The band features Dan Yemin as the group's vocalist and lyricist. Yemin is most known as the guitarist for New Jersey's Lifetime and was also the guitarist of another Philadelphia-based punk/hardcore act, Kid Dynamite. Former drummer David Wagenshutz has also been a member of Lifetime, Kid Dynamite, California's Good Riddance and None More Black, the latter whom is fronted by former Kid Dynamite vocalist Jason Shevchuk. The other two members, bassist Andy Nelson and guitarist Josh Agran, both also currently play in Affirmative Action Jackson, a hardcore punk band based in Philadelphia. Wagenschutz left in July 2006 to pursue his family and new band Higher Giant, and has since been replaced by Jared Shavelson of The Hope Conspiracy and None More Black.
In 2009, instead of a recording a proper album, they released nine new songs over two 7" EPs released by two different labels. The first one, Amnesia, was released on June 16, 2009 on Bridge Nine Records. The second one, Surrender, was released in August 2009 on Fat Wreck Chords.
Nicaragua
Paint It Black Lyrics
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In the song "Nicaragua" by Paint It Black, the lyrics speak about the exploitation of developing countries and the mistreatment of their people. The first few lines of the song warns people to be careful of who they label as "backwards" or "uncivilized." These labels are often given by Western countries who think they are superior. The lines "treating people like pigeons, I hope they peck out your eyes" expresses the frustration and anger towards the lack of respect and empathy shown towards people from developing countries.
The song highlights the issue of imperialism and colonization where Western countries would import goods and resources from developing countries while paying low wages and exploiting the people there. The line "throwing crumbs and passing judgment, nobody asked you to import that shit" is an example of how Western countries would take advantage of the resources and labour from developing countries without giving much back in return. The line "I see paradise and you see pavement" shows the contrast in how people view the same thing differently. What may be seen as valuable and precious by the people of a developing country, may be seen as nothing but a hindrance to the people from Western countries.
The song also criticizes the excessive and wasteful lifestyle of the people in Western countries. The line "erect monuments to excess until there's no room left" is a commentary on the constant desire for materialistic possessions and wealth. The song ends with "we'll turn this place into a tomb" which implies that unless action is taken to address the issue of exploitation and inequality, the future will be bleak for developing countries.
Line by Line Meaning
You better watch who you call 'backwards.'
Be careful when you label someone or something as old-fashioned or behind the times.
who you call 'uncivilized.'
Be mindful of the words you use to describe people or cultures, as words can be hurtful and perpetuate harmful stereotypes.
treating people like pigeons, I hope they peck out your eyes.
Treating people like animals will only cause them to retaliate and harm you in return.
throwing crumbs and passing judgment, nobody asked you to import that shit.
Don't impose your beliefs or opinions on others, especially if you are not familiar with their culture or way of life.
I see paradise and you see pavement.
People can have different perspectives on what they consider to be beautiful or desirable.
you renovations make a mess of it.
Sometimes, modernization or development can destroy the natural or cultural beauty of a place.
erect monuments to excess until there's no room left.
The pursuit of material wealth or status can eventually lead to a lack of space or resources for more important things.
we'll turn this place into a tomb.
If we continue to prioritize our own selfish desires over the environment and the needs of others, we will eventually destroy ourselves and our surroundings.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
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