Early success was found with singles such as "Warhead", "I Live in a Car", and "Tomorrow's Girls", with several of their songs managing to enter the United Kingdom's Top Forty. Their biggest selling album came with 1980's Crash Course.
With the arrival of new bassist Alvin Gibbs and drummer Steve Roberts in the early 1980s, the songs took on a heavier sound, faster, better quality. But always the punk views. The band has continued to perform, being one of the last surviving bands of Britain's punk era. They have toured constantly over the years.
Now in 2015, with the addiition of Jet on guitar and Jamie Oliver on drums, UK Subs have just released their 25th studio album 'Yellow Leader' to a crescendo of critical acclaim, bringing the band to the final step in their 40 year old mission - to record and release every official album in alphabetical order from A to Z.
Squat 96
UK Subs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There ain't nothing you can do.
Kick down the door, change the lock.
Don't wanna live in a cardboard box.
In a cardboard city - It ain't for me.
Resist eviction in 96.
We don't have no police relations.
Criminalize the corporations - In cardboard city.
In a cardboard city - It ain't for me.
How can we respect the law?
There's a racist hate.
Kick down the door, change the lock.
Don't wanna live in a cardboard box.
In a cardboard city - It ain't for me
The UK Subs's song "Squat 96" is a powerful critique on the criminal justice system and the harsh conditions faced by individuals who are forced to live in cardboard cities. The song begins with a bleak statement that criminal justice is only served for a select few, and that the powerless victims have no recourse for justice. The lyrics are a call to arms for those who are facing homelessness, urging them to take action, by kicking down doors and changing the locks, in order to resist eviction and secure their right to a home.
The repeated refrain of "In a cardboard city - It ain't for me" highlights the absurdity of the situation, where vulnerable people have to resort to living in makeshift cardboard shelters. The song takes direct aim at the corporations that profit from the housing crisis, calling for their criminalization.
The final verse addresses the systemic racism within the justice system, and the hypocrisy of expecting individuals to respect the law. The lyrics suggest that without a just and fair system, there can be no respect for the law, and that individuals have the right to take action to secure their basic needs.
Overall, Squat 96 is a passionate and politically charged anthem, exemplifying the UK Subs's punk rock ethos and their commitment to being a voice for the marginalized and oppressed.
Line by Line Meaning
Criminal justice just for you.
The justice system is only aimed at judging and punishing certain people, and not everyone is treated equally.
There ain't nothing you can do.
Individuals have no power to change the systemic injustices within the justice system.
Kick down the door, change the lock.
People who are facing homelessness and poverty must sometimes take drastic actions to find safety and stability.
Don't wanna live in a cardboard box.
Homelessness and poverty are not acceptable living conditions, and people should not be forced to live in such a way.
In a cardboard city - It ain't for me.
Living in a poor and unsafe community with little resources is not a viable option for some people.
Resist eviction in 96.
In 1996, a particular resistance movement occurred where people attempted to fight against being evicted from their homes.
Don't wanna live on the street.
Homelessness is a difficult and unsafe way of life, and people should not be forced into it.
We don't have no police relations.
Some communities have little to no relationship with their local law enforcement, and therefore do not trust them to provide safety or justice.
Criminalize the corporations - In cardboard city.
The societal and systemic issues that prevent people from accessing safe and affordable housing are not the fault of individuals or communities, but rather large corporations and institutions.
How can we respect the law?
When the laws and justice system are inherently unfair or discriminatory, it can be difficult for individuals to place trust and respect in it.
There's a racist hate.
Racism and discrimination are prevalent within many aspects of society, including the justice system.
In a cardboard city - It ain't for me.
Living in a poor and unsafe community with little resources is not a viable option for some people.
Contributed by Sarah E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.