Tentacles in 1984, followed in 1985 by Notes From the Underground on National Trust Records, and in 1987 by After the Fact on Flipside Records. The band split up in 1988. In 2001, Alternative Tentacles released Lost Boys, a 37-song retrospective of the band's work, including Last Rites, Murder in a Foreign Place, and several additional tracks. On February 28, 2008 vocalist Mike Conley was found dead in a Chicago hotel parking lot. Conley was taken to Gottlieb Memorial Hospital in Melrose Park, where he was pronounced dead at 6:25 a.m. On April 27, 2008, there was a secret warm-up show at Detroit Bar featuring Todd Sampson of Self Abuse and Samson's Army on vocals, Jello Biafra of Dead Kennedys on guest vocals, Chris Moon and Larry Pearson on drums, Nick Adams on guitar, and Bob Thomson on bass. The next day, the "Beautiful Noise" benefit show took place at the Anaheim House of Blues with Jigsaw, Naked Soul, Cadillac Tramps, Social Distortion and MIA with the same lineup as the previous night, but adding Kevin Seconds of 7 Seconds on guest vocals. The proceeds of "Beautiful Noise" went to Mike Conley's family.
(3) Formed in the mid 70s, Independent Musicians Associated (MIA) was a group of musicians, technicians and drawers gathered together by Lito and Liliana Vitale’s parents. They produced their own records and concerts in an independent way. Their music is a complex symphonic rock with definite Argentinean/latin folk influence with multiple chorals and vocals beautifully contrasting with the keyboards and a great guitar sound upon a strong rhythmic section. They were highly influenced by symphonic music, more noteworthy by Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Gentle Giant and Focus.
4. Merriweathers is a member of Underground Resistance under the alias of The Unknown Soldier.
5. mia's page (Michaela Grobelny).
Boredom Is the Reason
M.I.A. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't wanna be a part of it or be like you
You wear a swastika to shock and offend
It's become so passive, just another trend
Why do you do it?
Why do you try?
You've got no answer
Boredom is your reason
You beat up your own kind, refuse to unite
Because you're so stubborn, because you don't like
Your mindless fights, they don't stop a thing
You're just a loser living in a dream
M.I.A.'s song Boredom Is the Reason is a powerful critique of those who engage in acts of hatred and destruction for the sake of being controversial. The song begins by emphasizing the cruelty of these actions and rejecting any association with such behavior. The lyrics then focus on the use of symbols such as the swastika, which are intended to shock and offend. However, the ease with which such symbols have become just another trend highlights the passivity of those who adopt them without truly understanding their meaning or impact.
The chorus of the song asks the provocateurs a series of questions, wondering why they do what they do and what drives their actions. The lack of a meaningful answer suggests that their behavior is guided by an instinctual need for attention and validation, driven by boredom rather than any true conviction or purpose. The final verse of the song is a scathing indictment of those who engage in internecine conflict, refusing to unite even when they share common goals and interests. The fighting achieves nothing and only serves to keep them mired in their own dysfunctional and self-destructive dreams.
Overall, Boredom Is the Reason is a powerful and insightful statement about the dangers of nihilism, self-absorption, and the allure of destructive behavior. It is a call to reject these forces and instead embrace empathy, understanding, and meaningful action.
Line by Line Meaning
Hatred and destruction, it seems so cruel
The practice of hating and ruining things appears savage and malevolent.
Don't wanna be a part of it or be like you
I reject being involved in or emulating your vicious ways.
You wear a swastika to shock and offend
You put on a Nazi symbol to stun people and create indignation.
It's become so passive, just another trend
It's become so commonplace and unremarkable, just another fashion.
Why do you do it?
What's your motivation behind your harmful actions?
Why do you try?
Why do you put so much effort into spreading evil?
You've got no answer
You can't explain why you do what you do.
It's just your instinct in life
It's just something you feel compelled to do.
Boredom is your reason
Your reason for causing havoc and cruelty is simply that you're bored.
You beat up your own kind, refuse to unite
You harm those who are like you and refuse to come together.
Because you're so stubborn, because you don't like
Because of your stubbornness and dislike of others.
Your mindless fights, they don't stop a thing
Your aimless battles don't accomplish anything.
You're just a loser living in a dream
You're simply a pathetic person living in a fantasy world.
Contributed by Wyatt P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@reidellis1988
I will never forget this song. 1985 to forever.
@vonhenchy3035
it was pre-1985. But loving the song is all that counts.
@reidellis1988
@vonhenchy3035 that's just when I got the record.
@Shikta-poobah67
“Why do you do it? Why do you try?” is a question I still find myself asking 98% of the people I come in contact with, on a daily basis. When we were a bunch of restless kids, it was easily chalked up to boredom. Today? I’m not so sure.
@klbj94fm
First heard this on KUT-FM College radio Austin Texas 84 or 85. I forgot about this great song and just found it again by accident. Over 3 decades ago and it makes me feel like a young punk again. Lol GOOD TIMES IN TEXAS!
@soon-we-fly
Saw these guys at the Jockey Club in Newport Ky. Hung out and skated with them after the show. We called the band Mike In Action.
@omagine
Thank you for posting this. I assisted in recording a reunion/fundraiser for the benefit of Mike Conley's family when he died, and i will NEVER forget what it was like to see this done live again. Sad song too. RIP Mike
@brandonparker3350
I went to that show HOB in Anaheim sad but must celebrate his life and accomplishments! Cheers to all my punk rockerz
@notyou6679
hell fuckin yeah!!! 80's wonderfulness!
@Dontfeedthebears23
This song should be etched in the memory of rock and roll FOREVER!