The Oppressed is a Welsh Oi! band that formed in 1981 in Cardiff, Wales. Mo… Read Full Bio ↴The Oppressed is a Welsh Oi! band that formed in 1981 in Cardiff, Wales. Most of the musicians in the band's various lineups have been skinheads.

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).

White Flag
The Oppressed Lyrics

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people stop and stare at you and me
they don't understand what they don't see
just coz we got short hair
people think tha we don't care

we wont show the white flag

stopped while walking home at fucking night

up on suss, a charge we're ganna fight
we're the ones who got the scars
and we'll fight from behind bars

politicians income tax the dole
we been used, wont get no parole

sons of oi! you are no threat
just you hear my media friends

Overall Meaning

The Oppressed's song "White Flag" addresses the stigma and misconceptions surrounding individuals with short hair. The first two lines suggest that people are quick to judge others based on superficial characteristics, such as appearance. The line "just coz we got short hair" implies that having short hair automatically labels someone as uncaring, which is a stereotype that is often associated with individuals who have a punk or skinhead appearance.

However, the chorus of the song suggests that these individuals will not back down or surrender, hence the line "we wont show the white flag." This can also be interpreted as a refusal to conform to societal norms and expectations that are often tied to appearance.

The second verse refers to a encounter with the police where they were unjustly arrested and charged. The line "we're the ones who got scars" implies that the individuals have faced violence and injustice in the past, which has contributed to their defiance and refusal to give up. The last two lines of the second verse refer to the corrupt government and the media that tries to marginalize and silence individuals who do not fit their expectations of "normal".

Overall, "White Flag" serves as a powerful anthem that rejects stereotypes and societal expectations, and encourages individuals to stand up for themselves and their beliefs, even in the face of adversity.

Line by Line Meaning

people stop and stare at you and me
People observe us curiously and inquisitively.

they don't understand what they don't see
People are not able to fathom what they can't perceive.

just coz we got short hair
Simply because we keep our hair short.

people think tha we don't care
Society presumes that we are unconcerned.

we wont show the white flag
We refuse to give up or surrender.

stopped while walking home at fucking night
We were abruptly detained while on our way back home during the late evening.

up on suss, a charge we're ganna fight
We have been accused of suspicion, and we shall combat the allegation.

we're the ones who got the scars
We are the individuals who bear the physical and emotional wounds.

and we'll fight from behind bars
Even if imprisoned, we shall continue to resist and battle.

politicians income tax the dole
The politicians impose tax on welfare benefits.

we been used, wont get no parole
We have been manipulated, and we won't receive any respite from our ordeal.