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.
Friends And Enemies
The Faction Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Fear of rejection, you'd watch what you'd say
Standards were set for you, was it bad or good?
You did what they did because you thought you should
But friends and enemies laugh at you
You without a face
No distinction between the two
Win or lose the race
Fellowship is gained for you, or is it just a lie
Overcome with anger, you head's on fire
You reason is heard aloud, and you know that you're a liar, but.
The Faction's song "Friends and Enemies" revolves around the idea of conformity and how it affects one's relationships with others. The first few lines of the song suggest that the person being addressed has tried his or her best, but unfortunately, it has gotten in the way of expressing their true self. Fear of rejection and constantly watching what one says can lead to a lack of authenticity, and living up to standards imposed by others does not necessarily mean it is for the better. The line "you did what they did because you thought you should" hints at how peer pressure can play a significant role in shaping someone's behavior.
The chorus ("But friends and enemies laugh at you / You without a face / No distinction between the two / Win or lose, the race") emphasizes the consequences of conforming to societal expectations. The person being addressed appears to be a faceless entity, as there is no individuality present when one is trying to fit in with the crowd. The fact that both friends and enemies are laughing at this person suggests that conformity does not lead to true acceptance, and those who go along with it can be viewed as simply followers in the same race as everyone else.
As the song progresses, the lyrics shift towards how conformity can induce anger and self-awareness in someone. The line "you know that you're a liar" implies that conforming means sacrificing truthfulness to maintain a certain image or status. Ultimately, the person being addressed must come to terms with the fact that conformity may not lead to genuine relationships, and the anger felt may just be a manifestation of the frustration and lack of individuality felt in the face of fitting into societal norms.
Line by Line Meaning
You did your best but it got in your way
You tried hard, but your efforts obstructed you.
Fear of rejection, you'd watch what you'd say
You were worried about being turned down, so you carefully chose your words.
Standards were set for you, was it bad or good?
Were the expectations established for you beneficial or unhelpful?
You did what they did because you thought you should
You emulated their actions because you believed you were supposed to.
But friends and enemies laugh at you
Your acquaintances both ridicule you.
You without a face
You are faceless and indistinguishable.
No distinction between the two
There is no differentiation between the two groups.
Win or lose the race
The outcome of the competition is inconsequential.
Everyone is doing it, you too, but why?
Why are you falling in line with the crowd?
Fellowship is gained for you, or is it just a lie
Are you truly forming bonds or simply being deceived?
Overcome with anger, you head's on fire
You are consumed with rage, your mind ablaze.
You reason is heard aloud, and you know that you're a liar, but.
Your justification is vocalized, and you realize it is untruthful, but you still proceed.
Contributed by Miles S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.