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).
Fight for Your Life
The Oppressed Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
3 1/2 million on the dole
Maggie's boys don't give a damn
About the plight of the working man...
You gotta fight, fight, fight, hear that cry
Never surrender, never say die,
Fight, fight, fight, for what's right
The youth ain't got no future
The youth ain't got no fun
Unemployment rules this land
There's no work for anyone...
The Oppressed's song "Fight for Your Life" is a powerful anthem that addresses the political and social issues of the times. The song highlights the devastating impact of Thatcherism's policies in Britain in the early 1980s, specifically the high levels of unemployment that left millions of people without work. The lyrics describe the Tories, the ruling party in Britain at the time, as having no soul and not caring about the struggles of the working class. The line "Maggie's boys don't give a damn about the plight of the working man" refers to the then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and her government's lack of concern for the British working class.
The chorus of the song urges people to fight for what's right and never give up. The repetition of "fight, fight, fight" emphasizes the importance of standing up and taking action against injustice. The second verse specifically addresses the struggles of the younger generation, who faced a future with little hope or opportunity because of widespread unemployment.
"Fight for Your Life" is a powerful call to action that continues to resonate with people who feel marginalized or oppressed. The song is an empowering anthem that encourages listeners to stand up and fight for their rights, even in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
The Tory party got no soul
The conservative party doesn't show any compassion or empathy.
3 1/2 million on the dole
3.5 million people are currently unemployed and receiving government benefits.
Maggie's boys don't give a damn
The supporters of Margaret Thatcher's government don't care about the struggles of the common people.
About the plight of the working man...
They are indifferent to the struggles of the working class.
You gotta fight, fight, fight, hear that cry
You have to put up a strong and persistent resistance against oppressive forces.
Never surrender, never say die,
Do not give up or lose hope.
Fight, fight, fight, for what's right
Stand up for what you believe is just and fair.
Fight, fight, fight, for your life
Fight for survival and against oppression.
The youth ain't got no future
Young people's prospects for a better future are bleak.
The youth ain't got no fun
Young people are experiencing a lack of enjoyment and fulfillment in life because of their circumstances.
Unemployment rules this land
The entire country is dominated by high levels of unemployment.
There's no work for anyone...
Jobs are scarce and hard to come by for everyone.
Writer(s): Roddy Moreno Copyright: Rough Trade Publishing Ltd.
Contributed by Katherine D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
willieluncheonette
What a joy to listen to this band. Tremendously powerful rolling tank attack and intelligent liberal lyrics against oppressive governments and racism. For the working class, for uniting to fight against the unjust, The Oppressed represent everything good in a skinhead band. Just listen to the power in this song!! When someone asks me for a short list of the best Oi bands, I'll always include The Oppressed. Very highly recommended!!
sauron170
Alerta Anti-Fascista! no racism no fascism.
Push4turnON
Fight for your life!!
Nazis GET OUT!
ALL RESPECT FROM BRAZIL
Felipe Provoste
Fight fight fight!, what a good song.
Sunnyvale Drunk668
fight racism..fight fascism...fight terrorism...never surrender never say die!
Muhammad Fikri
Nice Gig at KL live 24/3/12 respect from Malaysia Skinhead
acoy tyler
coming to malaysia