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.
Street Dreams
The Germs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I get my truths from a higher command
I've put my dreams through a tougher test and
I'm pullin' mind from outta this mess
I've got street dreams together with plans
I've got street dreams chaotic new stands
I've got street dreams ultra magic mess
I don't like the way the world's progressin'
God's on fire screamin' depressin'...yeah!
I want a future that's not in the past
I don't want your recycled trash...kill it!
[Chorus]
Mr. Bourgeois we're lookin' for you
We want our lives, we ain't got two
We're takin' the keys to the locked doors
The future is for us the past is yours
Give us feelings give us more than you've got
Give us everything, everything we want:
[Chorus]
Build me a world with nothing restrained
Give me a hand I guess I can't be blamed
If there's a drop to be bled then it's for me
Yeah! Everything / everyone for free!
[Chorus]
The Germs' Street Dreams is a song about rebellion, longing for change, and breaking away from societal norms. The lyrics can be interpreted as a commentary on the singer's rejection of a conformist lifestyle and instead valuing personal freedom by following their own dreams rather than bowing to someone else's demands. They state that they don't get their truths from societal demands but from a higher command, which could refer to a personal moral code or higher power.
The singer proudly proclaims that they have street dreams that are chaotic, magical, and detested by others who may not understand their unconventional aspirations. They reject the status quo and are passionate about creating a better future, free from the recycled trash of the past. God's fire, which is described as depressing, could symbolize societal pressure and the singer's desire for change.
The chorus is a rallying cry for those who are like-minded, those who are searching for answers and seeking liberation from the confines of societal norms. The lyrics mention Mr. Bourgeois, who could represent the wealthy elite or people in power who hold the keys to progress. The singer demands to be given everything they want, to build a world without restraints and offer everything for free. The song is a call to action for people to take control of their lives and create a better future for themselves and others.
Line by Line Meaning
I won't build my life on your demands 'cause
I refuse to live life according to your expectations and demands
I get my truths from a higher command
I rely on a higher power to guide me in truth and purpose
I've put my dreams through a tougher test and
I have subjected my dreams to rigorous examination and challenges
I'm pullin' mind from outta this mess
I am using my mind to navigate through difficult situations and emerge from chaos
I've got street dreams together with plans
I have aspirations that are grounded in reality and accompanied by concrete plans
I've got street dreams chaotic new stands
My dreams are unconventional and unpredictable, yet innovative and powerful
I've got street dreams ultra magic mess
My dreams may seem messy and impossible, but they are full of potential and magic
I've got street dreams you're gonna detest
My dreams may be unsettling or unappealing to some, but they are essential to my vision
I don't like the way the world's progressin'
I am dissatisfied with the current state of the world's development
God's on fire screamin' depressin'...yeah!
Even God is upset and outraged by the state of the world
I want a future that's not in the past
I desire a future that is not bound by the mistakes and limitations of the past
I don't want your recycled trash...kill it!
I refuse to accept and perpetuate outdated or unproductive ideas and systems
Mr. Bourgeois we're lookin' for you
We are seeking change and progress from those in power and privilege
We want our lives, we ain't got two
Our time and opportunities are limited, and we demand the right to live lives of purpose and fulfillment
We're takin' the keys to the locked doors
We are challenging and dismantling systems of oppression and exclusion
The future is for us the past is yours
We are forging a new path and claiming our stake in the future, while rejecting the outdated and unjust practices of the past
Give us feelings give us more than you've got
We demand to be treated as human beings with full emotional depth and complexity, and to be given more than the bare minimum of what you deem sufficient
Give us everything, everything we want:
We are not content to settle for less than what we truly desire and deserve
Build me a world with nothing restrained
I envision a world without limitations or obstacles to progress and fulfillment
Give me a hand I guess I can't be blamed
If I receive assistance in pursuing my dreams, I cannot be held responsible for the outcome or any perceived failures
If there's a drop to be bled then it's for me
I am prepared to make sacrifices and endure hardships in order to achieve my goals
Yeah! Everything / everyone for free!
I advocate for a society that values and prioritizes the well-being and dignity of all its members, without charging a price or demanding compensation
Contributed by Benjamin M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Tyler Nall
om my god!!! I've been lookin for this song since i first heard in when I was like 12!!!! AHHHHrrgh
Taktwo2
@justfukoff88 Glad you found it!
Matt Render
loll whats he say at the end of the song there? modaharreee