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).
Chaos
The Oppressed Lyrics
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Seeing all the skinheads standing in a line
Foaming at the mouth, Waiting for a fight
High boots, cropped hair, what a fuckin' sight
come back of the boot
People that we don't beat up
We're gonna fucking shoot
We are the new breed, we will have our say
we are the new breed, we ain't gonna die
Trouble east London
Trouble in the street
On the street corners
Where the gang still meets
Talking about the weekend
What they're gonna do?
If you aint careful
They are gonna do you!
(Chorus)
Chaos in the city
Civil war now
Skinheads taking over
Like skinheads know how
Skinhead with his boots on
Nobody's fool
Skinheads taking over
Chaos is the rule!
Chaos, chaos, chaos - don't give a toss
Chaos, chaos, chaos - don't give a toss!
1st verse
The Oppressed's "Chaos" talks about the skinhead subculture and its association with violence and chaos. The song begins with a reference to the year 1969, which is the year that the skinhead movement emerged in the United Kingdom. The lyrics go on to describe the typical skinhead appearance, with high boots and cropped hair, and their aggressive behavior, waiting for a fight and foaming at the mouth. The chorus then speaks of the "comeback" of the skinhead culture and their willingness to resort to violence, even shooting those who they don't beat up.
The second verse shifts the focus to East London, where the skinhead culture is more prevalent. The lyrics describe how the gang members gather on the street corners to plan their weekend activities, which usually involve violence and troublemaking. The chorus repeats the theme of chaos and how the skinheads are taking over, with their boots and lack of concern for the consequences of their actions.
Overall, the song's message is a critique of the skinhead subculture and the violence and chaos that it is associated with. It suggests that this type of behavior is dangerous and harmful, and calls for a different kind of subculture that is more peaceful and accepting of others.
Line by Line Meaning
Do you remember the days in 69?
Do you recall the time of 1969?
Seeing all the skinheads standing in a line
Observing the skinheads lining up together
Foaming at the mouth, Waiting for a fight
Getting agitated, and eager to brawl
High boots, cropped hair, what a fuckin' sight
Their appearance consisting of boots, and short hair was quite striking
(Chorus) Come back of the skinhead come back of the boot People that we don't beat up We're gonna fucking shoot
(Chorus) The return of the skinhead, and the boot. Individuals we don't assault, we will shoot them instead.
We are the new breed, we will have our say we are the new breed, we ain't gonna die
We're a new generation, and we'll express ourselves. We're not going to die.
Trouble east London Trouble in the street On the street corners Where the gang still meets
Problems arise in East London, resulting in conflict on the streets. Tensions simmer and frustrations build where the gang congregates.
Talking about the weekend What they're gonna do? If you aint careful They are gonna do you!
Discussing their weekend plans, and what action they'll take. Be cautious, or they might turn on you.'
(Chorus)
(Chorus)
Chaos in the city Civil war now Skinheads taking over Like skinheads know how Skinhead with his boots on Nobody's fool Skinheads taking over Chaos is the rule!
Pandemonium in the urban area. Civil conflict erupts. Skinheads take control, as only skinheads can. They march around in their boots, and do not tolerate foolishness. Skinheads take control, and chaos is the ruler.
Chaos, chaos, chaos - don't give a toss Chaos, chaos, chaos - don't give a toss!
Chaos, chaos, chaos - uncaring. Chaos, chaos, chaos - uncaring!
Contributed by Jacob I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.