They began their career in 1991, cutting their first 7" record later that year with the lineup of Joey Vindictive (vocals), Johnny Personality (bass), Billy Blastoff (guitar), Dr. Bob (guitar), P.J. Parti (drums) and Erik Elsewhere (drums). The band would end up releasing 12 albums until July of 1996, when Joey Vindictive revealed that his health issues would prevent the band from going on. Luckily for him, he overcame his ailments to re-form the band in 2000, cutting a new album and overseeing the re-release of a significant part of their catalog. Dr. Bob died in 2003 due to a heroin overdose. Their song "The Invisible Man" was featured in the Ubisoft game Watch Dogs, where it attracted attention to restart the band once more in 2013, releasing a new EP titled Mono-Flexi, and to remaster most of their previous songs as Songbooks coming in volumes starting from I to III.
The Vindictives' website is currently down indefinitely.
Control Me
The Vindictives Lyrics
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The Vindictives' "Control Me" is a powerful anthem of individuality and self-determination. The song is an indictment of the societal pressures that are constantly pushing us to conform to the norm, to accept the rules and opinions of others, and to sacrifice our own identities and values in the process.
At its core, the song is a call to arms – a plea to reject the status quo, to break free from the constraints of social convention, and to chart our own paths in life. The lyrics serve as a rallying cry for anyone who's ever felt like they were being pulled in a million different directions, torn between the competing demands of family, friends, and the wider world. In essence, "Control Me" is a song about reclaiming our agency as individuals, and asserting our own power and autonomy in a world that often seeks to strip us of it.
The song's message is conveyed through a series of vivid and powerful images, all of which serve to underscore the central theme of individual empowerment. From the opening lines – "everyone tries to pull you their way" – to the closing refrain of "don't let these fuckers drive you crazy," "Control Me" pulls no punches in its critique of society's attempts to control us. Throughout the song, The Vindictives urge us to reject the narrow definitions of success and happiness that are imposed on us by others, and instead to embrace our own passions, dreams, and values. And in doing so, they remind us that the greatest source of strength and resilience is our own sense of self-worth and identity.
Line by Line Meaning
Everyone tries to pull you their way then somebody tries to pull you back
People are constantly trying to influence you in opposing directions and it can feel overwhelming.
they wanna fill your head with bull shit they wanna make you see the facts
Others want to implant their own opinions as truth, even if they are not based in reality.
making rules for you to follow telling lies to keep you stuck
People will try to impose their own expectations on you using falsehoods and manipulative tactics to maintain control over you.
how much more are you gonna swallow, aren't you gonna tell'em to get fucked
You must decide when enough is enough and stand up for yourself by telling these individuals to back off and leave you alone.
Everybody with a point of view tries to shove it down your throat
People with opposing viewpoints will try to force their opinions onto you.
everything is up to you analyze the beliefs you hold
Ultimately, you are responsible for your own beliefs and it's important to regularly evaluate and consider if they align with your true values.
people wanna turn you into something, into something you're not
There will always be those who try to mold you into someone they want you to be, rather than accepting you for who you are.
something that you'll never be, something that you don't want
This imposition can push you to be something you don't want to be and will never become.
Don't let these fuckers drive you crazy
It's important to not let these people get into your head and make you feel out of control.
don't let'em make you think that you're wierd, they wanna be like you, the sight of you makes them aware
These individuals may make you feel abnormal or odd, but in fact they just wish they were as unique and non-conforming as you are.
reject their stagnant opinions, they see in black and white
Their narrow-minded beliefs are not worth your time or energy and they fail to see the nuances and complexities of the world.
don't think about the words that hurt you, you know what's wrong and right
It's important to not get bogged down by hurtful comments and instead stay true to your own moral compass.
Contributed by Samantha H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.