The band's lineup fluctuated significantly over their first nine years, though founding members Steven Ronald "Stevo" Jensen, guitarist Jan Nils Ackermann, and first consistent drummer Joe Escalante remained regular fixtures. Of the original members only Escalante has remained through all incarnations of the band. The current lineup of Escalante, Dave Quackenbush, Warren Fitzgerald, and Josh Freese has remained intact since 1990 and is considered by most fans to be far removed from the band's early 1980s incarnation. Since 2002 Escalante has released all of the band's albums through his Kung Fu Records label, with Fitzgerald generally producing.
Allah
The Vandals Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I studied carefully,
And I do believe
The best of heavens is to except is Islam
I hope that book is right
They promise paradise
I'm going for the bonus
And when I fight
I know he makes me strong
And when I die
I know I can't be wrong
I know my only chance is
Allah! Allah! Allah! Allah!
The prophet has summoned us to attack
He said we must in his defense
Against those who don't believe
The last day grows near
My belief takes away the fear
I made the right choice
My God's the only God
And when I fight
I know he makes me strong
And when I die
I know I can't be wrong
I know my only chance is
Allah! Allah! Allah! Allah!
When the infant girl buried alive
Is asked for which crime she is slain
When the records of men's deeds
Are laid open and heaven is stripped bare
When hell burns fiercely and paradise is brought here
Then each soul will know what it has done
It's time to party with
Allah! Allah! Allah! Allah!
The Vandals' song "Allah" is a commentary on religious extremism and the dangerous ideology of martyrdom in Islam. The chorus repeats the word "Allah" four times, which is the Arabic word for God. The first verse talks about the singer's conversion to Islam and belief in the promise of paradise for those who follow Allah. The second verse talks about how the singer has been summoned to attack non-believers and defend the prophet. The singer believes that the end of days is near and that his choice to follow Allah is the right one. The final line of the chorus, "It's time to party with Allah," is a sarcastic commentary on the idea of being rewarded in paradise after committing violent acts in the name of religion.
The song's lyrics are controversial and have been criticized for promoting extremist beliefs. However, the band has stated that the song is meant to be a criticism of religious extremism and is meant to be ironic. The song was released in 1996, at a time when religious extremism was a growing concern around the world. The song's lyrics are a cautionary tale about the dangers of extremist beliefs and the harm they can cause.
Line by Line Meaning
Allah! Allah! Allah! Allah!
Repetitive exclamation of the name of God in Arabic, expressing devotion and reverence.
I studied carefully,
I have thoroughly researched and educated myself on this subject.
And I do believe
Based on my research, I have come to have complete faith in this ideology.
The best of heavens is to except is Islam
I have concluded that Islam offers the most favorable afterlife compared to other religions.
I hope that book is right
I have some doubt about my faith, but I am hopeful that the religious text I follow is correct.
They promise paradise
The religious text promises a rewarding afterlife for those who faithfully follow its doctrines.
I'm going for the bonus
In addition to the reward promised in the text, I am also seeking a further reward for dying as a martyr.
Of a martyr's reward
I am seeking the special reward promised by the ideology for dying in the name of God.
And when I fight
When I wage war or fight in battle on behalf of my faith.
I know he makes me strong
I believe that it is God who gives me strength to fight for my religion.
And when I die
If I die while fighting for my God, this is seen as a great honor and a reward in itself.
I know I can't be wrong
I am certain that my actions are just and righteous in the eyes of God.
I know my only chance is
I believe that there is no other path to eternal salvation except for following this religion.
The prophet has summoned us to attack
The founder and leader of our religion has called upon us to launch an offensive military campaign.
He said we must in his defense
The prophet has instructed us to fight in order to protect the integrity and sovereignty of our religion and its people.
Against those who don't believe
We are commanded to take up arms against those who do not share our beliefs or who actively oppose us.
The last day grows near
We believe that the end of the world and the Day of Judgment is approaching.
My belief takes away the fear
My faith in Islam removes my fear of dying or facing punishment on the Day of Judgment.
I made the right choice
I am convinced that choosing Islam as my religion was the best decision I could have made.
My God's the only God
In my faith, there is only one true God.
When the infant girl buried alive
A reference to a story from Islamic tradition about an infant girl who was buried alive in the pre-Islamic era.
Is asked for which crime she is slain
On the Day of Judgment, the perpetrators of this horrific crime will be held accountable and punished.
When the records of men's deeds
On the Day of Judgment, a person's entire life and all their actions will be laid bare and scrutinized.
Are laid open and heaven is stripped bare
The true nature of heaven, and the reward for those who have earned it, will be revealed on the Day of Judgment.
When hell burns fiercely and paradise is brought here
The Day of Judgment will also bring the ultimate reward and punishment to those who have lived according to their faith or lack thereof.
Then each soul will know what it has done
On the Day of Judgment, every person will be held accountable and will have no excuse for their actions.
It's time to party with
An ironic or satirical comment on the extreme and violent actions taken by some religious groups, despite the severity of the subject matter.
Contributed by Nathaniel C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.