Catching onto the then-noteworthy idea of touring , the band gained notereity through repeated exposure in the skateboarding world, which helped on tour, and which helped create a national fanbase. Thrasher Magazine's MoFo compiled the first Skate rock tape, which featured several Faction songs, as well as songs by JFA and the Big Boys, the two other most established skate punk bands. Other bands included were Riot .303, Minus One, Los Olvidados, Skoundrelz, featuring Tony Alva, Anvil Chorus, Free Beer, featuring San Francisco's Tony and Tommy Guerrero, and others.
The Faction recorded two 7" records, an LP, an EP, and a posthumous EP, and contributed songs to a 7" compilation single, From The Valley Within. Their song Skate and Destroy was also featured in the first skateboarding video, Powell-Peralta's "Bones Brigade Video Show." Except for the Thrasher Skate Rock tapes and the posthumous "Epitaph" EP, which was released on Mystic Records, all the Faction's music was released on IM Records. This label was owned by guitarist Adam Segal, and financed by Arly. Primarily due to musical evolutional differences in the band, they broke up in 1985. In 1989 they reformed with pro skateboarder Jeff Kendall on guitar instead of Adam Bomb. They played two shows, recorded "Accelerate" (used in the "Stoked: The Gator Story") and for whatever reason it didn't go any further.
In 1994, Mark Waters, of Goldenrod Records, approached the band with the idea to compile the Faction's musical history into one complete CD package. The resulting "Collection" gathered most of the band's studio recordings along with some live and radio recordings, along with Gavin's complete list of every show the band ever played, complete lyrics, and what most of the band called their first good artwork. In 2001, the band started playing shows here and there, with original guitarist Russ Wright on guitar. One show led to more, and between 2001 and 2005 the band played a handful of shows, including gigs in Dortmund and Munster Germany, Vancouver B.C., Aberdeen Scotland, Seattle (with X), San Diego and Anaheim with the Adolescents and Strung Out, Sacramento, and numerous San Jose and San Francisco shows.
The Faction's song 'Skate And Destroy" is featured in the Tony Hawk Pro Skater 4 video game.
100 Years War
The Faction Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To rise above all poverty, to rise above all wrong
No one needs your bloodied sword, I'll get what's truly mine
Bullets of hate kept in your hands, they'll burn a hole in time
We are no more noble than our words
Be true to your beliefs, don't do wrong and then retreat
'cause action leads to triumph in this world
One hundred years of death will end, then the black death will begin
Peasants rise to slay a knight, whose wife must taste his sin
In the tree he hangs alone, helpless and aflame
A feast of bones and melting flesh, his children scream his name
The passing of this life will teach to none be ever true
Realize fate is in your hands and you alone control its moves.
The Faction's song 100 Years War is a powerful commentary on the destructive nature of warfare and the importance of standing up against hate and inequality. The opening verse speaks to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of devastation and hardship, urging listeners to rise above poverty and wrongs done to them. The second verse critiques the violence often used in the pursuit of power, stating that true strength lies in one's own beliefs and actions, rather than in a bloodied sword or bullets of hate. The chorus hammers home the importance of standing up against hate and staying true to oneself, with the line "action leads to triumph in this world" serving as a call to action for listeners.
The final verse takes a darker turn, describing a nightmare vision of the Hundred Years' War and the Black Death, which claimed the lives of millions in Europe in the 14th century. The imagery of peasants rising up against a corrupt knight and his wife adds a layer of social commentary to the song, suggesting that those in power are often responsible for the injustices that perpetuate violence and strife. The final lines of the song are perhaps the most powerful, reminding listeners that fate is ultimately in their own hands, and that they have the power to control their own destiny.
Line by Line Meaning
Amidst the burning rubble the spirit still lives on
Despite destruction and chaos, the human spirit continues to prevail
To rise above all poverty, to rise above all wrong
To overcome adversity and injustice
No one needs your bloodied sword, I'll get what's truly mine
Violence is unnecessary; one can achieve their goals through their own efforts
Bullets of hate kept in your hands, they'll burn a hole in time
Holding onto anger and resentment will only lead to further harm and destruction
Rebel against all hate and tell the story straight
Stand up against discrimination and speak the truth
We are no more noble than our words
Our actions define our character, not just our words
Be true to your beliefs, don't do wrong and then retreat
Stay true to your principles and do not back down, even in difficult times
'cause action leads to triumph in this world
Taking action is necessary to achieve success and victory
One hundred years of death will end, then the black death will begin
After one tragedy ends, another may follow
Peasants rise to slay a knight, whose wife must taste his sin
The oppressed may rise up against their oppressors, who may have brought their loved ones harm
In the tree he hangs alone, helpless and aflame
The guilty may face punishment and be left to suffer alone
A feast of bones and melting flesh, his children scream his name
The consequences of one's actions may affect not only themselves, but their loved ones as well
The passing of this life will teach to none be ever true
Death reminds us to be honest with ourselves and others
Realize fate is in your hands and you alone control its moves.
We have the power to shape our own destiny through our choices and actions.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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