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).
Gun Law
The Oppressed Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Guns in holsters, they feel alright
Hiding behind badges, not like normal men
No jury will convict the bastards, no one will condemn
Gun Law, Gun Law, in this land
Police with shooters in their hands
Gun law, Gun law, in this town
Stop 'em now before they shoot you down.
They don't have to worry, they'll go free
Innocents lie dying, bodies filled with lead
One law for the police, no law for the dead
The song "Gun Law" by The Oppressed is a commentary on police brutality and the abuse of power by law enforcement. The lyrics depict the police as being above the law, able to carry and use handguns without consequence. The opening line, "The boys in blue are on the streets tonight," sets the tone for the rest of the song as it paints a picture of a menacing police force patrolling the streets. The use of the word "boys" is significant in that it belittles the police and infantilizes them. This is intended to highlight their immaturity and recklessness in their use of guns.
The lyrics go on to describe the police as being shielded by their badges, making them invulnerable to legal repercussions for their violent actions. The lines, "No jury will convict the bastards, no one will condemn," suggest that the police are above reproach and that their actions will not be questioned or punished. The chorus then emphasizes the theme of the song by stating that the police are operating under a separate set of laws and regulations that allow them to carry and use firearms with impunity.
Line by Line Meaning
The boys in blue are on the streets tonight
The police officers are present on the streets
Guns in holsters, they feel alright
The police officers are carrying guns in their holsters and are confident
Hiding behind badges, not like normal men
The police officers are hiding behind their badges which give them an advantage over normal men
No jury will convict the bastards, no one will condemn
The police officers cannot be punished for their wrongdoings as they are supported by the judicial system and society
Gun Law, Gun Law, in this land
There is a gun law in place in the country
Police with shooters in their hands
The police officers are armed with guns
Gun law, Gun law, in this town
The local town also has a gun law
Stop 'em now before they shoot you down.
People need to take action to prevent police officers from shooting them
If the police come after you and me
If the police come after us
They don't have to worry, they'll go free
Police officers do not have to worry about facing consequences if they harm us
Innocents lie dying, bodies filled with lead
People who are innocent are being killed, and their bodies are being filled with bullets
One law for the police, no law for the dead
Police officers are allowed to act outside the law, while innocent people suffer the consequences
Writer(s): RODDY MORENO
Contributed by Julian J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.