Standard Issue
Morning Glory Lyrics


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For revolution rock, can all the kids get up
And feel the drums the way they sometimes talk
The beat outside the box
Stomp the corporotocracy and the free trade docks
Down in Mexico
Where song and dance belong to one and all
The free radicals, the untouchables
And revolutionary songs still grow

When I'm dead, don't say you loved me
When all you did was hate and shove me
And all I had was standard iss. punk rock

Give me combat standard issue rock
Give me combat standard issue rock
Revolution rock

For revolution rock, the lines around the block
And everybody's come for a little light and time off of the clock
So I swear I'll sing from the heart and not give up
Leaders care not without something small to gain
Burn them up, please tell me who has won when nothing remains

When I'm dead, don't say you loved me
When all you did was hate and shove me
And all I had was standard iss. punk rock

Give me combat standard issue rock
Combat boots and everything they're not
Revolution rock

When the reggae rock has left my song
And the rebel sounds have up and gone
Will the kids still wanna scream and sing along?

When I was a little kid, I would always bob my head to myself
Even now my only thing is to try to make the world sing oh-oh just for you

When the reggae rock has left the song
And the rebel sound is dead and gone
Will the kids and immigrants belong




To the corporates who write pablum tunes?
And all I have are standard issue songs

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Morning Glory's song "Standard Issue" are a call for revolution and a rejection of the corporate music industry. The song opens with a call to action, encouraging people to feel the drums of revolution and to reject the status quo. The reference to "stomping" the corporotocracy and free trade docks suggests a desire to overthrow the current political and economic systems that perpetuate inequality and concentrate power in the hands of the few.


The second verse highlights the contradictions inherent in mainstream representations of rebellion and revolution. The singer warns against the hypocrisy of those who claim to love someone after they have passed away, while doing nothing to support them in life. The use of the phrase "standard iss. punk rock" highlights the commodification of rebellion and cultural resistance, reducing it to a product that can be marketed and sold. The repetition of the phrase "combat standard issue rock" reinforces the call to action and the importance of using music as a tool for revolution.


The song's chorus reinforces the idea that music can be a powerful tool for change, and that it is the responsibility of artists to use their platform to inspire and motivate people. The reference to reggae rock and rebel sounds suggests a connection to previous generations of music that were associated with more radical political movements. The final lines of the song suggest that the singer fears a world where corporations control the music industry and there is no room for dissenting voices.


Line by Line Meaning

For revolution rock, can all the kids get up
Can the youth rise up for revolutionary music?


And feel the drums the way they sometimes talk
Can they connect with the music emotionally?


The beat outside the box
The unconventional rhythm of revolutionary music


Stomp the corporotocracy and the free trade docks
Fight against the corrupt government and businesses


Down in Mexico
Mexican people are united by their love of music and dance


Where song and dance belong to one and all
Music brings people from all walks of life together


The free radicals, the untouchables
The marginalized and oppressed people fighting for freedom


And revolutionary songs still grow
Music remains a potent force for change


When I'm dead, don't say you loved me
Don't pretend to care after treating me poorly in life


When all you did was hate and shove me
When you were abusive and aggressive towards me


And all I had was standard iss. punk rock
All I had was my beloved punk rock


Give me combat standard issue rock
Revolutionary rock that inspires and motivates


For revolution rock, the lines around the block
The popularity of music that speaks to revolutionary ideals


And everybody's come for a little light and time off of the clock
People come to music for escape and hope


So I swear I'll sing from the heart and not give up
I'll keep fighting for what I believe in


Leaders care not without something small to gain
Most leaders only care about their own agenda


Burn them up, please tell me who has won when nothing remains
If everything is destroyed, who truly comes out on top?


Give me combat standard issue rock
Give me music that empowers me to fight back


Combat boots and everything they're not
Revolutionary music embraces the diversity of its audience


When the reggae rock has left my song
When the music I love is no longer popular


And the rebel sounds have up and gone
When the rebellious spirit of music is lost


Will the kids still wanna scream and sing along?
Will the next generation continue to embrace revolutionary music?


When I was a little kid, I would always bob my head to myself
Music has always been a personal outlet for me


Even now my only thing is to try to make the world sing oh-oh just for you
Inspiring people with my music is my life's mission


Will the kids and immigrants belong
Will marginalized communities be celebrated in music?


To the corporates who write pablum tunes?
Or will corporations continue to create shallow, meaningless songs?


And all I have are standard issue songs
But my music will always be authentic and meaningful




Contributed by Allison O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@88fingersbart

love it!

@dirttaq

They've changed a lot. The last time I heard them, I was screaming ALL MY FRIENDS WERE THERE"

@NeedfulThingsCA

That was awesome

@AJMASTER7

This song jams

@AJMASTER7

Love Morning G

@Snake8418

WHO THE FUCK DISLIKED THIS!?

@donthumpanimals

Better than the radio.

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