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.
Richie Dagger
The Germs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I can stomp and swagger
I can take on all your heroes
I'm Richie Dagger
I'm young and I'm haggard
The boy that nobody owns
He sits in his corner like a child despised
That's Richie Dagger's crime
He's that sort of boy that was never much loved
His idea of fun was society's grudge
That's Richie Dagger's crime
His life was such a mess
And his friends weren't quite the best
But he was satisfied
That's Richie Dagger's crime
Suck me in and spit me out
Devour me in haste
I'm Richie Dagger
I can stomp and swagger
I can take on all your heroes
I'm Richie Dagger
I'm young and I'm haggard
The boy that nobody owns
He could set your mind ablaze
With sparkling eyes and visionary case
He stood like a remnant from an outbreak past
Wore something in his ear
And boy was he sass
I'm Richie Dagger
I can stomp and swagger
I can take on all your heroes
I'm Richie Dagger
I'm young and I'm haggard
The boy that nobody owns
The Germs’ song “Richie Dagger” tells the story of a young man who is an outcast and rejects the norms of society. The lyrics describe him as a boy that “nobody owns”, suggesting that he’s an individualist who refuses to be controlled by anyone. The name Richie Dagger is likely a symbol of rebellion and non-compliance, as daggers can be seen as an aggressive and dangerous issue. The chorus repeats that he can “stomp and swagger” and “take on all your heroes”, emphasizing his strength and confidence in his own individuality.
The lyrics also allude to Richie Dagger’s troubled past and difficult social relationships. He is described as having a “crazy sort of cast” come over his eyes, and his life is referred to as a “mess”. However, even though his friends may not have been the best, he was still “satisfied” with his life, showing that he rejected societal expectations and found his own happiness on his own terms. The repeated line “That’s Richie Dagger’s crime” suggests that his crime is simply being himself and not conforming to society’s expectations.
Overall, “Richie Dagger” is a song that celebrates non-conformity and individualism. The lyrics convey a sense of rebelliousness and power in being oneself, even if it means standing apart from others.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm Richie Dagger
I am a rebellious outcast named Richie Dagger
I can stomp and swagger
I have confidence and bravado in my demeanor and actions
I can take on all your heroes
I am not intimidated by anyone, even those considered heroes or idols
I'm young and I'm haggard
I am still youthful, but my rough and worn appearance show the hardships I have faced
The boy that nobody owns
I am fiercely independent and don't follow anyone else's rules
He sits in his corner like a child despised
Despite his tough exterior, Richie is often isolated and belittled
A crazy sort of cast comes over his eyes
When Richie feels particularly misunderstood or frustrated, his emotions become overwhelming and uncontrollable
That's Richie Dagger's crime
Richie's non-conformity and disregard for societal norms is seen as a crime by some
He's that sort of boy that was never much loved
Richie has never felt a great amount of love or affection from others
His idea of fun was society's grudge
Richie enjoys going against the grain and challenging societal expectations
His life was such a mess
Richie's life has been difficult and chaotic
And his friends weren't quite the best
Richie's social circle is made up of people who may not have his best interests at heart
But he was satisfied
Despite the struggles, Richie finds contentment in his own way of living
Suck me in and spit me out
Richie acknowledges that society may not accept him, but he is unapologetically himself anyway
Devour me in haste
Richie challenges society to try and squash him, but knows he will always come out on top
He could set your mind ablaze
Richie's passion and unique perspective can inspire and excite others
With sparkling eyes and visionary case
Richie's charisma and vision ignite those around him
He stood like a remnant from an outbreak past
Richie's non-conformity and disregard for societal norms make him seem like a relic of the past
Wore something in his ear
Richie's unconventional style extends to his accessories and fashion choices
And boy was he sass
Richie's confident attitude and demeanor exude a strong sense of sassiness
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Darby Crash, Georg Ruthenberg
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@yung_errbek142
My uncle was the first person to introduce me to punk. He saw me playing Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 on my Dreamcast (LOL) and nodding my head to the Dead Kennedys "Police Truck." He said, if you like this song, you'll love the Germs. He gave me a bootleg CD of his and told me to listen to "Ritchie Daggers Crime." I was fucking hooked. Thanks Uncle Andy, you rule.
@lepwithabirthdefect
Not to be a dick, but police truck was on THPS Uno.
@paulbeahm3891
Richie dagger is the song that fully got me into the germs. I liked lexicon devil but didnt really get into the rest till I really listened to that oh whoa whoa. It was like an explosive realization like making sense of a piece of abstract art.
@AaronHendu
I worked with a guy in a factory, he worked a different shift...I never talked to him much...but found out he played in a punk band...so we started chatting here and there...I was young...maybe 16 or so...and he gave me this album, along with Bad Brains...and it was awesome. I'll never know why he gave me those CD's...we barely spoke...
@sabotaj18
Wholesome as FUCK
@brebnanrebb8843
punkles are my favorite people
@Milligan777
Germs' greatest song.
@Brewzerr
RIP Lorna Doom.
@danirose7776
What
@gogoyubari366
No comment.