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.
Big Bro vs. Johnny Sako
The Vandals Lyrics
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The Vandals' song "Big Bro vs. Johnny Sako" seems to criticize the concept of government surveillance and control. The first lines blatantly state that "Big Brother" is watching every move, implying that someone or something is constantly monitoring the population. The reference to "Big Brother" is likely alluding to George Orwell's novel "1984", in which a totalitarian government exercises complete control over its citizens. The song suggests that this type of surveillance is not only present but also imminent, adding that "they'll be telling us what to do", implying a lack of autonomy. The chorus repeats the line "and they'll want us to die laughing", suggesting that those in power seek not only control but also a cruel sense of satisfaction.
However, in the second part of the song, the lyrics shift focus to Johnny Robot and Johnny Sako. Johnny Robot is a character from the Japanese television show "Johnny Sokko and His Flying Robot". The lyrics suggest that this robot can save us from the government's control, as he knows "just what to do". Johnny Sako, who wears a communication device on his wrist, is called upon to come to their rescue. The song's final line pleads for Johnny Robot to "wake up" and help, emphasizing the desperation of the situation.
Overall, "Big Bro vs. Johnny Sako" is a timely critique of government surveillance and loss of personal autonomy. The song suggests that those in power seek not only control but also enjoyment from it, leaving those without power in dire circumstances. However, there is still hope in the form of fiction and technology, as Johnny Robot and Johnny Sako are called upon to save the day.
Line by Line Meaning
Big brother, he is a watching - watching me and you
The government or those in power are constantly surveilling and monitoring us.
big brother, is a watching - and he'll know your every move
This constant surveillance and monitoring means that everything we do and say is being recorded and analyzed.
their really really gonna do it to you - just wait and see
The powerful forces in society are going to use this information against us in some way, and it's only a matter of time before we see the consequences.
they'll be telling us what to do - and they'll want us to die laughing
The people in power will use their control to manipulate and influence us, even to the point of making us accept and enjoy our own destruction.
johnny robot, he can save us - cause he knows just what to do
We need someone or something to intervene and help us, and Johnny Robot represents an idealized hero who can solve our problems.
johnny robot, listen up - johnny sako's coming for you
Even our heroes need help sometimes, and Johnny Sako represents the idea of banding together to overcome a common enemy or threat.
johnny sako's on his wrist radio - to thwe mountain hideaway
Johnny Sako is taking action and communicating with his team to strategize and plan a way to overcome the threat.
johnny robot, please wake up - we need you right away
The urgency of the situation requires action and intervention now, and it's up to us to wake up and take that action, whether on our own or with the help of others.
Lyrics © ATMR SONGS
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