The Germs disbanded following Crash's suicide on December 7, 1980. Their music was influential to many later punk rock acts. Pat Smear went on to greater fame performing with Nirvana and the Foo Fighters.
In 2005, actor Shane West was cast to play Crash in the Germs biographical film What We Do Is Secret (named after a song by the Germs). He performed with Smear, Doom, and Bolles at a production party for the film, after which the Germs reformed with West as singer. The new lineup of the band has performed a number of tours in the United States, including performances on the 2006 and 2008 Warped Tours.
On January 16, 2019, bassist Lorna Doom (born as Teresa Ryan) passed away.
Forming
The Germs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hold me up
Tell them that
I'm your gun
Pull my trigger
I am bigger than
Mr. Prez in his big White House
Infiltration-we're numbin' your minds
Concentration-we've done time
[repeat chorus]
Over there the Queen she says
Let's stamp them out and dry
Those tears
Saturation-we want in taxes
Flagelation-we've got gashes
[repeat chorus]
In the cold, the czars claimin'
Just protectin', rockets aimin'
Alteration-the word is changin'
Observation-we want action
[repeat chorus]
I the Emperor proclaim
Us the masters we rule the game
Inclination-somethin' to dream on
Deprivation-we are sons
[repeat chorus]
The Germs' song "Forming" is a bold and provocative commentary on power, control, and manipulation. The lyrics delve into themes of domination and submission, as well as the insidious nature of authority. The opening lines, "Rip them down, Hold me up, Tell them that, I'm your gun, Pull my trigger, I am bigger than," suggest a desire for dominance and control over others. The singer is portrayed as a weapon, a tool to be wielded by those in power.
The second stanza, which references the President of the United States, continues this theme of control and manipulation. The lines "Infiltration-we're numbin' your minds, Concentration-we've done time" suggest a desire to infiltrate and subdue the minds of others. The chorus, "We're forming, we're forming, we're forming, we're forming," repeats throughout the song and echoes this idea of formation and control.
The second half of the song goes on to reference other figures of power, such as the Queen and the Czars, and continues to explore themes of domination and control. The lyrics "Observation-we want action, Inclination-somethin' to dream on" suggest a desire for action and change, but also highlight the powerlessness of the individual in the face of authority.
Overall, "Forming" is a powerful and thought-provoking song that forces listeners to confront the reality of power dynamics in society. The lyrics suggest a desire for control and dominance over others, but also highlight the danger and insidiousness of such desires.
Line by Line Meaning
Rip them down
Destroy the existing power structures or establishments.
Hold me up
Support me or back me up.
Tell them that, I'm your gun
Indicate that the singer is a powerful weapon that can be wielded by his supporters.
Pull my trigger, I am bigger than
Invoke a sense of superiority or invincibility, indicating that the artist is more powerful than anyone or anything else.
Mr. Prez in his big White House
Refers to the President of the United States and the White House, as a symbol of establishment and power.
Listen he says we're comin' out
The establishment is warning the public about the emergence of a powerful opposition.
Infiltration-we're numbin' your minds
The opposition is infiltrating the minds of the public, perhaps through propaganda or other means of influence.
Concentration-we've done time
The opposition has spent time and effort to concentrate its forces and establish its position.
[repeat chorus]
The chorus repeats, emphasizing the power and confidence of the opposition.
Over there the Queen she says, Let's stamp them out and dry, Those tears
Another powerful figure- the Queen- is calling for the elimination of the opposition and their emotional appeals.
Saturation-we want in taxes
The opposition is seeking a more equal distribution of resources, particularly through taxation.
Flagelation-we've got gashes
The opposition has suffered and is willing to continue to endure pain and sacrifice for their cause.
[repeat chorus]
The chorus repeats again, reinforcing the power and confidence of the opposition.
In the cold, the czars claimin'
A reference to authoritarian rulers who claim to be protecting their people from external threats.
Just protectin', rockets aimin'
The rulers claim to be simply protecting their people, but are aiming deadly weapons at perceived enemies.
Alteration-the word is changin'
The opposition is working to change the course of history and alter the existing power structures.
Observation-we want action
The opposition demands action and change, not mere observation or rhetoric.
[repeat chorus]
The chorus repeats yet again, emphasizing the power and confidence of the opposition.
I the Emperor proclaim, Us the masters we rule the game
The singer establishes himself as an Emperor and his supporters as the new ruling class.
Inclination-somethin' to dream on
The opposition has lofty goals and aspirations for a better future.
Deprivation-we are sons
The opposition has faced hardships and been deprived of their rights, but they are still a proud and unified group.
[repeat chorus]
The chorus repeats a final time, reiterating the power and confidence of the opposition.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: BOBBY PYN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@youtrippin35
I love how home made this sounds main part why I love punk so much especially 70s n 80s
@isaac1265
Apparently there wasn't originally supposed to be so much echo on Darby's vocals. Someone just accidentally bumped the knob and no one noticed before they started recording.
@chrissmith256
Would you change it?
@williegoodtimes5736
I prefer this version.
@ryanbareither89
Thanks for another Great Moment in Punk History.
@ErrorUsernotfound-ol6ff
In the beginning you can hear someone counting down
@Sprinkle_sprinkle666
This is my favorite version. Sounds like you’re at the concert ❤️
@ivanmdc22
First song I learned to play on bass... Rip Lorna, Rip Darby
@vampcramp
Haha me 2!! Great first song!
@jackdaniels9148
Me too