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).
Skinhead Girl
The Oppressed Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Swinging down the high street, yeah
Hair cropped short, butts and perm
I couldn't believe my eyes,
Like a story out of a book
She was my height
My weight
My size
Skinhead girl
Skinhead girl
Skinhead girl
Skinhead girl
She was mine
I made up my mind
Was gonna be courageous, yeah
Her head on my hand
And touch her gentle
She looked at me
And smiled
I know that was for real
She was my height
She wore (her braces and blue jeans)
The Oppressed's "Skinhead Girl" is a love song that tells a story about a young man who falls in love with a girl with a skinhead style. The song starts with the singer describing his physical attraction to the girl he sees on the street, admiring her short hair, butts, and perm. He is struck by her appearance, exclaiming "I couldn't believe my eyes, like a story out of a book." He then describes her as someone who is his height, weight, and size, which suggests that he feels a commonality and connection with her.
The chorus is a repetition of the title, "Skinhead Girl," emphasizing his fascination with her. The singer then proclaims that he has made up his mind and is going to be courageous, touching her gently with his head on her hand. He notes that she smiled at him, and he knows that it was genuine. The song ends by reiterating that they are the same height, and she wears braces and blue jeans.
The song's message is about finding love despite differences, in this case, different styles, and the bravery it takes to approach someone you like. The lyrics describe how love can happen unexpectedly and how it is important to seize the moment. The song is also a rare example of Skinhead culture celebrated in a positive light, which often gets associated with far-right groups.
Line by Line Meaning
There she was
The song starts with the singer expressing their surprise at seeing a skinhead girl walking down the high street.
Swinging down the high street, yeah
The skinhead girl is walking down the street with carefree confidence, which the singer admires.
Hair cropped short, butts and perm
The skinhead girl's hairstyle is described as short-cropped on top with permed hair on the back, which is fashionable within the skinhead subculture.
I couldn't believe my eyes,
The artist is in disbelief about seeing a girl who shares their interests and appearance.
Like a story out of a book
The artist compares the skinhead girl's arrival to a storybook tale, indicating the rarity of the encounter.
She was my height
The singer emphasizes that the girl is of similar height, seeking to establish common ground.
My weight
The singer mentions another commonality, their weight, which adds to the connection between them.
My size
Lastly, the artist points out that the girl appears to be of a similar size to them, highlighting how they are almost identical in appearance.
She wore (her braces and blue jeans)
The skinhead girl is wearing the uniform of the subculture, which involves braces and blue jeans.
Skinhead girl Skinhead girl Skinhead girl Skinhead girl She was mine
The chorus reaffirms the artist's interest in the skinhead girl, and that they've claimed her in some way.
I made up my mind
The singer has made a decision, presumably to approach the skinhead girl.
Was gonna be courageous, yeah
Despite any fear, the artist decides to be bold in approaching the girl.
Her head on my hand And touch her gentle
The singer describes reaching out to gently touch the skinhead girl's head, which shows their affection and interest.
She looked at me
The girl notices the singer's interest and appraises them.
And smiled I know that was for real
The girl's smile reassures the singer that their interest is returned.
She was my height
The artist repeats their earlier observation of the girl's height, underscoring its importance.
She wore (her braces and blue jeans)
Again, the skinhead girl's appearance is called out, emphasizing their shared interests and membership within the subculture.
Writer(s): ELLIS, NAISMITH
Contributed by Cole C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Realdy Alsa
There she goes
Swinging down the high street, yeah
Hair cut short
Boots and jeans
She looked at me and smiled
I know that smile's for me
She was my height my weight my size
She wore braces and blue jeans
She was my skinhead girl (x4)
I made up my mind
I'm gonna be courageous, yeah
Her hand in my hand
Touch her gentle
She looked at me and smiled
I know that smile's for me
She was my height my weight my size
She wore braces and blue jeans
She was my skinhead girl (x4)
Michael Malmer
One of the best songs ever written and recorded!
Alacria93
love this track. traditional skins will last forever!
Geiler Daddy
wrong. The skinheadculture is almost dead.
Realdy Alsa
There she goes
Swinging down the high street, yeah
Hair cut short
Boots and jeans
She looked at me and smiled
I know that smile's for me
She was my height my weight my size
She wore braces and blue jeans
She was my skinhead girl (x4)
I made up my mind
I'm gonna be courageous, yeah
Her hand in my hand
Touch her gentle
She looked at me and smiled
I know that smile's for me
She was my height my weight my size
She wore braces and blue jeans
She was my skinhead girl (x4)
clashriot88
I love so much the bass line !
8757kathy
i was a skinhead girl and i was never oppressed i had a great time,i wore my docs and braces and had the haircut with 2 shaved partings the music was great and my mates were black and white we was never racist we just loved the fashion and the music ok we had a bit of prob now and then of the grebos < long haired bikers < but nothing real bad .what great memories
Angel Patton
Sounds awesome! Thanks for the share and OI from Las Vegas NV! 👊
Ben Hammer
Come back Byrd 🥰😘
neeraj benjamin
Not heard the term Grebos for ages!!!!
Lil L3xi0Pax100
These girls are simply BEAUTIFUL!!