The Misfits were known for their sing-along "Whoa-oh-oh" choruses after the 1982 "Walk Among Us" LP -- and although Naked Raygun are often cited as having been influenced by The Misfits in this regard, the reverse is the case.
Haggerty and Kezdy would later join with Larry Damore of the Bhopal Stiffs to form Pegboy. Pezzati fronted The Bomb. A reunion in the late 90s produced the live album Free Shit!. The band reunited for Riot Fest 2006 on November 5, 2006 in Chicago, Illinois, and is playing a west coast tour in December, 2007.
Official Site: http://www.nakedraygun.org
ON
Naked Raygun Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
About the kids of today
Subscribe to them all your fears
'Til they become like you
What poor gods we do make
What poor gods we do make
What poor gods we do make
What poor gods we do make
I don't know
I don't know
I don't know
So listen now to what I say
About the kids of today
Subscribe to them all your fears
'Til they become like you
Teach them all your fallacies
Contain them in reality
Subscribe to them all your fears
'Til they become like you
Then a slippage happens
In your ranks
And causes all...your morals sank
For us to create our own
And we became like you
What poor gods we do make
What poor gods we do make
What poor gods we do make
What poor gods we do make
I don't know
I don't know
I don't know
I don't know
What poor gods we do make
What poor gods we do make
I don't know
I don't know
The lyrics to Naked Raygun's "On" are a commentary on the dangers of societal influence and indoctrination of younger generations. The singer warns against subscribing to one's own fears and fallacies and inflicting them upon the youth, who will ultimately become a reflection of these beliefs. The repeated phrase "What poor gods we do make" emphasizes the idea that the older generation is placing themselves in a position of power over the younger generations through this indoctrination, even if their beliefs are flawed.
The line "Then a slippage happens in your ranks/And causes all...your morals sank" hints at a potential backlash or rebellious response from the younger generation who have been subjected to these fears and ideologies. The singer then notes that this allows the younger generation to become like the older one, creating a cycle of poor gods repeating the same mistakes. The phrase "I don't know" repeated in the chorus could indicate a sense of helplessness or uncertainty in the face of this cycle.
Overall, the song is a cautionary tale about the danger of close-mindedness, fear, and the negative influence it can have on generations to come. It poses a call for self-reflection and openness to new ideas and perspectives.
Line by Line Meaning
Listen now to what I say
Pay attention to my words
About the kids of today
Regarding the youth of this generation
Subscribe to them all your fears
Impose your anxieties onto them
'Til they become like you
Until they mirror your behavior
What poor gods we do make
We are terrible role models
I don't know
Uncertainty or lack of understanding
Teach them all your fallacies
Pass on your flawed beliefs
Contain them in reality
Limit their imaginations and aspirations
Then a slippage happens
A deviation occurs
In your ranks
Among your group or community
And causes all...your morals sank
And leads to a decline in your ethical standards
For us to create our own
For us to form our own beliefs
And we became like you
And we ended up being like you
What poor gods we do make
We continue to be poor role models
I don't know
Still uncertain or not understanding
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
MonkDave666
Just swinging by to say that the new album is an absolute masterpiece. Loved the singles that were put out a few years ago, but "Over The Overlords" is on a whole other level. I'm actually speechless at just how incredible it is. NR have been one of my favourite bands going on 27 years now, and to hear a new album of this calibre come from the band has made my year. Thanks guys!
Christopher Lewis
Almost 40 years since I started listening to Naked Raygun, and I still consider them one of my 5 favorite bands ever. I have survived 2 strokes that I am reminded of each time I listen and realize how much I miss Pierre. Whenever I pick up my guitar, I am made aware of how they ruined my chops despite the same 40 years of playing.
Michael Nameche
This has already brought so many tears to my eyes. We will never forget you Pierre! But also this brings me hope that the good times will revisit us all.
BB BB
I was crying by the first chorus.
PEZ
NR born well before YouTube and got me through high school and college. I have seen them no less than 20 times and witnessing a Raygun video on YouTube is definitely “free sh*t”! I love you guys and can’t thank you enough for the most exciting release of 2021 for this South Side Chicago fan!
Bruce Boul
The mighty NAKED RAYGUN! Thank you for an amazing and well done video and song that the world needs right now!
Eduardo Abreu
I really didn't see this one coming! Stoked to see NR back in action with such a powerful song. Jeff Pezzati is the ultimate punk rock hero. This is moving in so many ways. Thanks Wax Trax & RIP, PK.
Paulo Gonçalves
This has got some hooks! And a great bass sound, too. I was blasting their 1990 "RNR" CD last week. I used to work at a record store way back when and me and my buddies played the hell out of it!
Toby Harris
Punk rock will save us, thank you Naked Raygun for still being there.
Crank it Up!
I fell upon this video by pure coincidence. I haven't listened to these guys in almost 20 years. Shit does time fly by. My best bud and blood brother introduce me to Naked Raygun way back when. I had the honor to be the best man at his wedding two years ago. Three weeks after that he was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. I cherish every minute i have left with my friend. You never know how much time is left. Live each day like your last. He has always lived his life like that. Wish I was as strong as him.