Scream was formed in Northern Virginia in 1981 by singer Peter Stahl, his brother Franz Stahl on guitar, bassist Skeeter Thompson and drummer Kent Stax. They are considered one of the benchmark bands in the history of the Washington, D.C. hardcore music movement. Along with bands such as Minor Threat and Government Issue, Scream ultimately merged the attributes of the movement, which were blinding speed, heavy political and social connotations in the lyrics, unpretentiousness of attitude, and shunning of commercialism. Their music is faithful to the roots of rock, but spun itself into other genres by employing sounds that predate the raunchiness of grunge, while saluting reggae and speed metal. Scream hated the classification of bands into certain types and considered what they played as simply 'music.' Recording their music in the basement of the now legendary Inner Ear Studios in Arlington, Virginia, Scream became the first band on the Dischord label to release a whole album, Still Screaming, as opposed to singles or 12 inch EPs. Like the hardcore band Bad Brains, they could play clearly at breakneck speed, but also played mid-tempo songs like "American Justice" and "Hygiene," which were metal-tinged reggae.
For their second album Scream added another guitarist to their line-up, Robert Lee "Harley" Davidson, to thicken up the sound in the studio and in their live performances. In turn this eventually led to a powerful dual-lead guitar style, with complex guitar tracking, a more powerful live sound and an over-all crunchier sound for their third album. For a few compilation efforts and some live shows they added a keyboard player, Bobby Madden, who was a colleague of Davidson's from the same metal scene.
After the third album Banging the Drum, Kent Stax left the band for personal reasons and was replaced by local drummer Dave Grohl, who then played on Scream's 4th album No More Censorship. The band then toured Europe; with their May 4, 1990 show in Alzey, Germany being released by Tobby Holzinger as Your Choice Live Series Vol.10. Scream then recorded their fifth and final studio album Fumble, (which was much later released in 1993 on Dischord Records) and then called it quits in late 1990. Pete and Franz moved to North Hollywood and started rock band Wool, while Grohl joined Grunge band Nirvana. In 1997, Franz Stahl joined Dave Grohl's newly formed group, the commercially successful Foo Fighters, for a two year stint. During this time Pete Stahl worked as a road manager for both the Foo Fighters and Queens of the Stone Age, while continuing to record albums with several bands, including the Earthlings? and Goatsnake. Skeeter Thompson remained in the D.C. area and continued to work in bands, as did Kent Stax with the Skinhead/Oi! -tinged bands: the Suspects, United 121, Spitfires United, and Alleged Bricks. Stax has also committed himself to a family life. Davidson continued in the band Angelstorm, (in Huntsville, Alabama), from 1993–1995 and created the new bands Orangahead, Festival of Fools, (with Madden in 1998) and two different bands both named God Is Dead, (one in D.C. and one in Huntsville, Alabama) from 2002-2005.
The original line-up of the band played a reunion show on December 20, 2009 at the Black Cat nightclub in Washington, D.C.
On February 7, 2011, the band supported Foo Fighters on a special show at the Roxy Theatre in Los Angeles, when the Foo Fighters showcased their new album Wasting Light for the first time from beginning to end.
Current members
Peter Stahl – lead vocals (1981–1990, 2009–present)
Franz Stahl – guitar, backing vocals (1981–1990, 2009–present)
Skeeter Thompson – bass, backing vocals (1981–1990, 2009–present)
Kent Stax – drums, percussion (1981–1986, 2009–present)
Former members
Dave Grohl – drums, percussion (1986–1990)
Robert Lee Davidson – guitar, backing vocals (1984–1989)
Human Behavior
Scream Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I look in your eyes
I’m looking for answers
I still don’t understand
Why is it every time I see you, I can’t help myself
There is something inside me that draws my stares on you
I know you don’t care for me but I won’t face the truth
And your life’s an instant
Like what you just thought
No matter what you say
But it’s too late to stop
Human behavior
Human behavior
Human behavior
Human behavior
An impulse, instinct, reaction behavior
An impulse, instinct, reaction behavior
An impulse, instinct, reaction behavior
Behavior
Behavior
Behavior
Behavior
Behavior
Behave yourself
In the opening lines of the song "Human Behavior" by Scream, the singer is reflecting on their actions and thoughts, looking for answers and understanding. The singer then directs their attention to another individual, admitting to being drawn to them but not understanding why. There is a sense of conflict here, as the singer acknowledges that this person doesn't care for them, yet they are still drawn to them. The reference to "impulse, instinct, reaction" suggests that there is something primal at play, perhaps indicating that the singer's attraction is not based on rational thinking or logic.
Later, the song speaks to the idea that human behavior is often driven by these same impulses and instincts. Despite what people say, there is often an underlying motivation or desire that influences their behavior. This idea is highlighted by repeating the phrase "human behavior" throughout the song, emphasizing that this is a universal truth. The final repetition of "behave yourself" may be interpreted as a warning or admonishment to both the singer and the listener, as if to say that while these impulses and reactions may be natural, it is important to maintain self-control and act appropriately.
Overall, "Human Behavior" is a thought-provoking piece that explores the complexities of human nature and the driving forces behind our actions and desires. The singer's introspection and self-awareness are admirable, and the song's message is one that encourages listeners to reflect on their own behavior and impulses.
Line by Line Meaning
I look in mirrors
I examine myself closely and introspectively
I look in your eyes
I observe your actions and try to understand your behavior
I'm looking for answers
I'm searching for explanations to my questions about human behavior
I still don't understand
Despite my efforts, I'm still puzzled about human behavior
Why is it every time I see you, I can't help myself
I'm drawn to your presence even though I know it's not good for me
There is something inside me that draws my stares on you
My subconscious mind compels me to keep my gaze fixed on you
I know you don't care for me but I won't face the truth
I realize that you don't reciprocate my feelings but I refuse to accept the fact
And your life's an instant
Your existence is transient and fleeting
Like what you just thought
Your thoughts and actions are constantly changing and unpredictable
No matter what you say
Your words cannot always be trusted
But it's too late to stop
Despite the risks, it's too difficult to resist the urge to understand your behavior
Human behavior
The ways in which humans act, think, and feel
An impulse, instinct, reaction behavior
Our behavior is influenced by unconscious impulses, instincts, and reactions
Behavior
The actions and conduct of people
Behave yourself
A command to act in a respectful and polite way
Contributed by Aaliyah G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.