The band was founded in 1981 in Cardiff (Wales) with brothers Russell and Ronnie Payne in the first line up, joined by his friends Gary Tier and Martin Brennan. Initially they took the name of Forced Oppression. In the meantime, there was another band called Insanity Squad, heir to Section 20, also formed by brothers Dom and Roddy Moreno, Vince King and Ed Fleming. When they later dissolved the band in December 1981, Moreno went to replace Ronnie Payne in The Oppressed.
Throughout the band's career, the members (especially vocalist Roddy Moreno) openly expressed opposition to racism and fascism[1] — in their lyrics,[2] interviews, on-stage comments and other actions. In 1989, Moreno visited New York City and met a few members of Skinheads Against Racial Prejudice (SHARP). On his return to the United Kingdom, he started promoting SHARP ideals to British skinheads.[3][4] The band has also had ties to other anti-racist groups, such as Anti-Fascist Action. Moreno is a Cardiff City F.C. supporter, and some of the band's songs express that support.
The band has split and re-formed several times, the first occasion in 1984 after which Moreno focused on his record labels, Oi! Records and Ska Records for the remainder of the decade.[5][6]
In 1994 The Opressed reunited again and had friendship with bands such as: Red London, Los Fastidios, Stage Bottles and Banda Bassotti.
Their most recent split was in 2016, but they re-formed in 2020, and continue performing today. The present day line-up is Roddy Moreno (vocals/guitar), fellow founder member Russell "Ducky" Payne (guitar), Che Jones (drums) and Ross Goldworthy (bass).
All Together Now
The Oppressed Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lost in millions for a country's pride
Never mention the trenches of Belgium
When they stopped fighting and they were one
A spirit stronger than war was at work that night
December 1914 cold, clear and bright
Countries' borders were right out of sight
All together now, all together now
All together now in no man's land
All together now, all together now
All together now
In no man's land
The same old story again
All those tears shed in vain
Nothing learned and nothing gained
Only hope remains
All together now, all together now
All together now in no man's land
All together now, all together now
All together now in no man's land
All together now, all together now
All together now
In no man's land
The boys had their say, they said no
Stop the slaughter, let's go home
Let's go, let's go
Let's go, let's go home
All together now
In no man's land
All together now, all together now
All together now
In no man's land
The Oppressed's song "All Together Now" captures the powerful moment towards the end of the First World War when the soldiers from two opposing sides called for an end to the war. The lyrics are a warning against the horrors of war and its effects on humanity. The song begins with a reminder to the younger generation that their forefathers had perished in millions, fighting for their country's pride. It talks about the Belgian trenches, which were a gruesome part of WWI history. But despite all the atrocities, on Christmas Eve 1914, a spirit stronger than the war was at work, and the opposing armies stopped fighting and joined together, singing carols, and playing football.
The chorus reiterates the need for humanity to come together in times of crisis, regardless of borders and ideologies. The song ends with the soldiers' voices, demanding that the slaughter stop, and they be allowed to go home. The song is a poignant reminder of the power of unity and the futility of war.
Line by Line Meaning
Remember boy that your forefather's died
Think about the sacrifices made by your ancestors who gave their lives.
Lost in millions for a country's pride
Many people died in the name of nationalistic pride.
Never mention the trenches of Belgium
The horrors of war should not be forgotten, but also not glorified.
When they stopped fighting and they were one
There was a night in 1914, where opposing forces came together to stop fighting.
A spirit stronger than war was at work that night
There was a force of peace that was stronger than any military action.
December 1914 cold, clear and bright
The night of peace was in December, with specific weather conditions.
Countries' borders were right out of sight
National borders were irrelevant in the face of peace.
They joined together and decided not to fight
People from different countries formed a truce and chose not to fight.
All those tears shed in vain
The emotional toll of war has been great, with no real progress made.
Nothing learned and nothing gained
Humanity has not learned from its mistakes and gained nothing.
Only hope remains
The only thing left to hold onto is hope.
The boys had their say, they said no
Young men opposing war spoke out against the violence.
Stop the slaughter, let's go home
The message was clear, it was time to end the killing and return home.
All together now in no man's land
Both sides came together in the area between the trenches, which was previously a deadly area.
Contributed by Ella H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Bartolomeo Tonino
Remember boy that your forefather's died
Lost in millions for a country's pride
Never mention the trenches of Belgium
When they stopped fighting and they were one
A spirit stronger than war was at work that night
December 1914 cold, clear and bright
Countries' borders were right out of sight
They joined together and decided not to fight
All together now, all together now
All together now in no man's land
All together now, all together now
All together now
In no man's land
The same old story again
All those tears shed in vain
Nothing learned and nothing gained
Only hope remains
All together now, all together now
All together now in no man's land
All together now, all together now
All together now in no man's land
All together now, all together now
All together now
In no man's land
The boys had their say, they said no
Stop the slaughter, let's go home
Let's go, let's go
Let's go, let's go home
All together now
In no man's land
All together now, all together now
All together now
In no man's land
foumar
Brings back teenage memories, going around with the cassette player and the gang, playing this song, singing all along, punks not dead! Amen
Sak Gobar
my band will open stage with this song after 15 years this saturday
SirKjellepelle
Oi is political and has always been! Workingclass!
Paulo sérgont
Todos juntos agora !!
DEPORTE MUSICA Y GRAMA
tremenda pieza saludos desde venezuela VIVA LA REVOLUCION CARAJOOOO
napalmslayer
gotta admire the band for covering a song not related to their genre
RICHxROCKER
It's the lyrics that makes it relevant to cover, because it's share mutual spirit and ideology.
Bartolomeo Tonino
Remember boy that your forefather's died
Lost in millions for a country's pride
Never mention the trenches of Belgium
When they stopped fighting and they were one
A spirit stronger than war was at work that night
December 1914 cold, clear and bright
Countries' borders were right out of sight
They joined together and decided not to fight
All together now, all together now
All together now in no man's land
All together now, all together now
All together now
In no man's land
The same old story again
All those tears shed in vain
Nothing learned and nothing gained
Only hope remains
All together now, all together now
All together now in no man's land
All together now, all together now
All together now in no man's land
All together now, all together now
All together now
In no man's land
The boys had their say, they said no
Stop the slaughter, let's go home
Let's go, let's go
Let's go, let's go home
All together now
In no man's land
All together now, all together now
All together now
In no man's land
foumar
Thanks man!
nikos markou
It's time to kick ass and chew bubble gum ... and I'm all outta gum.