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)
When I Rise
Scream Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
I got her back now
Finna pop some bands wow
Game fulla lag now
Everything slows down
Ping 182
Feel like blink 182 wow
When i bring my punk out
I got her back now
Finna pop some bands wow
Game fulla lag now
Everything slows down
Ping 182
Feel like blink 182 wow
When i bring my punk out
I feel like Yung Bruh so RIP me
Fuck paper mario, I'm in fucking 4d
I feel like Lil Peep, i want a Z3
Digitalboy but i'm on fucking CD
She doesn't know my name, she only knows Scream
Shoutout purpleboy, my bitch rolling of codeine
And shoutout 6 bruh, overseas like JB
I'm the president but please shoot me like kennedy
Got my shawty in the back now
I got her back now
Finna pop some bands wow
Game fulla lag now
Everything slows down
Ping 182
Feel like blink 182 wow
When i bring my punk out
Got my shawty in the back now
I got her back now
Finna pop some bands wow
Game fulla lag now
Everything slows down
Ping 182
Feel like blink 182 wow
When i bring my punk out
Got my shawty in the back now
I got her back now
Finna pop some bands wow
Game fulla lag now
Everything slows down
Ping 182
Feel like blink 182 wow
When i bring my punk out
The lyrics of "When I Rise" by Scream depict a sense of confidence and empowerment, as the artist talks about having their "shawty" (a term of endearment for a romantic partner) by their side and feeling supported. The repetition of the lines "Got my shawty in the back now, I got her back now" emphasizes the strength and loyalty of this relationship. The mention of "pop[ping] some bands" could refer to celebrating success or spending money, while the line "Game fulla lag now, Everything slows down" creates a contrast between the fast-paced world and the moments of pause or reflection that the artist is experiencing.
The references to "Ping 182, Feel like blink 182 wow" allude to the famous band Blink-182, hinting at a feeling of nostalgia or longing for a simpler time. The artist may be reminiscing about a past era when things felt easier or more carefree, capturing a sense of yearning for a different reality. The mention of "bringing my punk out" suggests a rebellious and unapologetic attitude, embracing individuality and self-expression.
The lyrics also mention influential figures in the music industry, such as Yung Bruh, Lil Peep, and Digitalboy, showcasing a connection to the underground music scene and a desire to be recognized and respected within that community. The artist expresses a desire to be remembered and valued for their artistry, as evidenced by the lines "She doesn't know my name, she only knows Scream" and "I'm the president but please shoot me like Kennedy." These lyrics convey a complex mix of ambition, vulnerability, and a search for identity and recognition.
Overall, "When I Rise" by Scream captures a blend of emotions and experiences, from love and loyalty to ambition and a yearning for connection and recognition. The artist's references to past influences, personal relationships, and aspirations create a rich tapestry of thoughts and feelings that invite listeners to reflect on their own journey and sense of self in a rapidly changing world.
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Lander Hessens
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@thelyingfacts4880
Those first opening lyrical lines some of the best I've heard in a rock song, ever! Thanks for posting!
@shoegazer303
UNA DE MIS FAVORITAS DEL MAESTRO GUILLESPIE Y SUS SECUACES!!!! PERO MINIMO UNA IMAGEN DE ESTA BANDOTA!! NO???
@ArthrUK
Really like this! :)
@benmowle9031
Good cycling/ running song
@giuliagiuly3272
Loveee
@akasataw
love
@Warp75
Monster track
@carbenv
i think a couple of your lyrics may be wrong up there. i always thought it said "robbed" not "roads", and "bonding" not "funding". also, thought it sounded more like "fatwa" than "factory. cheers