The band broke up after the release of their third full-length Shorthand Operation. According to vocalist Jeff Suffering at the time, the album "quite possibly could be the best record I'll ever record." Explaining their breakup, Suffering said "we had a rough tour and nobody wanted to continue playing in 'Christian' music industry."
After breaking up, Suffering and guitarist John Spalding went on to form Raft of Dead Monkeys with label mate members of Roadside Monument. Suffering later went on to form the still-active Suffering & the Hideous Thieves. He also contributes to Mars Hill Church in Seattle, Washington, USA.
Members:
Jeff Suffering - Vocals, Keyboards, Bass, etc.
John Spalding - Guitar
Matt Johnson - Bass
Marty Martinez - Drums
also Matt Nelson, John Himmelberger, Jiles ONeal, Brian Trimble, Matt Bailey and Bill Power
Second Stage Of Adolescence
Ninety Pound Wuss Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've had nothing less responsible than this.
Cash hand, back hand, slap in the face.
I want something more real.
Surrealistic noxious state of mind.
Heart puncture piss sweat intake perfection by design drunk step drug friction.
Oh, I will be clean again.
I suffocate awaiting tomorrow.Shine your lights down on me.
Awaiting for ascension, my disbelief.
Our punishment release a new form of intoxication.
I have something more real.
I am the starving hope.
I am abandonment fulfilled.
Why don't you take it all away from me?
My disgrace only waste.
Absence of faith in a world filled with you mocking me.
It takes a few strong to survive
And more than a lifetime to deprive me of you.
Am I the only one left?
Left alone playing on that one pinched nerve.
Is there anything substantial,
With some consistency at all?
I'm impaling my own breath.
I'm wishing and washing away tonight.
The lyrics in the song "Second Stage of Adolescence" by Ninety Pound Wuss delve into themes of self-reflection, internal struggle, and a yearning for authenticity amidst chaos and disillusionment. The singer reflects on past versions of themselves, suggesting a progression or evolution in their mindset and experiences. The opening lines, "Revisiting former frames of mine. I've had nothing less responsible than this." indicate a contemplation of the person they used to be and a dissatisfaction with their current state of irresponsibility.
The reference to "Cash hand, back hand, slap in the face" conveys a sense of harsh reality and perhaps feeling the consequences of their actions. The desire for something more real and a rejection of the "surrealistic noxious state of mind" hints at a longing for authenticity and truth in a world that may feel distorted or overwhelming. The mention of perfection by design and the struggle with substances like drugs further emphasize a quest for clarity and purity. The declaration, "Oh, I will be clean again" suggests a yearning for renewal and a break from destructive patterns.
The lyrics also touch on themes of isolation, longing for redemption, and a sense of being forsaken. The line "I am the starving hope. I am abandonment fulfilled." conveys a deep sense of despair and resignation, while questioning why the listener doesn't take away their suffering. The mention of punishment, intoxication, and the absence of faith in a world that seems antagonistic further highlight feelings of alienation and disillusionment. The singer's plea for release and the acknowledgment of their own disgrace and waste speak to a profound internal struggle and a search for meaning and purpose.
The closing lines of the song reflect a sense of internal conflict and uncertainty, with references to impaling one's breath and wishing away the night. The repetition of questions like "Am I the only one left?" and reflections on survival and deprivation suggest a profound sense of isolation and a struggle to find stability or consistency in a tumultuous world. The overall tone of the lyrics conveys a mix of vulnerability, despair, and a yearning for connection and authenticity in the face of internal and external turmoil.
Line by Line Meaning
Revisiting former frames of mine.
Reflecting on past memories and experiences.
I've had nothing less responsible than this.
I've never been more irresponsible than now.
Cash hand, back hand, slap in the face.
Dealing with harsh realities and consequences.
I want something more real.
Seeking authenticity and genuineness.
Surrealistic noxious state of mind.
Feeling trapped in a confusing and toxic mental state.
Heart puncture piss sweat intake perfection by design drunk step drug friction.
Struggling with self-destructive behaviors and seeking perfection.
Oh, I will be clean again.
I will overcome my struggles and be pure once more.
I suffocate awaiting tomorrow.
Feeling suffocated by the anticipation of what tomorrow holds.
Shine your lights down on me.
Seeking guidance and enlightenment.
Awaiting for ascension, my disbelief.
Hoping for spiritual growth despite doubts.
Our punishment release a new form of intoxication.
Finding solace in escaping from punishment through a different kind of high.
I have something more real.
I possess something genuine and authentic.
I am the starving hope.
I am the desperate longing for hope.
I am abandonment fulfilled.
I feel completed in my sense of abandonment.
Why don't you take it all away from me?
Asking for relief from burdens and struggles.
My disgrace only waste.
My shame is only a burden.
Absence of faith in a world filled with you mocking me.
Losing belief in a world that seems to taunt and ridicule.
It takes a few strong to survive And more than a lifetime to deprive me of you.
It requires strength to endure and it will take longer than a lifetime to be without you.
Am I the only one left?
Am I the sole survivor or the only one remaining?
Left alone playing on that one pinched nerve.
Feeling isolated and exposed like a nerve being pinched.
Is there anything substantial, With some consistency at all?
Questioning the existence of anything reliable and stable.
I'm impaling my own breath.
I am damaging my own spirit or essence.
I'm wishing and washing away tonight.
I am hoping to cleanse and forget about the current night.
Lyrics © CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP, Capitol CMG Publishing
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@bretwilliams249
Still one of the most creative and unique punk albums ever recorded. Jeff gasping and rushing his way through the lyrics as if something chasing him will catch him if he doesn't finish a track fast enough accompanied with the chaotic sound the rest of the band produces gives the entire thing a sense of panic. I challenge anyone to find anything else that truly sounds like this
@cyboman5687
My older brother had this cd. I think I was 12 when it came out. It changed my life. Between this and Roadside Monument and Blenderhead I don’t think I’d be the person I am today. Easily the three best bands Tooth and Nail ever produced. Still have a soft spot for Joe Christmas though too. And Damien Jurado and Pedro the Lion
@cyboman5687
And Frodus
@PrisonCityNoise
Thanks for sharing! Love hearing stories like these. Absolutely love Roadside Monument, Pedro the Lion and Frodus myself. Can't remember exactly how I got into that stuff but I've always loved the Tooth and Nail bands, so much good music there.
@scootover7
This album is awesome. I use to write my own punk lyrics , 90 LB Wuss is one of my favorite bands
@wychwoodmusic
What a masterpiece of an album – stands up better than anything else from my Christian rock youth, I reckon. (Though Violet Burning's self-titled might gives it a little run for its money.) Actually I'd put it my personal pantheon of the best punk albums period – seems to me it holds its own against Marquee Moon, Pink Flag, Shape of Punk to Come, etc.
If you're discerning enough to be here, check out the documentary on the band that came after 90 lb, Raft of Dead Monkeys. The doc's called "The Complete History of Seattle" and it's amazing and up on vimeo.
Anyways, thanks for posting this for when I can't put my hands on the CD and to help me bludgeon more people with my love for it.
@this_is_an_outrage
Love this record. Been digging back through my old stuff, and anything Jeff Suffering related is aces. Thanks for posting this!
@PrisonCityNoise
Thank YOU Mr. Tony Harrison
@this_is_an_outrage
@@PrisonCityNoise This, my friend, is not an outrage. :D
@consequenceable
YEEAAH