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."
S.O.S
Warzone Lyrics
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I try to reach for you. but you have closed my mind
Whatever happened to our love? I wish I understood
It used to be so nice. It used to be so good
So when you're near me, darling, can't you hear me S.O.S.?
The love you gave me. nothing else can save me, S.O.S.
When you're gone, how can I even try to go on?
You seem so far away though you are standing near
You made me feel alive but something died I fear
I really tried to make it out. I wish I understood
What happened to our love? It used to be so good
So when you're near me, darling, can't you hear me S.O.S.?
The love you gave me. nothing else can save me, S.O.S.
When you're gone, how can I even try to go on?
When you're gone though I try how can I carry on?
When you're gone, how can I even try to go on?
When you're gone though I try how can I carry on?
The lyrics of Warzone's song "S.O.S." seem to be a plea to a lover who has distanced themselves emotionally, physically, or both. In the first verse, the singer laments the loss of the happy times they shared, and the fact that the person they love seems to be no longer open to the singer's affection. They wonder what may have caused this shift, and express a desire to regain what they once had.
In the chorus, the singer turns directly to their lover, asking them if they can hear the cry for help - the "S.O.S." - being sent out by the singer. They emphasize that the love they once shared is the only thing that can save them from the misery of being apart. In the second verse, the singer notes that even when the lover is physically present, they feel as if they are distant and unattainable. They attribute this feeling to some death or loss within their relationship, and express regret for not understanding what caused it.
Overall, the song seems to be a desperate plea for closeness and understanding from someone who the singer feels has gone cold. The repeated question of "how can I even try to go on?" underscores the sense of hopelessness and despair that comes with the loss of a relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Where are those happy days they seem to hard to find?
I cannot seem to find the good times we once had.
I try to reach for you. but you have closed my mind
I have been attempting to reach out to you, but you have shut me out.
Whatever happened to our love? I wish I understood
I am confused as to why our love has deteriorated.
It used to be so nice. It used to be so good
Our relationship was once great and pleasant.
So when you're near me, darling, can't you hear me S.O.S.?
When we are close, I hope you can recognize my call for help.
The love you gave me. nothing else can save me, S.O.S.
Only the affection you have shown me can rescue me from this situation.
When you're gone, how can I even try to go on?
I feel that life cannot continue when you are not here with me.
When you're gone though I try how can I carry on?
Despite my attempts to cope, I still struggle to carry on without you.
You seem so far away though you are standing near
Even when you are physically close, I feel far away from you emotionally.
You made me feel alive but something died I fear
Although you once brought joy into my life, something seems to be missing now.
I really tried to make it out. I wish I understood
I genuinely attempted to fix our relationship, but I am still left confused and searching for answers.
When you're gone, how can I even try to go on?
I am lost and unsure of how to keep going without you beside me.
When you're gone though I try how can I carry on?
My efforts to push on solo are all in vain, as I cannot go on without you.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CHRISTOPHER LE FRIANT, DANIEL DALMADY, ZSOLT MILICHOVSKI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind