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)
think positive
RKL Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sure I do, but I'm still laughing.
World problems. We all care.
But has this rage got us anywhere?
No!
Keep a grin!
Think! Think Positive!
Sure, we'll sing about all our crying,
Do you think your negative attitude,
Is gonna give a starving man,
A plate full of food?
No!
Keep a grin
Think! Think Positive!
Keep Laughing!
Keep Laughing!
Ha, ha, ha
Keep a grin
Think! Think Positive!
Keep Laughing!
Keep Laughing!
Ha, ha, ha
Sure, we'll sing about all our crying,
Unnecessary death and violence.
Do you think your negative attitude,
Is gonna give a starving man,
A plate full of food?
No!
No!
No!
The lyrics of RKL's song "Think Positive" presents an upbeat approach to the problems of the world. The song refers to the overwhelming negativity that we are exposed to every day, and encourages the listener to approach these problems with a positive attitude. The lyrics suggest that while we all care about the world's problems, the rage and negativity that often consume us is not productive. The song suggests that we should not get bogged down by the negative happenings in the world, but instead embrace positivity and keep smiling.
The song calls for a positive attitude towards important global issues such as unnecessary death and violence, starvation, and poverty. RKL argues that maintaining a negative outlook won't help those in need, as it won't put food on their plates or change their lives. The song concludes by reiterating the importance of maintaining a positive attitude that leads to laughter and smiles.
Line by Line Meaning
Think I care about what is happening?
I am concerned about the current situation, but I choose not to dwell on it negatively.
Sure I do, but I'm still laughing.
Despite the troubles, I choose to maintain a positive outlook and keep my spirits high.
World problems. We all care.
Everyone acknowledges the issues and troubles of the world and wants to make a positive difference.
But has this rage got us anywhere?
However, getting worked up and angry has not solved any of the problems yet.
No!
The answer to the previous question is no.
Keep a grin!
Instead of getting upset or angry, try to maintain a smile and positive attitude.
Think! Think Positive!
Encouragement to think positively and focus on solutions rather than problems.
Sure, we'll sing about all our crying,
Unnecessary death and violence.
Although it is important to raise awareness about issues such as death and violence, it is not helpful to dwell on them negatively.
Do you think your negative attitude,
Is gonna give a starving man,
A plate full of food?
Being negative and complaining will not solve the issue of world hunger and poverty.
No!
The answer to the previous question is no.
Keep Laughing!
Similar to 'Keep a grin,' encouragement to maintain a positive, lighthearted attitude.
Ha, ha, ha
Sound of laughter.
Sure, we'll sing about all our crying,
Unnecessary death and violence.
Repeat of earlier reminder to not dwell on negative issues.
Do you think your negative attitude,
Is gonna give a starving man,
A plate full of food?
Repeat of earlier reminder that complaints won't solve world hunger.
No!
No!
No!
Repeated response of negative attitudes not being helpful.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN ADAMS, KEITH MANSFIELD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Daka12s
Think I care about what is happening?
Sure I do, but I'm still laughing.
World problems. We all care.
But has this rage got us anywhere?
No!
Keep a grin!
Think! Think Positive!
Sure, we'll sing about all our crying,
Unnecessary death and violence.
Do you think your negative attitude,
Is gonna give a starving man,
A plate full of food?
No!
Keep a grin
Think! Think Positive!
Keep Laughing!
Keep Laughing!
Ha, ha, ha
Keep a grin
Think! Think Positive!
Keep Laughing!
Keep Laughing!
Ha, ha, ha
Sure, we'll sing about all our crying,
Unnecessary death and violence.
Do you think your negative attitude,
Is gonna give a starving man,
A plate full of food?
No!
@samkingyellowedwardhenryoc6164
Think I care about what is happening?
Sure I do, but I'm still laughing.
World problems. We all care.
But has this rage got us anywhere?
No!
Keep a grin!
Think! Think Positive!
Sure, we'll sing about all our crying,
Unnecessary death and violence.
Do you think your negative attitude,
Is gonna give a starving man,
A plate full of food?
No!
Keep a grin
Think! Think Positive!
Keep Laughing!
Keep Laughing!
Ha, ha, ha
Keep a grin
Think! Think Positive!
Keep Laughing!
Keep Laughing!
Ha, ha, ha
Sure, we'll sing about all our crying,
Unnecessary death and violence.
Do you think your negative attitude,
Is gonna give a starving man,
A plate full of food?
No!
Ha fuckin ha!
Happy birthday to me.
I will no longer take anyone's bullshit for one second!
It's my life motherfucker's!
@209Twinz209
Think I care about what is happening?
Sure I do, but I'm still laughing.
World problems. We all care.
But has this rage got us anywhere?
No!
Keep a grin!
Think! Think Positive!
Sure, we'll sing about all our crying,
Unnecessary death and violence.
Do you think your negative attitude,
Is gonna give a starving man,
A plate full of food?
No!
Keep a grin
Think! Think Positive!
Keep Laughing!
Keep Laughing!
Ha, ha, ha
Keep a grin
Think! Think Positive!
Keep Laughing!
Keep Laughing!
Ha, ha, ha
Sure, we'll sing about all our crying,
Unnecessary death and violence.
Do you think your negative attitude,
Is gonna give a starving man,
A plate full of food?
No!
No!
No!
@tomgirl206
This is my dogs favorite song! We blasted this down the highway and she howled out the window 😍😀
@retardsincharge
im 15, ive been listening to rkl for about a year...i got their back patch =D
@matefugedi7779
Damn that means youre 25 now. Holy fuck
@onutube6392
Damn, I'm 15 and I've been listening to rkl for about a year or two now. What are the chances
@rubengarza8434
@@onutube6392 RKL rocks duuuuude🤘🍻 You just need that back patch and your on your way
@scambaitnaansense512
been listening to them since I was 14 am now 31 and they still rock
@giveconvenienceorgivemedeath90
Awesome
@675Marcelo
THIS IS SO BEAUTIFUL MAN
@kryplj
I listened to this when I broke my neck,I’m paralyzed from my armpits down and I THINK POSITIVE 💥🎧♿️
@WolfScythe91
☄️☄️☄️☄️