Rival Schools is a Post Hardcore band from New York, United States that was… Read Full Bio ↴Rival Schools is a Post Hardcore band from New York, United States that was formed in 1999 by members from several influential 80's and 90's hardcore bands (including Gorilla Biscuits, Quicksand, CIV, Youth Of Today, Burn, Project X, Judge, Moondog, Warzone, Side by Side and Iceburn). The band started from the ashes of a short lived project, World's Fastest Car which had Artie Shepard of Mind Over Matter and Bad Trip fame involved, but the project went no further than demos. Apparently Walter and Artie had a difference of opinions hence the split. Artie then started Errortype: 11.

* Walter Schreifels - vocals, guitar
* Cache Tolman - bass
* Sam Siegler - drums
* Ian Love - guitar (left in 2002)

The band decided to start a series of EPs where multiple groups form a single band and they looked to Jonah Matranga formerly of Far, New End Original and Gratitude. The lone result was titled Rival Schools United by Onelinedrawing, released on 24th July 2001. Their full-length album titled United By Fate was released on 28th August the same year on Island Records. Shortly after the release of United By Fate, the band released their first single, Used for Glue. The second single released from the album was Good Things. Both releases enjoyed heavy rotation on MTV, both in the US and UK.

Ian Love left the band in 2002, and played as part of an Experimental-Rock band named Cardia, releasing an eponymous album in 2003.

A second album was expected for spring/summer 2003, but it did not surface. However, the master tapes of the album were leaked onto the internet, comprised of eleven tracks:

01- Just a Second
02- The Perspective Reach
03- I Don't Know
04- Your Answer
05- See What You Got
06- Looking
07- Don't Change
08- Shared Information
09- Surrendering Position
10- Seems So Real
11- Get Out of This Place

Rival Schools parted ways in September 2003. Schreifels formed a new band called Walking Concert, releasing an album in 2004. The second album will now be released sometime in 2006.

Sammy Siegler joined Nightmare of You and briefly provided percussion for Limp Bizkit.

The band reformed for shows in Summer 2008 and a new album is expected.

The band was originally named Rival Schools United by Fate, after a video game, but due to legal reasons had to change their name to just Rival Schools.

69 Guns
Rival Schools Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

take me back
build in the ghetto
it's all too well
with nothing to protect
with the neighbours

[Chorus]
69 guns

thundering outside
city wall tonights
the kingdoms will rise and fall
will be the same as before

69 guns
69 guns

Expecting the ruins
Laid at your feet
Another 5 year plan
Now the circle's complete

[Chorus]
69 guns
Thundering outside
city walls tonight
the kingdoms will rise and fall
Will be the same as before
69 guns

Serves you well
With nothing to protect
destroying your building
the whole neighbourhood's next

kingdoms will rise and fall
will be the same as before

69 guns
69 guns

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Rival Schools's song "69 Guns" paint a picture of destruction and chaos in a city. The opening lines "take me back, build in the ghetto, it's all too well, with nothing to protect, with the neighbours" suggest a sense of nostalgia for a time when the city was simpler and less dangerous. The chorus repeats the number 69 and describes the sound of guns and thunder outside the city walls. The kingdoms rising and falling could suggest a metaphorical struggle for power or a literal battle between nations. The final lines suggest that the destruction of one building will lead to the destruction of the entire neighborhood. The repetition of "will be the same as before" could indicate a sense of hopelessness: no matter what happens, the city will always be plagued by violence and destruction.

Line by Line Meaning

take me back
The singer is requesting a return to a previous place or time.

build in the ghetto
The singer is referring to a structure or institution located in a poverty-stricken or underserved area.

it's all too well
The singer acknowledges that everything is seemingly fine or acceptable, despite potential issues lying below the surface.

with nothing to protect
The artist is vulnerable and defenseless in a situation.

with the neighbours
The artist is in close proximity with those around them.

Chorus: 69 guns, thundering outside, city wall tonight, the kingdoms will rise and fall, will be the same as before
The presence of 69 guns firing loudly outside signifies impending violent conflict, which the singer believes will not bring about lasting change or resolution.

expecting the ruins, laid at your feet
The singer predicts the aftermath of the violent conflict will result in destruction and despair.

another 5 year plan, now the circle's complete
The artist references a previously established plan that has come to fruition, potentially not resulting in desired outcomes.

Chorus: 69 guns, thundering outside, city walls tonight, the kingdoms will rise and fall, will be the same as before
The artist reiterates their skepticism toward the ultimate outcome of the conflict.

serves you well, with nothing to protect, destroying your building, the whole neighbourhood's next
The artist warns that the lack of protection will lead to individual and communal destruction, as danger and violence will spread.

kingdoms will rise and fall, will be the same as before
The singer concludes that violent conflict, regardless of who emerges victorious, will not bring about meaningful change or progress.

Chorus: 69 guns, 69 guns
The artist again emphasizes the danger and potential for destruction brought on by the presence of 69 guns.

Contributed by Sophia I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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TRACKS