Formed in Miami, Florida by Matt Kramer (vocals), Jason Bieler (guitar), Tom DeFile (bass) and Phil Varone (drums), the band managed to build up a solid following in their native Florida and eventually got signed to Atlantic records. It took a mere eleven days to record the debut album, and although it got rave reviews from critics, went mostly unnoticed by the record buying public.
The band hit it big with The Lizard and its #12 charting ballad "Love Is On The Way". The success of the ballad was a double-edged sword, it gave the band access to a huge new fan base, but several people grouped the band in with the other one hit wonders of the era. Shortly after the band's success DeFile left the band and was replaced by Chris McLernon. Prior to the recording of Water, Kramer also left the band and Bieler took over on vocals. The album was a commercial disappointment in America, but the band continued to have a loyal following overseas. Two more studio albums were recorded before the band decided to call it a day.
Bieler went on to form Super Transatlantic, and surprisingly the original Saigon Kick minus Bieler rejoined with Jeff Blando on guitar for some live shows. Varone also surfaced as the drummer for Skid Row during their 2003 comeback while Kramer pursues a solo career. The group continues to tour sporadically to this very day.
Hostile Youth
Saigon Kick Lyrics
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I was blind but now all the pain I see.
We don't like our homes.
It's nothing but a joke.
We won't do what we're told.
Leave us all alone.
God is dead, you see.
All you need is me.
You are king tonight.
I can feel you falling faster.
Your life is on the wall.
No more laughter, no more rules.
Catch me if I fall.
The lyrics of Saigon Kick's song Hostile Youth seem to express the rebellion and disillusionment of young people who feel oppressed by society and the adult world. The opening lines "I can feel you now deep inside of me. I was blind but now all the pain I see" suggest that the singer has become aware of the negative influences and burdens of the world upon them. The following lines, "We don't like our homes. It's nothing but a joke. We won't do what we're told. Leave us all alone" reiterate this sense of frustration and rejection of societal expectations.
The lines "God is dead, you see. All you need is me. Kill off those who deny. You are king tonight." appear to represent a nihilistic worldview where God and morality are rejected in favor of individualism and power. "Kill off those who deny" suggests a violent and aggressive mindset of those who feel powerless and angry. The song's closing lines, "I can feel you falling faster. Your life is on the wall. No more laughter, no more rules. Catch me if I fall" convey a sense of vulnerability, instability and a desire to escape the pressures of the world, which is underscored by the song's heavy guitar riffs and pounding drums. Overall, the lyrics express a critique of the status quo and the desire for freedom and individual expression.
Line by Line Meaning
I can feel you now deep inside of me.
I am being influenced by external forces in a significant way.
I was blind but now all the pain I see.
I have gained clarity and awareness of the pain around me.
We don't like our homes.
We are dissatisfied with the environment we live in.
It's nothing but a joke.
We see our surroundings as pointless and insignificant.
We won't do what we're told.
We resist authority and refuse to conform.
Leave us all alone.
We desire to be free from influence and control.
God is dead, you see.
We reject the concept of a higher power and believe it is irrelevant.
All you need is me.
I believe that my presence and guidance is necessary for satisfaction and success.
Kill off those who deny.
We feel justified in eliminating those who oppose us.
You are king tonight.
We are asserting dominance and control over others.
I can feel you falling faster.
I can sense that your downfall is imminent.
Your life is on the wall.
Your fate is hanging in the balance.
No more laughter, no more rules.
We reject humor and structure in favor of chaos and anarchy.
Catch me if I fall.
I am taking risks and pushing boundaries without fear of consequence.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JASON L. BIELER, MATTHEW A. KRAMER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind