Shortly after formation, Kirsten and Phil moved the band to Oakland, CA, then later to Los Angeles.
1991 to 1998 saw the band release three full length records, three seven inches, one live record and several compilation exclusive songs. In support of their output they extensively toured the United States, Mexico, Canada and Europe.
Penelope Spheeris approached the band in 1996 and as a result they are featured in her documentary film "The Decline of Western Civilization: Part III", for which Phil recorded his first soundtrack.
In 1998, just as they were about to embark on a national tour in support of their newest album, The Gut-Wringing Machine, the band came to an abrupt end when Phil died from complications arising from his chronic asthma. Five years past. Five years of mourning. Kirsten participated in other projects, but nothing satisfied her intense anger and frustration with world politics like Naked Aggression.
Thus, in 2003, in light of the second George Bush's Gulf War, Kirsten thought it fitting to reform the band in order to continue carrying on the message started over a decade ago under astoundingly similar geopolitical circumstances. Since the reformation Naked Aggression has toured the U.S., and just returned from Europe with a new split Lp with, Die Schwarzen Schaffe, on Compary Records. Currently they are working on songs for a new full-length album.
- taken from the band's MySpace page : http://www.myspace.com/nakedaggression
Break the Walls
Naked Aggression Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't tell me what to think
Don't tell me how to act
I want to be this way
Don't tell me that I'm wrong
Don't tell me that I'm fucked up
Don't tell me I make mistakes
I want to burn the church, burn the state
Burn the money that makes us hate
These institutions corrupt us all
Break them down get rid of the walls
Society tells us how to be
I won't listen cause I want to be free
There's nothing civil about this civilization
I despise this oppressive nation
You've got to, you've got to face reality
You've got to, you've got to face reality
You've got to, you've got to face reality
You've got to, you've got to face reality
I don't believe in god
I don't salute the flag
I don't want to be rich
I choose to be this way
I don't do as I'm told
I don't blindly follow
I don't obey authority
I want to live this way
I want to burn the church, Burn the state
Burn the money that makes us hate'
These institutions corrupt us all
Break them down get rid of the walls
Society tells us how to be
I won't listen cause I want to be free
There's nothing civil about this civilization
I despise this oppressive nation
You've got to, you've got to face reality
You've got to, you've got to face reality
You've got to, you've got to face reality
You've got to, you've got to face reality
Break the walls, break the walls, break the walls Down!
The lyrics of Naked Aggression's song Break the Walls convey a strong message of rebellion against social norms and institutions that enforce them. The song is a call to action to break down the walls of oppression and corruption that surround us. The opening lines "Don't tell me what to do, don't tell me what to think, don't tell me how to act" set the tone for the song, expressing a desire to be free from external control.
The lyrics then go on to question societal values, including organized religion, nationalism, and capitalism, all of which are seen as institutions that corrupt and control. The repeated line "Burn the church, burn the state, burn the money that makes us hate" reflects this sentiment. The call to break down the walls resonates with the idea of challenging and overthrowing oppressive systems of power.
The refrain of "You've got to face reality" functions as a counterpoint to the rest of the lyrics, suggesting that the reality we face is one of oppression and corruption, and that only through rebellion and breaking down the walls can we truly be free.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't tell me what to do
I want to make my own decisions and choose how to live my life.
Don't tell me what to think
I want to form my own opinions and beliefs without being influenced by others.
Don't tell me how to act
I want to behave based on my own values and desires rather than following someone else's rules.
I want to be this way
I want to live my life according to my own preferences and choices.
Don't tell me that I'm wrong
I reject the idea that there is one correct way to live life and I'm willing to map out my own path.
Don't tell me that I'm fucked up
I reject societal labels that stigmatize those who choose to march to their own beat.
Don't tell me I make mistakes
I accept my right to make my own choices, even if they're not always the right ones.
I want to live this way
I am committed to living my life on my own terms, regardless of the obstacles or criticisms that may come my way.
I want to burn the church, burn the state
I reject the institutions and practices that I believe are harming society, and I am ready to fight against them.
Burn the money that makes us hate
I refuse to contribute to a system that thrives on greed and inequality.
These institutions corrupt us all
I believe that oppressive systems and structures harm everyone, not just those who are directly targeted.
Break them down get rid of the walls
I am committed to tearing down oppressive systems and creating a more equal, just world for all.
Society tells us how to be
I reject the pressure to conform to societal norms and live life on my own terms.
I won't listen cause I want to be free
I am willing to stand up against societal pressures and fight for my individual rights and freedoms.
There's nothing civil about this civilization
I believe that the current societal structures and systems are not truly civilized and just.
I despise this oppressive nation
I reject the systems and structures that I see as oppressive and harmful, and I am passionate about creating change.
You've got to, you've got to face reality
I believe that in order to create change, we must first recognize and confront the reality of the oppressive systems that exist.
Break the walls, break the walls, break the walls Down!
I am committed to take down the oppressive structures and fight for a more just society.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind