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).
Violent Society
The Oppressed Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Violent Society, just won't go away,
Violent Society, tell me what you find.
Violent Society, violence in your mind.
VIOLENT SOCIETY, WON'T GO AWAY
Violent Society, violence from the police
Violent Society, kicking down the door
Violent Society, 1984...
Violent Society, friend fighting friend
Violent Society, where's it gonna end
Violent Society, black fighting white
Violent Society, this can't be right.
The Oppressed's song, Violent Society, speaks to the ever-present issue of violence in our society. The song begins with a repetition of the title, as if to really drive home the fact that violence is an ever-present issue. The next line, "just won't go away," speaks to the fact that despite our best efforts, violence continues to exist in our world. The following lines, "tell me what you find, violence in your mind," challenges the listener to examine their own thoughts and actions in regards to violence in society.
The second verse of the song shifts focus to the police and the criminal justice system. The lyrics suggest that even those meant to protect and serve are not exempt from contributing to a violent society, with the line "violence from the police." The next line, "locked up no release," speaks to the issue of mass incarceration and the attendant violence inherent in that system. The allusion to 1984 is a reference to George Orwell's novel, which focuses on the dangers of totalitarianism and societal control. The line serves to further emphasize the dystopian reality of a violently controlled society.
The final verse brings attention to interpersonal violence, from "friend fighting friend" to "black fighting white." The rhetorical question "where's it gonna end" highlights the seemingly unending nature of violence in our society. The final line, "this can't be right" serves as both a condemnation of violence and a call for action to end it.
Line by Line Meaning
Violent Society, what we got today,
The current society is one that is ridden with violence.
Violent Society, just won't go away,
The violence in society seems to be here to stay.
Violent Society, tell me what you find.
This line is a rhetorical question that highlights the need to examine the root cause of the violence in society.
Violent Society, violence in your mind.
The prevalence of violence in society is an indication of the violent thoughts that plague people's minds.
Violent Society, violence from the police
The police, who are supposed to maintain law and order, are often responsible for the violence in society.
Violent Society, locked up no release,
People who are incarcerated due to violence are often stuck in the cycle of violence without any hope of rehabilitation or release.
Violent Society, kicking down the door
The violence in society can manifest in various forms, including home invasions and other forms of burglary.
Violent Society, 1984...
A reference to the dystopian novel '1984' by George Orwell, which paints a picture of a society that is oppressive and violent.
Violent Society, friend fighting friend
The prevalence of violence in society can result in people turning on their friends and loved ones.
Violent Society, where's it gonna end
This line is another rhetorical question that highlights the need to find a solution to the problem of violence in society.
Violent Society, black fighting white
Racial tensions can also result in violence in society and make people turn against each other based on skin color.
Violent Society, this can't be right.
This line is a statement that highlights the absurdity and inhumanity of a society that is built on violence.
Writer(s): Roddy Moreno
Contributed by Leo C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.