Starting as a hardcore punk band in the late 1970s to the early 1980s, Social Distortion would go on a temporary hiatus in the mid-1980s, due to Ness's drug addiction and troubles with the law which resulted in extended stints in various rehabilitation centers that lasted for two years. Following their reformation, the band has shifted its style to a country, blues and early rock and roll-influenced style of punk. Since its inception, the band's lineup has seen significant turnover, with Ness as the only constant member. After 44 years of performing, Social Distortion continues to tour and record music.
To date, Social Distortion has released seven full-length studio albums, two compilations, one live album, and two DVDs. They released two albums — Mommy's Little Monster (1983) and Prison Bound (1988) — before signing a three-album contract with Epic Records in 1989. Social Distortion rose to fame with their 1990 self-titled third album, which produced their well-known hit singles "Ball and Chain", "Story of My Life", and the cover of Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire", and was certified gold by RIAA. Many of their later albums, including their second gold record Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell (1992), were also well received. Dubbed by Steven Blush as "the Rolling Stones of hardcore," Social Distortion is considered one of the best-selling and most influential punk rock bands, with more than three million albums sold worldwide. The band's most recent studio album is Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes (2011), and they have spent about more than a decade working on new material their forthcoming eighth studio album.
Social Distortion was formed in 1978 by Mike Ness, inspired by the Sex Pistols and many other British punk bands as well as rock acts such as the Rolling Stones. Aside from Ness on guitar and Casey Royer on drums, early members included Mark Garrett on bass and former Cal State Fullerton basketball player Tom Corvin on vocals. Garrett was succeeded by Rikk Agnew in late 1978. On the origins of the band's name, Royer recalled "Mike was like 15, trying to play guitar but he couldn't. Social Distortion was named for my distortion pedal, which I gave to Mike to play 'cause back then he was no good."
Their early music was composed by Ness with lyrics by Royer and sometimes Corvin, and many songs were retired after only a few performances. After Corvin left in the fall of 1979 to attend graduate school at Bob Jones University, Ness recruited his high school friend Dennis Danell to join the band on guitar even though Danell had never played an instrument before. When Danell was brought in, the other members left as they did not want to wait for him to learn. Before joining the Adolescents in 1980, Royer and Agnew played with Garrett in a separate band named Social Distortion consisting of Royer on vocals, Garrett on bass, Rikk Agnew on drums, and Frank Agnew and Tim Maag on guitars. The band's first real show was in early 1979 at the Cuckoo's Nest nightclub on Placentia Avenue in Costa Mesa, California. Mike and Dennis remained the only constant members for the next two decades with bass and drum members changing every few years. The Adolescents song "Kids of the Black Hole" and Social Distortion song "The Playpen" chronicled this period of the band's history.
Its first single, Mainliner/Playpen featuring Ness on guitar and vocals, Dennis on bass, and Carrot on drums was released in 1981 on Posh Boy, the label responsible for releasing the first singles and albums of many of the local O.C. punk bands. Rodney Bingenheimer of KROQ-FM was responsible for much of the radio play in Orange County, California, that punk received in the early 80s, and took a liking to Social Distortion, releasing the single "1945" on his 1981 compilation album, Rodney on the ROQ, Blood on the ROQ in 1983, and The Best Of Rodney on the ROQ in 1989.
In 1982, the band—now consisting of Ness, Danell (who now played rhythm guitar), Brent Liles on bass, and Derek O'Brien on drums—embarked on their first international tour (US and Canada) with fellow punk band Youth Brigade, a trip chronicled in the punk rockumentary 'Another State of Mind', which was not released until 1984.
The band has consistently used as their logo a skeleton holding a cigarette and a martini glass. It was designed by Mackie Osborne, wife of Melvins frontman Buzz Osborne. It is frequently featured in live performances as well as album covers. The logo came from an invitation to a New Year's Eve party that a friend of Ness' had designed. Said Ness in an April 2011 interview with Rolling Stone: "At the time, I saw that, and it just felt like, 'That's it right there. It's life and death, it's celebration.' It just felt powerful."
I Was Wrong
Social Distortion Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I hid behind anger, held back the tears
It was me against the world, I was sure that I'd win
The world fought back, punished me for my sins
I felt so alone, so insecure, I blamed you instead and made sure I was heard
And they tried to warn me of my evil ways
But I couldn't hear what they had to say
I was wrong, self destruction's got me again
I was wrong, I realized now that I was wrong
And I think about my loves, well I've had a few
I'm sorry that I hurt them, did I hurt you too
I took what I wanted, put my heart on the shelf
How can ya love me when you don't love yourself
It was me against the world, I was sure that I'd win
The world fought back, punished me for my sins
And they tried to warn me of my evil ways
But I couldn't hear what they had to say
[Chorus]
I grew up fast, I grew up hard
something was wrong from the very start
I was fighting everybody, I was fighting everything
but the only one that I hurt was me
I got society's blood running down my face
Somebody help me get outta this place
How could someone's bad luck last so long
until I realized that I was wrong
[Chorus: x2]
The lyrics of Social Distortion's song "I Was Wrong" tell the story of a person who grows up full of fear, hiding behind anger and blaming others for their problems. They believed that they were against the world and that they would inevitably win, but instead they were punished for their wrongdoing. The chorus serves as a confession of their past mistakes and self-destructive behavior, recognizing the harm they inflicted on others.
The second verse emphasizes how the singer's harmful behavior affected their relationships, taking what they wanted and hurting the people they loved. They put their own feelings on a pedestal, unable to love themselves or others. The line "How can ya love me when you don't love yourself" highlights the importance of self-love and acceptance.
The last verse shows the consequences of their actions, including the battle against society and the realization that their bad luck stemmed from their own wrongdoing. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the importance of acknowledging one's faults and taking responsibility for them.
"I Was Wrong" is a powerful song that illustrates the struggle of overcoming self-destructive behavior and accepting responsibility for one's actions. It encourages listeners to reflect on their own behavior and take steps towards self-improvement.
Line by Line Meaning
When I was young, I was so full of fear
During my youth, I felt intense fear and uncertainty.
I hid behind anger, held back the tears
I used anger as a defense mechanism and refused to acknowledge my true feelings.
It was me against the world, I was sure that I'd win
I had a confrontational attitude and believed that I would come out on top in any situation.
The world fought back, punished me for my sins
Reality proved me wrong and my actions led to negative consequences.
I felt so alone, so insecure, I blamed you instead and made sure I was heard
Feeling isolated and unsure of myself, I wrongfully placed blame on others and made sure my opinions were heard.
And they tried to warn me of my evil ways
Others attempted to caution me about my harmful behavior.
But I couldn't hear what they had to say
I was too stubborn or unwilling to listen to their advice and continued down my destructive path.
I was wrong, self destruction's got me again
I recognize that I was mistaken and my harmful behavior has come back to haunt me.
I was wrong, I realized now that I was wrong
I now understand that my previous actions were misguided and harmful.
And I think about my loves, well I've had a few
I reflect on past romantic relationships, of which there have been multiple.
I'm sorry that I hurt them, did I hurt you too
I regret the pain I caused my previous partners and wonder if I also caused harm to the person I am addressing.
I took what I wanted, put my heart on the shelf
I selfishly pursued my own desires and neglected my emotional wellbeing.
How can ya love me when you don't love yourself
I question why someone would be able to love me if I don't even love myself.
I grew up fast, I grew up hard
I had to mature at a young age and went through difficult experiences.
something was wrong from the very start
I had underlying issues beginning from childhood.
I was fighting everybody, I was fighting everything
I had a combative attitude towards everyone and everything.
but the only one that I hurt was me
Despite my attempts to hurt others, I ultimately only caused harm to myself.
I got society's blood running down my face
I have been negatively affected by the injustices and pressures of society.
Somebody help me get outta this place
I am in need of assistance to escape this harmful situation.
How could someone's bad luck last so long
I wonder why my negative experiences have persisted for so long.
until I realized that I was wrong
Only after introspection and reflection did I recognize the error of my ways.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: ROBERT JAMES KEAN, IAN GORDON CURNOW, PHIL HARDING
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
spartacus50MHz
When I was young, I was so full of fear
I hid behind anger, held back the tears
It was me against the world, I was sure that I'd win
The world fought back, punished me for my sins
I felt so alone, so insecure, I blamed you instead and made sure I was heard
And they tried to warn me of my evil ways
But I couldn't hear what they had to say
I was wrong, self destruction's got me again
I was wrong, I realized now that I was wrong
And I think about my loves, well I've had a few
I'm sorry that I hurt them, did I hurt you too
I took what I wanted, put my heart on the shelf
How can ya love me when you don't love yourself
It was me against the world, I was sure that I'd win
The world fought back, punished me for my sins
And they tried to warn me of my evil ways
But I couldn't hear what they had to say
I was wrong, self destruction's got me again
I was wrong, I realized now that I was wrong
And I think about my loves, well I've had a few
I'm sorry that I hurt them, did I hurt you too
I took what I wanted, put my heart on the shelf
How can ya love me when you don't love yourself
I grew up fast, I grew up hard
something was wrong from the very start
I was fighting everybody, I was fighting everything
but the only one that I hurt was me
I got society's blood running down my face
Somebody help me get outta this place
How could someone's bad luck last so long
until I realized that I was wrong
I was wrong, self destruction's got me again
I was wrong, I realized now that I was wrong
And I think about my loves, well I've had a few
I'm sorry that I hurt them, did I hurt you too
I took what I wanted, put my heart on the shelf
How can ya love me when you don't love yourself
I was wrong, self destruction's got me again
I was wrong, I realized now that I was wrong
Кое Кто
Я БЫЛ НЕ ПРАВ
когда я был молод, настолько переполнял меня страх!
— ...я прикрывался гневом, слёзы сдерживал!!... —
было так: я против мира, - победу одержу, - был уверен я,
— но мир "давал сдачи", - за мои грехи наказывал меня! —
что ж, я чувствовал себя таким неуверенным, одиноким таким,
..но наоборот винил вас, — убедился, что услышан был..
меня предупреждать пытались, что я на пути зла,
но того, что мне говорили, не слышал я!
— ...я был не прав!... —
саморазрушение снова охватило меня!
— ...я был не прав!... —
то, что был не прав, сейчас понимаю я!
..и я думаю о моих любимых, - ну, у меня их было несколько..
— мне жаль, что боль причинил им, я сделал больно и тебе? —
что ж, - взял, что хотел, - ..."положил своё сердце на полку" я...
— ...но как можешь любить кого-то, если не любишь себя?...
было так: я против мира, - победу одержу, - был уверен я,
но мир "давал сдачи", - за мои грехи наказывал меня!!
меня предупреждать пытались, что я на пути зла,
но того, что мне говорили, не слышал я!!
— ...я был не прав!... —
саморазрушение снова охватило меня!
— ...я был не прав!... —
то, что был не прав, сейчас понимаю я!
...я был не прав!!...
...я был не прав!!...
что ж, в тяжёлых условиях рос, быстро повзрослел я!
— ...что-то было неправильно, с самого начала!!...
...я сражался со всеми! я со всем сражался!!... —
но единственный, кому делал больно, - был я сам!!!
...кровь общества стекает вниз по лицу моему!...
— кто-нибудь, помогите мне выбраться отсюда!! —
..как может чьё-то невезение длиться долго так?!..
— ...пока то, что был неправ я, не осознал!...
...я был не прав!!... —
саморазрушение снова охватило меня!
— ...я был не прав!!... —
то, что был не прав, сейчас понимаю я!
— ...я был не прав!!... —
саморазрушение снова охватило меня!
— ...я был не прав!!... —
единственный, кому делал больно, - был я сам!
— ...я ошибался!...
Triviumfan1288
This song hits deep.. humble yourself and admit your faults. This is real music! Rock on Social Distortion!! 🤘🏻
SpookyApparition
Good comment man. I'm trying to be less driven by my own ego and anger and instead just live. Too many angry people nowadays and I dont want to be like that anymore.
kung fuu
🤘🤘
Lord bread
Some one once told me real music is like opening a nerve that definitely rings true with this song
medtech_26
This song hits so much differently at 45, than it did at 18.
sidd_not_vicious
it really does
James
I'm 41 and I haven't done anything with my life.
Joe Shmoe
@MadTechMetal Damn, I was thinking same thing. Got first Social Distortion tattoo 30! years ago last week. Then thinking where I was when this album came out. To where I am now. I was 18 then and 45 now. Things are so different.
James
@Joe Shmoe 18 to 45 is only 27 years, not 30.
Dana Doozer
This is my recovery song. 13 years clean and sober, but I never forget where I came from. Hearing this song live is a true gift!