The introduction of bands like S.O.A. and Minor Threat signaled a change in the mood of the DC hardcore scene. Early hardcore acts like the Teen Idles and the Untouchables had a light-hearted vibe. Songs were often goofy and humorous and few ever approached any sort of serious subject. The new crop of bands that formed, though, like S.O.A., Minor Threat and Youth Brigade, were angrier and projected a tougher image. S.O.A. was a perfect example of this. Musically not as strong as their peers in Minor Threat, their style was simple thrash with Henry's monotone bark on top of the mix. The songs were usually about things that made Henry mad, like girls and cops, or his love of fighting. Despite their rudimentary style and limited musical ability, S.O.A.'s live performances were reportedly exhilarating.
After several shows, Simon left the band to attend college. He was replaced by Ivor Hanson. Dischord Records wanted to put out an S.O.A. release, but the infant label also wanted to put out a record by Minor Threat and there was not enough money to do both. The band had already recorded while Simon was in the group, so Henry solved the problem by paying for pressing of the record himself with money he saved while working as a manager at an ice cream store.
While things were looking up for S.O.A., fate would soon intervene. Henry was offered a chance to audition for LA's Black Flag. After practicing with the band in New York, he was asked to join as their singer. Word of Henry's new gig soon filtered back to Henry's friends in DC, who had mixed feelings about his imminent departure for the west coast. The rest of S.O.A. was particularly disillusioned, as it would likely mean the end of the band. S.O.A.'s last gig was in Philadelphia opening for Black Flag, after which Henry left town with that band.
Henry had approached Ian MacKaye's younger brother Alec about taking over for him in S.O.A., but Alec didn't want to sing Henry's words. Instead, he, along with Michael Hampton and Ivor Hanson, formed the Faith, while Wendel Blow joined proto-skinhead act Iron Cross and later co-founded Lethal Intent. Henry, after changing his last name to Rollins, went on to sing for Black Flag until their demise in 1986.
Lost in Space
State of Alert Lyrics
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i laugh in your face
fucked on drugs
lost in space
see your friends
they laugh at you
but don't get made
cause their druged to
go throw up, come back for more
eat those pills, take those thrills
who's gonna wind up dead - you
snort that coke, what a joke
who's gonna wind up dead - you
The lyrics to State of Alert's song Lost in Space describe the dangers and consequences of drug use. The lyrics are raw and confrontational, with the singer laughing in the face of those who take drugs, while also acknowledging their own drug use and the fact that their friends are also using drugs. The singer describes spending their time on the floor, throwing up and coming back for more, implying a cycle of addiction and self-harm. The chorus is particularly poignant, with the singer questioning who is going to wind up dead as a result of their drug use.
The song is a powerful commentary on the dangers of drug use and the way it can numb or disconnect individuals from reality. The lyrics are delivered with an intensity and urgency that conveys the seriousness of the issue at hand. The spoken-word style of the verses, combined with the shouted chorus, creates a sense of chaos and urgency that mirrors the chaos of drug addiction.
Line by Line Meaning
up in smoke
I'm high on drugs and my mind is foggy.
i laugh in your face
I find it funny that others judge me for my drug use when they are also using drugs.
fucked on drugs
I am experiencing the negative effects of drugs on my body and mind.
lost in space
I feel disconnected from reality and cannot think clearly.
see your friends
I am aware of the presence of my friends who are also using drugs.
they laugh at you
My friends are making fun of me for my drug use.
but don't get made
I should not get angry or upset by their mocking comments.
cause their drugged to
My friends are also using drugs and may not be thinking rationally.
spend your time on the floor
I waste my time getting high and often end up on the floor.
go throw up, come back for more
Even though I often feel sick after taking drugs, I continue to use them.
eat those pills, take those thrills
I am consuming various drugs to feel the desired effects.
who's gonna wind up dead - you
I am aware of the dangers of drug use and the possibility that it could lead to death.
snort that coke, what a joke
I find it ironic that I use drugs, but also recognize that it is a foolish and dangerous activity.
who's gonna wind up dead - you
I repeat the idea that drug use can lead to death as a reminder of the risks involved.
Contributed by Arianna J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.