Starting the eighties Stan and Jacko left the band and were replaced by Snotty (who was to be the manager) and Ush. They started playing at local gigs in the Stoke on Trent area and then releasing their first demo.
in 1981 they signed with Neon records and recorde Routine Machine and Curfew, after this realeses thy started gigging in the UK playing with bands like GBH, The Fits, Broken Bones and Abrasive Wheels, then they toured into the Stollwerk festiva in Germany.
They recorded until 1983, when unfortunatelly Fish joined Discharge. By 1985 the Skeptix had split up.
In December 2001 the Skeptix, with the original (recordings) band line-up , reformed & started to rehearse for the Holidays in the Sun Festivals in the UK & USA. Their first album in 20 years, Hate & Fear, was recorded & released in 2003. In the same year the Skeptix toured the USA to promote the album. The recording of their gig at New York’s CBGB’s became their next album for release. A DVD of the CBGB’s gig, including additional footage from the tour, was also released.
Born To Lose
The Skeptix Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I gained nothing from the dole.
But I kept my point of view.
I never wanted nothing from you.
You fill people full of shit
To get your votes for you.
I've got better things to do.
Born to lose, I've got the right to choose.
Right to choose!
You only show people the good side of you.
You never show them the bad.
The things you do for the public
Are the things you really want yourself.
Your lies, deceits, and your cheats
But as soon as we've voted for you
We're just some cunts who've got to pay.
The Skeptix's song "Born to Lose" is a punk rock anthem that touches on themes of individualism, disaffection with the political system, and a general sense of not belonging. The opening lyrics speak of the singer's work ethic and rejection of the dole, a slang term used to refer to government welfare programs. The singer maintains his integrity and steadfastness, and despite the pressures of the political machine, he never cowers or sells out his beliefs. This is underscored by the line "I never wanted nothing from you," which suggests a sense of defiance.
The second verse is a scathing critique of politicians who exploit their constituents by lying and pandering to their desires just to garner votes. The singer is disinterested in the political scene and has "better things to do." This speaks to a sense of alienation from the mainstream mindset and a desire to remain independent and true to oneself. The chorus furthers this idea by proclaiming that he has the right to choose, which is to say that he doesn't need to conform to anyone else's mold.
The final verse brings it all home by highlighting the hypocrisy and dishonesty of the political elite. They try to sell themselves as benevolent but only do so to serve their own interests. The singer gets to the heart of the matter by pointing out that once the politicians get the votes they need, they promptly forget about the people who put them in power. The final line, "We're just some cunts who've got to pay," is a biting condemnation of systemic corruption and callousness.
Line by Line Meaning
I've worked most of my life.
I have spent the majority of my life working and being productive.
I gained nothing from the dole.
I did not receive any benefits or assistance from the government despite my hard work.
But I kept my point of view.
I have maintained my personal opinions and beliefs despite external pressures.
I never wanted nothing from you.
I never desired or expected anything from you or anyone else.
You fill people full of shit
You deceive and manipulate people to gain their support.
To get your votes for you.
Your goal is to gain political power by persuading people to vote for you.
I don't want your political scene.
I am not interested in participating in or being influenced by the world of politics.
I've got better things to do.
I have more important and fulfilling activities to pursue in my life.
Born to lose, I've got the right to choose.
Although I have experienced setbacks and failures, I still have the freedom to make my own decisions.
Right to choose!
I firmly believe in and advocate for the right to make one's own choices and decisions.
You only show people the good side of you.
You selectively present a positive image of yourself to others while hiding your flaws and negative attributes.
You never show them the bad.
You deliberately conceal or minimize the negative aspects of your character or behavior in public.
The things you do for the public
Your public actions and statements are intended to benefit yourself and your agenda rather than the people you are supposed to serve.
Are the things you really want yourself.
Your public actions and statements are actually what you desire or prefer for yourself, rather than what is best for the public.
Your lies, deceits, and your cheats
You regularly engage in dishonest and manipulative tactics to achieve your goals.
But as soon as we've voted for you
Once you have gained political power through people's votes, you quickly forget about their needs and concerns.
We're just some cunts who've got to pay.
You view the public as a source of revenue and support for your own agenda, rather than as individuals deserving of respect and consideration.
Contributed by Jasmine I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.