A punk band from Portland Oregon, The Red Dons are the continuation of the … Read Full Bio ↴A punk band from Portland Oregon, The Red Dons are the continuation of the Observers. After members abruptly left the band in 2005, Douglas Burns, the Observers’ lead singer, artist, and primary songwriter teamed up with Hajji Husayn to continue on with the band. Husayn’s involvement with the Observers made this a natural pairing. Next, they added Derek Skokan (Revisions) on drums and Justin Maurer (Clorox Girls) on guitar and re-named this new line-up the Red Dons. Skokan was later replaced by Richard Joachim.

Also known as the Cambridge Five, the original Red Dons were a group of respected Cambridge professors who were also spies. Little is known about these individuals, but it is suggested that during World War II they were responsible for passing information to the Soviets and disinformation to the Nazis. Despite having close ties to the Queen and the British government they eventually defected to the Soviet Union adding more intrigue and mystery to their story.

Pariah
Red Dons Lyrics

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There’s a danger in defying
All of the high ups
Thank you pariah
Danger danger in this scene
That’s coming apart at its seams
And all for not

I’ve been running hard for so long

That I don’t know if I could drink
Even if you gave me water

There’s only hope
After so many turned on us
Foes eyes wore a friend’s disguise
In the end we were villainized

I’ve been running hard for so long
That I don’t know if I could sleep
Even with a bed to lay on

There’s only room
For those who believe in us
Persona non grata
Come see the world through a villain’s eyes

There’s a danger in defying

All of the high ups
Thank you pariah, pariah, pariah

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Red Dons' song "Pariah" seem to be about feeling like an outcast or rebel in a world that doesn't understand or accept you. The singer acknowledges that there is danger in defying those in positions of power or authority, which is why they thank the pariah - someone who is ostracized or rejected by society. The scene around them is falling apart, with people turning on each other, and the singer feels like they've been running hard for so long that they can't even rest or quench their thirst. Despite this, they still hold onto hope and believe that those who understand and support them will ultimately prevail.

The theme of the song feels particularly relevant to today's political climate, where divisions run deep and it can feel like there's no place for those who dare to dissent. The use of the term "persona non grata" further underscores the exclusionary nature of the world the singer finds themselves in. Throughout the entirety of the song, there's a sense of defiance and resistance, even in the face of great danger.

Overall, the lyrics to "Pariah" are a call to stand up for what you believe in, even if it means going against the status quo. It's a reminder that there will always be people who reject you or villanize you for your beliefs, but that there's still hope in finding like-minded individuals who support you.

Line by Line Meaning

There’s a danger in defying
There is a risk of negative consequences if you go against those in power.

All of the high ups
Refers to the people in positions of authority, who hold power and control.

Thank you pariah
Acknowledging the value of those who are outcasts or shunned by society, and the unique perspective they bring.

Danger danger in this scene
There is a significant threat or risk in the current situation.

That’s coming apart at its seams
Things are beginning to fall apart or deteriorate.

And all for not
All the effort and work put in was in vain or pointless.

I’ve been running hard for so long
The singer has been working very hard for an extended period of time.

That I don’t know if I could drink
The exhaustion is so great that basic physical needs are difficult to satisfy.

Even if you gave me water
Even if offered something essential for survival, it may not be able to help the situation.

There’s only hope
Despite the challenging situation, there is still a glimmer of optimism.

After so many turned on us
Refers to betrayal and/or negative actions taken by people who were once believed to be allies or friends.

Foes eyes wore a friend’s disguise
Enemies or people with negative intentions pretended to be friendly or helpful in order to deceive and cause harm.

In the end we were villainized
Despite being the ones who were betrayed and wronged, they were portrayed as the bad guys or villains in the situation.

There’s only room
There is limited space or acceptance for certain types of people or beliefs.

For those who believe in us
Those who have faith in the cause or mission are the ones who are welcomed.

Persona non grata
Refers to someone who is not welcome, usually due to their beliefs or actions.

Come see the world through a villain’s eyes
Encouraging others to view things from a different perspective, especially from those who may be demonized or cast out by society.

Thank you pariah, pariah, pariah
Repeating the gratitude to those who have been ostracized or rejected by society.

Contributed by Madelyn W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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