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."
Marked for Life
Warzone Lyrics
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Ignorant attitudes have gotten so fucked
You let life go by - because you're afraid to die
I'm doing the best I can to keep us satisfied
always - I'm there if you want
Always - we won't grow apart
Always - you got me by your side
I don't need answers - about today
Don't worry about the future - it won't go away
I was there before
I'll be there again
Looking out for you
Until I'm dead
The lyrics to Warzone’s song “Always a Friend for Life” discuss the importance of loyalty and friendship through thick and thin. The song begins with “Our time has come you say you're too old to stay young,” highlighting the idea that people often feel like they are running out of time and may not keep in touch with their friends as much as they should. Warzone also emphasizes the negative effects of ignorant attitudes, which can lead to missed opportunities and regret.
In the second verse, Warzone encourages their friend not to worry about the future because they will always be there to support them. “I don't need answers - about today / Don't worry about the future - it won't go away,” they sing. Warzone acknowledges that they have been there before and they will be there again. They reiterate their loyalty to their friend until the end, stating “Looking out for you / Until I'm dead.”
Overall, “Always a Friend for Life” is a powerful reminder of the importance of genuine friendship that transcends time and distance. Warzone recognizes that life can be difficult and that people may grow apart, but true friends will always be there for each other, no matter what.
Line by Line Meaning
Our time has come you say you're too old to stay young
You believe that you're too old to be young and experience life to the fullest.
Ignorant attitudes have gotten so fucked
Having careless and uninformed perspectives have led to unfavorable outcomes.
You let life go by - because you're afraid to die
You're not taking advantage of the present moment because the thought of dying scares you.
I'm doing the best I can to keep us satisfied
I'm trying my best to make sure we're content in our current situation.
always - I'm there if you want
I will always be there for you, should you need me.
Always - we won't grow apart
We will remain close and not drift apart.
Always - you got me by your side
You can always count on me being by your side.
Always - a friend for life
I will always be your friend, for life.
I don't need answers - about today
I have no need to understand everything about today.
Don't worry about the future - it won't go away
There's no need to stress about the future because it's inevitable and will come regardless.
I was there before
I have supported you in the past.
I'll be there again
I will continue to be there for you in the future.
Looking out for you
I am watching out for you and your best interests.
Until I'm dead
I will remain present and supportive until my death.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Jason Lehrhoff, Raymond James Barbieri, Todd Justin Hamilton, Vincent Dominic Verga
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind