N.A.P. released their first album Gesticulate in 1993 with bassist and pianist Dan Bates on the now defunct General Purpose Cassettes (G.P.C.) label. The electronic music was composed and sequenced with an Ensoniq EPS 16+ digital sampler. Additional sounds were taken from a Roland Juno-106 analog synthesizer.
The G.P.C. label usually sold merchandise with unusual packaging, as such, the Gesticulate CD was a limited-edition release with an aluminium foil cover and screen-printed artwork. The cassette tape version was sold in a metal can. There were two different versions of the CD cover printed.
The band's second release was 9mm Grudge in 1994 on the California-based Re-Constriction recording label. It was more guitar driven, however much of it was sampled including a riff from Van Halen appearing in a song. Five years later, Broadcast-Quality Belligerence was released. This appears to be the band's final recording.
Flowers on the Wall
Non-Aggression Pact Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But all that thought you're giving me is conscience, I guess
If I were walking in your shoes I wouldn't worry none
While you and your friends are worrying about me, I'm having lots of fun
Counting flowers on the wall, that don't bother me at all
Playing solitaire 'til dawn with a deck of fifty one
Smoking cigarettes and watching Captain Kangaroo
Last night I dressed in tails, pretended I was on the town
As long as I can dream it's hard to slow this swinger down
So please don't give a thought to me, I'm really doing fine
You can always find me here and having quite a time
Counting flowers on the wall, that don't bother me at all
Playing solitaire 'til dawn with a deck of fifty one
Smoking cigarettes and watching Captain Kangaroo
Now don't tell me I've nothing to do
It's good to see you, I must go, I know I look a fright
Anyway, my eyes are not accustomed to this light
And my shoes are not accustomed to this hard concrete
So I must go back to my room and make my day complete
Counting flowers on the wall, that don't bother me at all
Playing solitaire 'til dawn with a deck of fifty one
Smoking cigarettes and watching Captain Kangaroo
Now don't tell me I've nothing to do
Don't tell me I've nothing to do
The lyrics of "Flowers on the Wall" by Non-Aggression Pact is an expression of defiance against the societal expectation of conformity and fitting in. The singer responds to someone expressing concern about their happiness that the thoughts they are giving is more of a conscience than necessary. The singer states that if the situation were reversed, they wouldn't worry, and instead of worrying about what others think of them or their actions, they are busy having lots of fun.
The verse continues with imagery of counting flowers on the wall and playing solitaire until dawn, smoking cigarettes while watching Captain Kangaroo. These may be simple activities that evoke nostalgia, but the singer assures the listener not to say that they have nothing to do. They end up dressing in tails pretending to be on the town while dreaming of the good life and all its possibilities. The chorus repeats the activities mentioned above, with the singer endearingly asking the listener not to think they have nothing to do.
The singer's attitude in the song is one of rebellion against expected social norms. He encourages the listener not to worry too much about what others think and do what makes them happy. The message is relevant even today, as society often pressures individuals to abide by certain standards and conformity.
Line by Line Meaning
I keep hearing you're concerned about my happiness
I am aware that you are worried about my well-being
But all that thought you're giving me is conscience, I guess
However, your efforts are only causing me to feel more guilty
If I were walking in your shoes I wouldn't worry none
If I were in your position, I would not waste time worrying about me
While you and your friends are worrying about me, I'm having lots of fun
While you are preoccupied with my life, I am happily enjoying myself
Counting flowers on the wall, that don't bother me at all
Engaging in mindless activities like counting flowers on a wall does not concern or affect me in any way
Playing solitaire 'til dawn with a deck of fifty one
I am spending my time alone playing solitaire until morning using a deck with an extra card
Smoking cigarettes and watching Captain Kangaroo
I am smoking and watching a children's television program for my own entertainment
Now don't tell me I've nothing to do
Please do not suggest that I am idle or bored
Last night I dressed in tails, pretended I was on the town
Recently, I wore formal attire and pretended I was out on the town
As long as I can dream it's hard to slow this swinger down
I am a free spirit and it is difficult to prevent me from pursuing my dreams and desires
So please don't give a thought to me, I'm really doing fine
I am content with my current situation and do not need anyone's concern or attention
You can always find me here and having quite a time
Feel free to visit me, I am always enjoying myself
It's good to see you, I must go, I know I look a fright
It is nice to see you, but I must leave now even though I do not look my best
Anyway, my eyes are not accustomed to this light
Regardless, my eyes are having trouble adjusting to the brightness of the surroundings
And my shoes are not accustomed to this hard concrete
Additionally, my shoes are not used to the firmness of the concrete pavement
So I must go back to my room and make my day complete
Therefore, I must retire to my room to continue enjoying my day on my own terms
Don't tell me I've nothing to do
I would appreciate it if you do not suggest that I am unoccupied
Contributed by Alexandra T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.