Anarchy Camp
NOFX (usa) Lyrics


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I got an invitation to anarchy camp
There will be twistin', fistin', biting, fighting all in an evening
The soundtrack will go multi platinum
Barbecue a boca while the effigies burn
You may not want to stay and see how we take care of a turncoat
Christiana's kinda far away
So come along with me
We can dance and trip and be anarchists
We gotta get the manual and put it in the oven 'til it cooks
Then we're gonna take the ashes to the wassail
And use them to spike the punch

Rules of anarchy camp: reckless abandonment
Random acts of dumbness will be rewarded
If you see somebody taking charge, you'll be expected to beat them
Cause everyone who's no one, will be participating
No one who is someone, will ever get to know the joys of anarchism
Destruction of the system

So come along with us salad days and nights on the anarchic bus
We're gonna pick up indigents and crusties and a half a dozen nuts
And we're never coming home

Underwater basket-weaving, (we got some arts and crafts)
Meth-amphetamine symposiums, (they last a couple days)
African killer spelling bees, (you better get it right)
Bowling in ice hockey rinks, (of course checking is allowed)
Anarchy camp's never inert, (you think we don't know that it's)
Not much fun 'til someone gets hurt, (our only motto)




So we're greasing up the rusty vert ramp
Time to make some reservations for next year's Anarchy Camp

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Anarchy Camp" by NOFX depict a satirical take on the concept of anarchism. The song begins by describing a wild and chaotic event known as Anarchy Camp, which includes activities such as "twistin', fistin', biting, fighting" and the burning of effigies. The invitation to the camp seems intriguing, but as the song progresses, it becomes clear that the rules of Anarchy Camp are designed to promote reckless behavior and an utter disregard for authority. The lyrics suggest that anarchism, as it is often stereotyped, primarily involves destruction and anti-social behavior.


The song ends by describing various absurd activities that take place at Anarchy Camp, such as underwater basket-weaving, meth-amphetamine symposiums, and African killer spelling bees. The lyrics sarcastically point out that these events serve as a distraction from the real purpose of the camp, which seems to be the pursuit of chaos for its own sake. The final line of the song, "Time to make some reservations for next year's Anarchy Camp," highlights the absurdity of the whole situation.


Overall, "Anarchy Camp" is a critique of the stereotypical ideas surrounding anarchism as a political philosophy. The song suggests that these ideas can be taken to ridiculous extremes, leading to a kind of nihilistic chaos that serves no real purpose.


Line by Line Meaning

I got an invitation to anarchy camp
I received an invitation to a place where people practice anarchy, rebellion against any form of control or authority.


There will be twistin', fistin', biting, fighting all in an evening
People will engage in violent and aggressive behavior like twisting, punching, biting, and fighting during just one night.


The soundtrack will go multi platinum
The music played during this event will be so popular that its sales will surpass the million threshold.


Barbecue a boca while the effigies burn
Cooking a meat dish while placing a representation of a person or group who is disliked and criticized by others will be set on fire.


You may not want to stay and see how we take care of a turncoat
If someone betrays the group, they will not want to witness the ruthless ways in which the group will punish them.


Christiana's kinda far away
The location of Christiania, a district in Copenhagen, Denmark known for its anarchist way of life, is too distant to go to.


So come along with me
Let us go together.


We can dance and trip and be anarchists
We can dance and take drugs while embracing the anarchist way of thinking and behaving.


We gotta get the manual and put it in the oven 'til it cooks
We need to obtain a guide on how to practice anarchism and heat it up in the oven until it burns to ashes.


Then we're gonna take the ashes to the wassail
After it has become ashes, we will bring them to a social gathering where we will drink and celebrate.


And use them to spike the punch
We will add the ashes to the drink to alter its effect and make it more potent.


Rules of anarchy camp: reckless abandonment
At this camp, there are no rules, only reckless behavior that abandons structure and guidance.


Random acts of dumbness will be rewarded
People who engage in unintelligent and nonsensical behavior will be praised, rewarded, and recognized.


If you see somebody taking charge, you'll be expected to beat them
When someone attempts to lead or take control, others will be expected to harm them physically or verbally.


Cause everyone who's no one, will be participating
All those who feel insignificant or unimportant will be involved in the anarchy camp.


No one who is someone, will ever get to know the joys of anarchism
Famous or influential individuals will never experience the liberation and happiness that come with anarchism.


Destruction of the system
The ultimate goal of this camp and its participants is to destroy any existing system or order.


So come along with us salad days and nights on the anarchic bus
Join us in our youthful and joyful days and nights while traveling in a bus that celebrates anarchism.


We're gonna pick up indigents and crusties and a half a dozen nuts
We will gather homeless and dirty people as well as a few eccentric ones to join our group.


And we're never coming home
We don't plan on returning to our previous way of living, and will continue practicing anarchy.


Underwater basket-weaving, (we got some arts and crafts)
We offer unconventional workshops like making baskets underwater as part of our artistic and crafting activities.


Meth-amphetamine symposiums, (they last a couple days)
We have meetings to discuss the drug methamphetamine, and these gatherings can last a few days.


African killer spelling bees, (you better get it right)
We will have contests in which people are challenged to spell difficult African words accurately to win.


Bowling in ice hockey rinks, (of course checking is allowed)
We will play bowling on ice rinks meant for hockey, and physical contact is allowed.


Anarchy camp's never inert, (you think we don't know that it's)
Anarchy camp is always moving, and nothing stays still or unchanging. It's certain that its creators and participants know this fact.


Not much fun 'til someone gets hurt, (our only motto)
We believe that anarchy camp is not entertaining enough unless someone gets hurt physically or emotionally. This is our only principle.


So we're greasing up the rusty vert ramp
We are putting oil on a worn-out vertical ramp that is not in perfect working condition.


Time to make some reservations for next year's Anarchy Camp
It's time to plan and book a place for the next year's anarchy camp, and make sure it happens again.




Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS

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