Initially the band members had known each other from football, or from following bands such as Sham 69 and Menace. Most of the original four band members were or had been skinheads, thus the double meaning of the band's name.[3] However, Steve Pear had a rockabilly style, and Hoxton Tom McCourt — who was a suedehead — was one of the leading participants of the mod revival.[4][5] Prior to the release of the band's debut single, "One Law for Them", The 4-Skins contributed songs to the first three Oi! compilation albums, alongside bands such as Cockney Rejects, Cock Sparrer, The Business and Angelic Upstarts.[6] The 4-Skins went through many personnel changes during their five-year existence, with only bassist/songwriter 'Hoxton' Tom McCourt being present in every line-up of the band.[3] Other former members include Roi Pearce, who was also the frontman of The Last Resort, and Paul Swain, a guitarist who later joined the white power rock band Skrewdriver.[7]
In 2007, the band reformed with two original members — lead singer Gary Hodges and bassist Steve 'H' Harmer, plus guitarist Mick Geggus and drummer Andy Russell of Cockney Rejects. This line-up recorded two songs, "Chaos 2007" and "Glory Days" for the compilation album Kings of Streetpunk,[8] released by the independent record label G&R London.
In 2008, Hodges formed a new version of the band under the name Gary Hodges' 4-Skins. This line-up played three shows – one in Berlin at the Punk and Disorderly festival, in Allentown, Pennsylvania, at the East Coast Oi Fest[9][10] and as the headlining act on the final day of the Blackpool Rebellion punk festival in August 2008.[11] Two newly recorded tracks were also released for free on The 4-Skins' official web page. Both were covers of Slade songs – "Cum on Feel the Noize" and "Thanks for the Memories". Following this, the band decided to continue recording and touring. On 4 April 2010, they released a studio album, The Return, on German label, Randale Records
Sorry
The 4-Skins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Won´t say sorry for having fun
I won´t take the blame
No, I´m not gonna be ashamed
I won´t say sorry for what I´ve done
I don´t say sorry to anyone
Chorus
Shout it outShout it out
I don't give a damn ´cause
I´m proud of what I am
I won´t say sorry to you
If it is your will, you know what you can do
Won´t apologize
And I won´t put up with any of your lies
Won´t say sorry to you
You can stuff that up your asshole to
Chorus X3
Won´t say sorry for the way I act
Won´t say sorry for the manors I lack
Won´t say sorry at all
Won´t say sorry ´cause it makes me look small
Won´t say sorry for the way I act
Won´t say sorry and that´s a fact!
Chorus
The 4-Skins's song "Sorry" is an anthem of individualism and defiance against societal expectations. The lyrics express a reluctance to apologize for personal behavior, regardless of whether or not it is viewed as acceptable. The repeated refrain of "shout it out" emphasizes the singer's desire to assert their identity and be proud of who they are, rather than conforming to the norms placed upon them by others.
At its core, "Sorry" is a rejection of the notion that one should feel apologetic or ashamed for being true to oneself. The lyrics make it clear that the singer is willing to face the consequences of their actions, but will not back down in the face of criticism or condemnation. This sentiment is reflected in the final verse, where the singer explicitly states that they will not apologize "for the way I act" or "the manners I lack." In other words, they refuse to be bound by social conventions that do not feel authentic to them.
Overall, "Sorry" is a powerful statement of self-determination in the face of societal pressure. It reminds listeners that it is possible to live authentically and without apology, and that doing so can be a source of strength and pride.
Line by Line Meaning
I won´t say sorry for what I´ve done
I refuse to apologize for my actions
Won´t say sorry for having fun
I won't apologize for enjoying myself
I won´t take the blame
I won't accept responsibility for something I didn't do
No, I´m not gonna be ashamed
I won't feel guilty or embarrassed about my actions
I don´t say sorry to anyone
I refuse to apologize to anyone for anything
Chorus
Repeating the chorus
If it is your will, you know what you can do
If you want to take action in response to my lack of apology, go ahead
Won´t apologize
I won't express regret for my actions
And I won´t put up with any of your lies
I won't tolerate any dishonesty or manipulation from others
You can stuff that up your asshole to
I don't care about your opinion or reaction to my lack of apology
Chorus X3
Repeating the chorus three times
Won´t say sorry for the way I act
I won't apologize for my behavior
Won´t say sorry for the manors I lack
I won't apologize for my lack of manners or etiquette
Won´t say sorry at all
I won't apologize in any situation
Won´t say sorry ´cause it makes me look small
I won't apologize because it would make me appear weak
Won´t say sorry for the way I act
I refuse to express regret for my actions
Won´t say sorry and that´s a fact!
There is no chance I will apologize
Chorus
Repeating the chorus
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CIARA PRINCESS HARRIS, ELVIS L. JR. WILLIAMS, JASPER TREMAINE CAMERON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@adamwascher9551
One of the best Oi! Bands . Been listening to them since I was 14 yrs old . I still listen to my Oi Music daily . I'm 53 now and will listen to it til I die. There are a lot of good Oi !!!bands they are all punk rock in their roots and all working class . Oi Oi Oi !!! Lots of good memories listening to Oi music . Long live the genre and music.. let's keep it alive and keep turning the younger generations on to it .
@grahamseabrook9765
Came across the 4skins and oi when i was 15 im now 57 and still a huge 4skins and proudly wear their tshirts and all oi music at home and car !! Its the best music scene ever !!!
@davidbailey9871
Great music mate
@maddnessfts2747
52 still going
@BOMBS-not-FOOD
i was fortunate enough to grow up and participate in the early 90s nyhc scene. hardcore and oi! go hand in hand. the 4skins are classic.
@aaroncanniford9237
Same 😂
@aaroncanniford9237
North London me how about you
@vincentpodbreger5098
This band rocks it straight...got me threw some hard times and good... hail to the lads
@andybpm
One of my good music memories of the 80's. Thanks
@2tone753
I am a German, from Berlin, 63 years old and have still been a skinhead and the 4-skins since 1979. Way of Life