Current members:
Chris Hannah – vocals, guitar (1986–present)
Jord Samolesky – drums (1986–present)
Todd Kowalski – bass, vocals (1997–present)
Sulynn Hago – guitar, vocals (2015–present)
Former members
Scott Hopper – bass, vocals (1986–89)
Mike Braumeister – bass (1989–91)
John K. Samson – bass, vocals (1991–97)
David Guillas – guitar, vocals (2006–2015)
1993 - How to Clean Everything
1996 - Less Talk, More Rock
2001 - Today's Empires, Tomorrow's Ashes
2005 - Potemkin City Limits
2009 - Supporting Caste
2012 - Failed States
2017 - Victory Lap
THIS IS YOUR LIFE
Propagandhi Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You're mad at the fact that your wife can't stand you anymore
You don't know where she is
You're going crazy in your basement hole
Clicking your remote control, spitting insults at the screen
Because tomorrow you're back at work
Where you can't stand being the little man
No one really laughs at your stories anymore
You're too cynical and mean so they've fucked off bored
Your kids are at the mall
They just sit and stare at the walls
You think you tell it like it is, you say you can't stand bleeding hearts
But every single day
You just sit there bleeding for yourself
You whine and cry in your manly voice
This is your life
You do it to yourself
Take the load off your mind
Go out into the world
You'll see you'll probably survive
This is your life
Propagandhi's song This Is Your Life is an introspective look into the life of an unhappy individual who is consumed with bitterness and self-pity. The opening lines of the song challenge the listener's perception of what may seem like justified anger towards countries like Iran and Afghanistan but is actually directed at a more personal source - a failed relationship. The singer is unable to come to terms with the fact that his wife has left him and instead transfers his rage towards external targets that he deems responsible for his misery. He is a recluse who spends most of his time in his basement, watching television and mocking those who he feels are beneath him.
The song offers a scathing criticism of the toxic masculinity that the singer embodies. His bitterness and cynicism have alienated those around him, and his attempts to retain a sense of authority in his personal and professional life have failed. He is incapable of connecting with others, and his lack of empathy is evident. The lyrics build up to the chorus where the band implores him to take a step back and recognize that he is responsible for his own misery. They tell him to stop wallowing in self-pity and to face the world head-on.
This Is Your Life reflects the band's political and social beliefs and their commitment to using their music as a means of challenging the status quo. The song is a poignant commentary on the effects of toxic masculinity and how it can lead to a life of misery and regret. It encourages listeners to take a closer look at their lives and to make meaningful changes that will ultimately lead to a more fulfilling existence.
Line by Line Meaning
You're not really mad at Iran or Afghanistan
You're using geopolitical issues as a scapegoat for your own personal problems.
You're mad at the fact that your wife can't stand you anymore
You're upset that your relationship with your spouse has deteriorated to the point that they don't want to be around you.
You don't know where she is
You're lost and confused without your partner or any solid direction.
You're going crazy in your basement hole
You're becoming increasingly agitated and isolated in your own little world.
Clicking your remote control, spitting insults at the screen
You're projecting your anger and frustration onto external sources such as television and media.
Because tomorrow you're back at work
You dislike your job but feel trapped and obligated to continue.
Where you can't stand being the little man
You feel powerless and insignificant in your workplace or societal hierarchy.
Despite your groveling you cant get ahead
You've tried to work harder or please others to succeed, but it hasn't gotten you any further in life.
No one really laughs at your stories anymore
Your attempts at humor and socializing are falling flat and alienating others.
You're too cynical and mean so they've fucked off bored
Your negative attitude and hostility have pushed people away.
Your kids are at the mall
Your family is disengaged from you and disconnected from each other.
They just sit and stare at the walls
Your loved ones are unfulfilled and lacking stimulation, which may be attributed to your disinterest in them.
You think you tell it like it is, you say you can't stand bleeding hearts
You believe you're being truthful and strong by rejecting empathy and compassion, but in reality, that is not the case.
But every single day
You're constantly in this negative cycle.
You just sit there bleeding for yourself
You're self-absorbed in your own pain and emotions.
You whine and cry in your manly voice
You're expressing your feelings by complaining and being noisy, but it's not constructive or helpful.
This is your life
You need to recognize that this is the reality you've created for yourself and take responsibility for it.
You do it to yourself
You are the only one responsible for your actions and choices.
Take the load off your mind
Free yourself from negativity and stress.
Go out into the world
Explore new options and experiences.
You'll see you'll probably survive
You are capable of overcoming your challenges and finding happiness.
Contributed by Mateo H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.