Frontman Raymond "Raybeez" Barbieri was the band's only consistent member through the vast majority of its years. He joined the band as the drummer in 1983 (the same year he played drums on the debut Agnostic Front 7" EP United Blood), later taking over vocal duties after Warzone had already been in existence for two years (noting later, "in a band that [had] been running for so long, there has to be something there"). Raybeez remained the singer of Warzone until his death on September 11, 1997 due to pneumonia. A U.S. Navy veteran, he was receiving treatment in a VHA facility when the illness damaged his liver and took his life at the age of 35. A tribute sign reading "R.I.P Ray" hung outside CBGB for some time following his death, and for more than a year afterward, every release on Victory Records was dedicated to his memory, as were two independent compilations. These albums, as well as benefit concerts, raised funds for several non-profit groups Ray had worked for which helped at-risk youth."
Brother and Sisterhood
Warzone Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Verse:
Haven't I seen you somewhere before?
Hanging out on the stage on or on the dance floor
Trying to be a part of what you see
Brother and Sisterhood - One family!
One Family, One Family!
Chorus 1:
Looking for some answers
In this life, for what I pay
In you hearts and in your minds
they'll drive you insane!
Verse:
Haven't I seen you somewhere before?
Hanging out on the stage on or on the dancefloor
Trying to be a part of what you see
Brother and Sisterhood - One family!
One Family, One Family!
Chorus 2:
Go to a show
Looking around
I see many kids
What do you see?
Just one truth: our reality!
Bridge:
Looking like a freak, you don't have to say a word
Man, everywhere you go, they're always looking down
You try to free your mind from society
You'll never be the same if you quit their game
Inside my soul, I'm not afraid
You'll never understand what's inside of me!
ONE FAMILY!
The song "Brother and Sisterhood" by Warzone speaks of the unity and sense of belonging within the punk and hardcore community, where everyone is seen as part of one big family. The first verse suggests that the people being addressed may have already been a part of this community, either as performers on stage or as enthusiasts on the dance floor. They are trying to be a part of something that they see as meaningful and important, that which creates a sense of community and togetherness, regardless of who they are.
The first two choruses describe the search for meaning and answers in life, and how some people can become disillusioned or driven insane by the lack of answers they find. The sense of belonging within the punk and hardcore community is presented as one possible solution to this existential dilemma. The second verse reiterates the idea that everyone in this community is a part of one family, indicating that this sense of unity is not just a passing feeling but a permanent bond among its members.
The bridge suggests that being part of this community may require a certain level of sacrifice. People who identify with punk and hardcore may appear different from mainstream society, and as a result may experience judgement and criticism by others. However, the sense of belonging that comes from being part of the community provides a sense of freedom that cannot be achieved by conforming to societal norms. The song ultimately affirms that the strength and unity of the punk and hardcore community is worth the sacrifices that come with it.
Line by Line Meaning
Haven't I seen you somewhere before?
Have we crossed paths in the past?
Hanging out on the stage on or on the dance floor
Spending time at concerts, dancing or watching the performers
Trying to be a part of what you see
Aspiring to be a part of the music scene and culture
Brother and Sisterhood - One family!
We are all one community and should treat each other like family
One Family, One Family!
Emphasizing the importance of unity and togetherness
Looking for some answers
Searching for meaning or purpose
In this life, for what I pay
The cost of living and struggling to find fulfillment
In your hearts and in your minds
The solution lies within ourselves
they'll drive you insane!
If we don't find answers or community, it can lead to mental strain
Go to a show
Attend a concert or live performance
Looking around
Observing the crowd and those around us
I see many kids
There are many young people in attendance
What do you see?
What do we perceive or notice from the crowd?
Just one truth: our reality!
Despite individual perspectives, we are united by our shared reality
Looking like a freak, you don't have to say a word
Appearance does not define someone's worth or voice
Man, everywhere you go, they're always looking down
Others judge or look down on those who don't conform to societal expectations
You try to free your mind from society
Attempting to break free from societal pressures to conform
You'll never be the same if you quit their game
Choosing to not conform to societal expectations can lead to personal growth and change
Inside my soul, I'm not afraid
We have the strength and courage to be ourselves
You'll never understand what's inside of me!
Others may not understand or relate to our experiences or perspective
ONE FAMILY!
Emphasizing the importance of unity and togetherness
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
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