The Urge was formed in 1987 by drummer Jeff Herschel, bassist Karl Grable, … Read Full Bio ↴The Urge was formed in 1987 by drummer Jeff Herschel, bassist Karl Grable, guitarist Pat Malecek, and singer Steve Ewing in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. Combining multiple styles of music - including ska, thrash, metal, funk, reggae, and hip hop - the band would become infamous throughout the midwest and beyond for its highly energetic live shows, blistering musicianship, and rabid fan base.

The original Urge lineup debuted in 1989 with the cassette-only Bust Me Dat Forty, followed a year later by the LP Puttin' the Backbone Back. After the addition of trombonist Matt Kwiatkowski, the group released 1992's Magically Delicious; later the group added trombonist/keyboardist Todd Painter and saxophonist/keyboardist Bill Reiter, and in 1993 recorded the live LP Fat Babies in the Mix. After Herschel and Malecek left the band in 1994, guitarist Jerry Jost and drummer John Pessoni joined the lineup, and subsequent touring with 311 helped The Urge win a number of new fans. The 1995 release of Receiving the Gift of Flavor was so successful that it brought the band to the attention of Epic's Immortal imprint, which reissued the LP in 1996.

After constant touring with the likes of labelmates Korn and Incubus, Master of Styles was released in 1998, containing the hit "Jump Right In" which featured singer Nick Hexum of 311.

Following the release of Too Much Stereo in mid 2000, the band toured for nearly a year before calling it quits. After the annual St. Louis Christmas shows, the Urge disbanded for the first time since they formed in 1987.

The band played several Midwest reunion shows from 2003-2005 that included a headlining spot at Pointfest, a large semi-annual outdoor rock festival in St. Louis. Frontman Steve Ewing has made several solo records while guitarist Jerry Jost formed LucaBrasi, featuring former members of Adair and Helmet. The other members still resided in St. Louis and are involved in several musical projects.

On July 15, 2011, St. Louis' KPNT 105.7 FM proclaimed that the Urge would be headlining Pointfest XXIX on September 10, 2011, marking their sixth festival appearance. The Urge also confirmed that they are once again an active band and they have been recording new music in the studio for several months.

Divide and Conquer
The Urge Lyrics

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Raised under the living sun, the watchman looking out, looking out. Born under the lion, could be a sign, Marcus in time would lead us through out lives.

For service Lord o' let me live. My love, my all to others give. For service Lord o' let me live. My love, my all to others give.

Divide and conquer, createed and angered a brown-skinned monster. So full of hate, self-destructive by design, destined to fail, we rose up from the slime.

For service Lord o' let me live. My love, my all to others give. For service Lord o' let me live. My love, my all to others give.

Justice be served to all mankind. Searching for identities we left behind. One God, one aim, one destiny. Rise up! Rise up! Rise up! Rise up!

Moses lead your people to a place in their hearts, in their minds. Moses lead your people to a place in their hearts, in their minds.

Divide and conquer, createed and angered a brown-skinned monster. So full of hate, self-destructive by design, destined to fail, we rose up from the slime.

For service Lord o' let me live. My love, my all to others give. For service Lord o' let me live. My love, my all to others give.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to The Urge's song "Divide and Conquer" speak to the struggle of overcoming discrimination and hatred. The opening lines suggest a sense of watchfulness and careful consideration, with the singer being raised under the "living sun" and looking out as a watchman. The reference to being born under the lion could symbolize strength and leadership qualities, as the singer mentions Marcus leading them through their lives.

The chorus speaks of a desire to live for others and offer love and service. The repetition of these lines emphasizes the importance of these qualities in overcoming injustice and discrimination.

The second verse references the creation of a "brown-skinned monster," likely a reference to the dehumanization and discrimination towards people of color. The singer acknowledges the self-destructiveness of this mindset but also highlights the resilience of those who have risen up despite the odds.

The final lines call for justice and unity, suggesting that through a shared sense of purpose and understanding, it is possible to overcome division and hatred. The reference to Moses leading his people represents the idea of a guiding force that can help bring people together and overcome obstacles.

Line by Line Meaning

Raised under the living sun, the watchman looking out, looking out.
Growing up under the rays of the sun, we watched over our community, always alert and vigilant.

Born under the lion, could be a sign, Marcus in time would lead us through out lives.
Being born under the symbol of the lion could be a prophecy - Marcus would one day guide us through our journey in life.

For service Lord o' let me live. My love, my all to others give.
I pray to the Lord to let me live a life of service, giving all my love and all of myself to others.

Divide and conquer, createed and angered a brown-skinned monster. So full of hate, self-destructive by design, destined to fail, we rose up from the slime.
The tactic of divide and conquer was used to create and enrage a monster of hatred with brown skin. It was designed to self-destruct and fail, but we rose up from the difficult circumstances.

Justice be served to all mankind. Searching for identities we left behind. One God, one aim, one destiny. Rise up! Rise up! Rise up! Rise up!
The call for justice to be served to all people, as we search for our lost identities. We are all united under one God and one destiny, so we must rise up and take action.

Moses lead your people to a place in their hearts, in their minds. Moses lead your people to a place in their hearts, in their minds.
We call upon Moses to lead us to a place of peace and understanding, both in our hearts and in our minds.

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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