Current lineup:
Freddy "Madball" Cricien (vocals)
Jorge Guerra (bass)
Mike Gurnari (guitar)
Mike Justian (drums)
Discography:
1994 - Set It Off
1996 - Demonstrating My Style
1998 - Look My Way
2000 - Hold It Down
2005 - Legacy
2007 - Infiltrate the System
2010 - Empire
2014 - Hardcore Lives
2018 - For the Cause
EPs
1989 - Ball of Destruction
1992 - Droppin' Many Suckers
2004 - N.Y.H.C. EP
2012 - Rebellion
www.madballnyhc.com
Back of the Bus
Madball Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Because you're judged by what they see
Affraid of what they don't understand
Putting you down whenever they can
Thought that it was better these days
But there are some people who will never change
Still a minority in their eyes
Be proud of who you are
Fight for what you stand for
Together as a crew
There's something you can do
Be on-point when you take action
Never give them the satisfaction
Of watching you suffer for their lies
Still a minority in their eyes
The lyrics to Madball's song Back of the Bus speak of the continued existence of discrimination and judgment in society. It presents a reality where no individual is truly free because of how others perceive them. The lyrics discuss the fear and ignorance that people have toward differences, taking particular reference to minorities. These groups, such as those in the lines "Putting you down whenever they can," continue to be marginalized and oppressed, something that has not changed despite supposed social advancements.
The chorus of the song is a call to action, urging listeners to be proud of who they are and fight for what they believe in. Madball encourages people to band together and become a crew that stands for something. The song speaks of the importance of taking a stand for oneself and others against those who seek to oppress and discriminate. It advises listeners to be on-point when they take action and avoid giving oppressors the satisfaction of watching them suffer from their lies.
Overall, Back of the Bus is an empowering track that encourages listeners to stand up for their beliefs and to fight against discrimination and inequality. The song's message is as relevant today as it was when the song was released and serves as a piece of social commentary that is still needed in society today.
Line by Line Meaning
In a society where no one is free
Living in a society where people are not free to be themselves without judgement.
Because you're judged by what they see
People being criticized and judged by their appearances alone.
Affraid of what they don't understand
The society judging people with different cultures, races, and beliefs because of a lack of understanding.
Putting you down whenever they can
People with power constantly trying to bring you down no matter what.
Thought that it was better these days
Hoping that the society would be better by accepting people with different cultures, races, and beliefs.
But there are some people who will never change
However, those people who have this kind of perspective won't change their belief.
Still a minority in their eyes
To them, the different people's identities will always be in the minority.
And when confronted, they will always deny it
When someone questions their beliefs, they will deny that they have any prejudice and defend it to be true.
Be proud of who you are
Be proud of your identity and your culture.
Fight for what you stand for
Stand for what you believe in and do not give up on that belief.
Together as a crew
Joining together as a group.
There's something you can do
You can take action and make a difference in the society.
Be on-point when you take action
Make sure any actions taken for your belief in the society are done with the utmost care.
Never give them the satisfaction
Do not let those who are judging you get the satisfaction they wanted by succeeding in damaging your spirit.
Of watching you suffer for their lies
Do not let the hate from their lies lead you to suffering.
Still a minority in their eyes
To them, your identity, your culture, your beliefs, will always be in the minority, but that doesn't mean you can't change society for the better.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: FRED CRICIEN, JORGE GUERRA, MATTHEW HENDERSON, WILLIAM SHEPLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind