The groups name came about as a mere fluke from some light hearted criticism. According to vocalist Jason Sears in a 2002 interview with Thrasher magazine: “It happened that some guy said, 'Ha, those kids will never be anything, they're just a bunch of rich kids on LSD, man.' The first party we played we didn't have a name for the band, so we put that one on the flier and it just stuck.”
Their musical evolution can be heard on their webpage, which features "RKL Radio" with nearly all of their songs streamed including a complete discography.
RKL break-up and return
After a couple line-up changes in the late eighties and early nineties, the original vocalist Jason Sears returned to the band in 1994 to help finish their European tour. This sparked the band to record its first album, Riches to Rags, with him in a little under a decade. The band suffered an ill-fated break-up in 1996 which led most of the members of the band to go on to other projects and form new bands. However only a year later did the band return with most of its previous members minus drummer Dave Raun and guitarist Barry "D'Live" Ward who had their spots filled by Boz Rivera and Chris Flippin.
Guitarist Chris Rest and the bands original drummer Richard "Bomer" Manzullo, formed The Other with Mad Caddies drummer Boz Rivera. Boz would later go on to join RKL when they reunited in 1997.
Former guitarist Barry Ward otherwise known as "Barry D'Live" went on to play with such acts as Hotbox as well as playing under the alias "The Wooper" with the group he currently resides in, the Crosstops. He also stood in for some bands on tour such as filling in for Me First and the Gimme Gimmes guitarist Chris Shiflett (who also plays for the Foo Fighters) as well as being hired on as Balsac the Jaws of Death for the theatrical shock rock group GWAR.
Former drummer Dave Raun, Chris Rest and future member Chris Flippin joined the Goleta based punk band Lagwagon. Dave also went on to play drums for the all-star cover band, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes.
Bassist Joe Raposo along with Chris Rest and Boz Rivera also compose half of the San Francisco based group King City.
Vocalist Jason Sears did a track for a Snot tribute album to their late lead singer Lynn Strait. He later did an album with the San Diego based band Mercury Legion.
RKL today
On March 30, 2005, Derrick Plourde, former drummer of RKL, who also played in Lagwagon, Bad Astronaut, Jaws, and The Ataris, committed suicide. Lagwagon paid tribute to Derrick with their 2005 release of the album Resolve.
On December 12, 2005, the original drummer Richard Anthony Manzullo (aka "Bomer") died due to heart failure at his home in Summerland, California. The cause of death was the result of a long time battle with drug addictions.
On January 31, 2006, Jason Sears died due to complications while undergoing a detox treatment involving ibogaine in Tijuana, Mexico. The cause of death was the result of a pulmonary embolism caused by thrombosis.
Currently the future for RKL remains uncertain. There are rumors of an "RKLAOKE" show sometime in the Summer of 2006 as a benefit concert to raise money for Jason's kids. The show as well as time and venue have yet to be confirmed. The show would feature the remaining members of the band playing all the past favorites with different members of the audience.
Past and present band members of R.K.L.
Current Lineup (1997-2005)
Jason Sears -- vocals
Chris Flippin -- guitar
Chris Rest -- guitar
Joe Raposo -- bass
Boz Rivera -- drums
Lineup (1994-1996)
Jason Sears -- vocals
Barry Ward -- guitar
Chris Rest -- guitar
Joe Raposo -- Bass
Dave Raun -- drums
Lineup (1992-1993)
Bomer Manzullo -- vocals
Barry Ward -- guitar
Chris Rest -- guitar
Joe Raposo -- Bass
Dave Raun -- drums
Lineup (1987-1989)
Jason Sears -- vocals
Joe Raposo -- bass
Barry Ward -- guitar
Chris Rest -- guitar
"Bomer" Manzullo -- drums
Lineup (1985-1987)
Jason Sears -- vocals
Vince Peppars -- bass
Chris Rest -- guitar
Barry Ward -- guitar
"Bomer" Manzullo -- drums
Original lineup (1983-1985)
Jason Sears -- vocals
Vince Peppars -- bass
Chris Rest -- guitar
"Alpo" -- guitar
"Bomer" Manzullo -- drums
R.K.L. Discography
Nardcore, Compilation LP (Mystic Records, 1984; "US Steel", "Lies", "No Respect")
It's a Beautiful Feeling, 7" EP (Mystic Records, 1984)
Covers, Compilation LP (Mystic Records, 1984; "Chinese Rocks")
Mystic Super Seven Sampler #1, Compilation LP (Mystic Records, 1984)
Return to Slimey Valley LP , Compilation LP (Mystic Records, 1985; "Evil In You")
Keep Laughing LP (Mystic Records, 1985)
RocK 'n Roll Nightmare LP (Alchemy Records, 1987; re-released on CD by Epitaph Records)
Double Live in Berlin LP (Destiny Records, 1989; recorded live in Germany on 1988 tour)
Reactivate LP (Epitaph Records, 1993)
Riches to Rags LP (Epitaph Records, 1994)
Revenge is a Beautiful Feeling, CD (2000?)
Keep Laughing (w/ It's a Beautiful Feeling), Mystic Re-release, CD (2002)
Videos
Still Flailing After All These Beers, VHS (1997)
In Your Mind
RKL Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well, I'm so tired of your whining,
Yes, I've said this all before,
If you didn't hear the first time here's your chance you get one more.
So listen close to what I say,
It'll change the way you live.
For the second time it's simple - Think Positive!
Take a situation that someone says stinks,
So pack a bowl sit back, relax, and listen real close.
And afterwards we'll raise some hell, get drunk, and drop a dose.
You keep on trying and one day you'll find out what it means, means.
If life's what you make it, make it good,
Its never as bad as it seems, seems.
We're all stuck here together in this twisted misery.
Is life a game a lesson or just one big mighty score,
If so, who's the boss?
Where's the teacher?
What's the score?
Why am I here, what is my job,
What purpose do I serve,
Is there an answer to these questions or a lesson to be learned?
When I die where do I go,
The final act or premiere show,
Is someone there to take my hand and lead the way?
Or am I on my own and now full grown,
Being that my mind is blown.
Supposed to use the answers that I found along the way.
You thought you knew it all but still the answers you couldn't find, find
Until you realize life's what you make it and it's all in your mind, mind
You broke the chains which held you down so long
Now your free!
Well, waited so long for this day to be free,
Breaking the chains that we're binding me.
Don't look so hard, it's easy to find,
Life's what you make it, it's all In Your Mind.
You can't fight depression, its not a disease.
If you say your life sucks then it will suck indeed.
Be happy or sad or whatever you chose,
And I know I can win I'm not destined to lose.
Never quit or give up even if you've had enough
You're not a loser despite what you believe
Try your hardest, do your best,
Life's not hard, but it's a test to see who's blind and naive.
Never done, your on the run, relax and have a little fun.
Let's race and see who falls behind.
It's in my mind!
The RKL song, "In Your Mind", attempts to motivate people to think positively and make an effort in overcoming obstacles. The lyrics express frustration with people who constantly whine and complain when they face difficult circumstances, advising them to adopt a different attitude towards their problems. The singer encourages his listeners to take on a positive perspective towards life, to try harder, and never to quit even when the going gets tough. The song acknowledges that life can be puzzling and sometimes appears to be a contest or a lesson, but it asserts that the answer lies in one's mind.
The song challenges people to find the strength to break free from the chains of negativity and depression. It suggests that feeling glum is not necessarily a disease, but rather a mindset that one can change. The singer implores his audience to choose how they want to experience life, reminding them that it's not as hard as it seems. The song concludes with a competition aimed at promoting a carefree attitude among the participants, encouraging them to have a bit of fun and not to worry too much about who wins or loses. Ultimately, RKL's "In Your Mind" encourages people to believe in themselves and their ability to take control of their circumstances.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, I'm so tired of your whining,
I'm tired of hearing you complain all the time.
Yes, I've said this all before,
I've already told you what I'm going to say.
If you didn't hear the first time here's your chance you get one more.
If you missed what I said earlier, now you can listen again.
So listen close to what I say,
Pay attention to what I'm about to tell you.
It'll change the way you live.
This advice will have a big impact on your life.
For the second time it's simple - Think Positive!
I'm repeating myself, but the solution is easy: have a positive outlook.
Take a situation that someone says stinks,
Think about a situation that seems bad or unfavorable to someone else.
And make it good, it's probably just a shitty way he thinks.
You can change your perspective on that situation and make it look more positive.
So pack a bowl sit back, relax, and listen real close.
Take a break and relax before learning more.
And afterwards we'll raise some hell, get drunk, and drop a dose.
Afterwards we can party and celebrate.
You keep on trying and one day you'll find out what it means, means.
If you keep working at it, you'll eventually understand.
If life's what you make it, make it good,
Since you have control over your life, make it a good one.
Its never as bad as it seems, seems.
Things are not as bad as they appear to be.
We're all stuck here together in this twisted misery.
We're all living in this unpleasant world together.
Is life a game a lesson or just one big mighty score,
Is life a game, a learning experience or something else?
If so, who's the boss?
Who is in charge of my life?
Where's the teacher?
Who is going to guide me along the way?
What's the score?
What goals do I need to aim for?
Why am I here, what is my job,
What is my purpose and mission?
What purpose do I serve,
What good things do I do for others?
Is there an answer to these questions or a lesson to be learned?
Do these questions have answers or is there a specific lesson I need to learn?
When I die where do I go,
What happens to me after death?
The final act or premiere show,
Is this the last chapter of my life or just the beginning?
Is someone there to take my hand and lead the way?
Will someone guide me after death?
Or am I on my own and now full grown,
Do I need to be independent after death?
Being that my mind is blown.
As I am confused and uncertain.
Supposed to use the answers that I found along the way.
Use what I've learned during my life.
You thought you knew it all but still the answers you couldn't find, find
Even if you think you know everything, you may still be uncertain.
Until you realize life's what you make it and it's all in your mind, mind
Once you understand that your life is based on your perception of it, you'll feel empowered.
You broke the chains which held you down so long
You've freed yourself from constraints that limited your life opportunities.
Now your free!
You are now liberated from the things that held you back.
Well, waited so long for this day to be free,
You've been yearning for freedom for a long time.
Breaking the chains that we're binding me.
You've overcome limits that were preventing you from achieving your goals.
Don't look so hard, it's easy to find,
Don't overthink things, since sometimes the solution is simple.
Life's what you make it, it's all In Your Mind.
Your life is based on your attitudes and perspectives.
You can't fight depression, its not a disease.
Depression isn't a physical condition to beat - it's a feeling that can be transformed.
If you say your life sucks then it will suck indeed.
If you keep dwelling on the negative aspects of your life, they will keep attracting bad things to you.
Be happy or sad or whatever you chose,
You can decide how you want to feel emotionally.
And I know I can win I'm not destined to lose.
I have confidence in myself and refuse to believe that I am destined to fail.
Never quit or give up even if you've had enough
Keep trying and never give up in spite of obstacles.
You're not a loser despite what you believe
Don't view yourself as a failure, as you're more capable than you realize.
Try your hardest, do your best,
Always put forth your best efforts, no matter the circumstances.
Life's not hard, but it's a test to see who's blind and naive.
Life isn't complicated, but it tests your emotional intelligence and critical thinking skills.
Never done, your on the run, relax and have a little fun.
The journey isn't over yet, so enjoy the ride along the way.
Let's race and see who falls behind.
Let's engage in friendly competition and see who doesn't keep up.
It's in my mind!
Everything I need to succeed is within me.
Contributed by Sydney A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.