Scratch Acid's first two albums were releases by Texas indie record label Rabid Cat, the third and final release, Berserker EP by Touch and Go Records. A posthumous compilation CD entitled The Greatest Gift, was released by Touch and Go Records in 1991.
Their genre is not too easily defined, but contains elements of post punk, and harder elements from garage rock and noise rock and perhaps punk and 80s hardcore. They would fit under the very broad and general umbrella term for much of this kind of musical activity in the mid to late 80s U.S. Underground "Post Hardcore", but this term can cover a wide range of artists from that time, many quite dissimilar, but with roots in the hardcore scene and its fringes, and has since been used to include many other artists after this time. In the book 'Our Band Could Be Your Life: Scenes from the American Underground 1981-1991', music journalist Michael Azzerad referred to an "aesthetic cabal of sorts" (Azerrad, 255)[3] called pigfuck which included contemporaries who were ultimately friends existing in the same circles at the same time and generally, though not always, in 'Middle America', such as Big Black, Killdozer, Butthole Surfers, etc., and Scratch Acid were clearly close to this 'camp'.
After developing a reputation as a crazy, noisy punk band, Scratch Acid disbanded in 1987. According to the liner notes of The Greatest Gift, the band members never received compensation from either Rabid Cat or Fundamental Records (who distributed their releases in Europe).
Brett Bradford went on to form Sangre De Toro and play with Areola 51. Washam went on to perform with many other bands, including the Big Boys, Ministry, Helios Creed, the Didjits, Lard, and Tad. In 1987, Sims and Washam joined Steve Albini in the band Rapeman, which disbanded three years later. Sims reunited with Yow in 1989 to form The Jesus Lizard.
All of the original members of the band appeared at the Touch and Go 25th anniversary celebration taking place in Chicago, Illinois on September 8-10, 2006.
Damned for All Time
Scratch Acid Lyrics
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These sordid kind of things
Are coming hard to me
It's taken me some time to
Work out what to do
I weighed the whole thing out
Before I came to you
I have not thought at all about my own reward
Just don't say I'm damned for all time
I came because I had to, I'm the one who saw
Jesus can't control it like he did before
And furthermore I know that
Jesus thinks so too
Jesus wouldn't mind that I was here with you
I have not thought at all about my own reward
I really didn't come here of my own accord
Just don't say I'm damned for all time
Annas, you're a friend
A worldly man and wise
Caiaphas, my friend, I know you sympathise
Why are we the prophets? Why are we the ones
Who see the sad solution
Know what must be done?
I have not thought at all about my own reward
I really didn't come here of my own accord
Just don't say I'm damned for all time
The lyrics of Scratch Acid's song "Damned for All Time" present a narrative that touches upon themes of personal sacrifice, moral dilemma, and the weight of responsibility. The song begins with the singer expressing their willingness to help someone despite the difficulty and moral complexity of the situation. They acknowledge that engaging in sordid affairs goes against their nature, but they have taken the time to contemplate their actions before seeking assistance. They emphasize that their motivation stems from a genuine need to provide aid, rather than seeking personal gain.
The lyrics then introduce a parallel with the biblical figure of Jesus, suggesting that he, too, struggles with controlling certain aspects and is aware of the singer's presence with the person they are helping. The singer remarks that Jesus would not disapprove of their actions. This implies that the singer believes their actions align with Jesus' teachings or that they have a unique understanding of his perspective.
The song further explores the dynamics between the singer and the characters Annas and Caiaphas, who are portrayed as friends and confidants. The singer acknowledges their worldly wisdom and sympathy, suggesting a shared understanding of the moral predicament they face. They question why they are the ones burdened with the role of prophets, who must recognize and act upon the distressing but necessary solution. The lyrics conclude with the singer reiterating that their intentions are pure, disclaiming any desire for personal reward, and pleading not to be condemned for their actions.
Overall, "Damned for All Time" delves into the complexities of morality, the sacrifices individuals may make, and the conflicts between personal values, societal expectations, and divine understanding.
Line by Line Meaning
Now, if I help you, it matters that you see
If I assist you, it's important for you to understand
These sordid kind of things are coming hard to me
I find it difficult to deal with these unpleasant matters
It's taken me some time to work out what to do
I've spent a while figuring out the right course of action
I weighed the whole thing out before I came to you
I carefully considered all aspects before approaching you
I have not thought at all about my own reward
I haven't considered personal gain in any way
I really didn't come here of my own accord
I didn't come here willingly or by choice
Just don't say I'm damned for all time
Please don't label me as eternally condemned
I came because I had to, I'm the one who saw
I came out of necessity, being the one who witnessed
Jesus can't control it like he did before
Jesus no longer has the same level of control over the situation
And furthermore I know that Jesus thinks so too
Moreover, I'm aware that Jesus holds the same belief
Jesus wouldn't mind that I was here with you
Jesus would not object to my presence here with you
Annas, you're a friend, a worldly man and wise
Annas, you are a trusted companion, knowledgeable and experienced
Caiaphas, my friend, I know you sympathize
Caiaphas, my dear friend, I understand your empathy
Why are we the prophets? Why are we the ones
Why have we been chosen as the messengers? Why are we the individuals
Who see the sad solution, know what must be done?
Who perceive the unfortunate answer and comprehend the necessary actions?
Just don't say I'm damned for all time
Please refrain from declaring that I am condemned for eternity
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER, TIM RICE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind