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."
Under 18
Warzone Lyrics
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You were under 18 so they got the law
Put the handcuffs on you
Because you're young - you're easy bait
For a society - That's filled with hate
We were close - now you're gone
Where the fuck will they put you
Who do they think they are
I tried my best - to show you how
Got to survive in the street
I know your heart, you won't give in
To any of their fucking games
NO
Took away all your freedom
Labeled you down - locked you up
Because you're young - you're easy bait
For a society - that's filled with hate
They want your mind - they want your soul
Hold on tight - don't let go
They want your mind - they want your soul
You must throw - the final blow
Hold on tight - don't let go
You must throw - the final blow
You're back - you made it
You'll never give in
"Under 18" by Warzone is a powerful anti-authoritarian punk rock anthem that speaks to the corruption and oppressive nature of laws that target young people. The opening lines make it clear that the singer has been caught up in something that they did not want and that the law has been used against them to punish them for being young. Because they are young, they are an easy target for a society that is filled with hate, and the singer's anger at this injustice is palpable. The chorus encourages the singer to hold on tight and not give in to the pressures of those who seek to control and destroy them, to fight back by throwing the final blow.
The song speaks to the experiences of countless young people who are unfairly targeted by the justice system, often because they are marginalized or disadvantaged in some way. The lyrics are a call to take action against oppression and to resist those who seek to destroy us. "Under 18" is a rallying cry for youth empowerment, for taking control of our destinies and refusing to be defined by the narrow confines of the law.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't - give up - got caught - in their trip
You were caught by the authorities when you fell into their trap, but you shouldn't give up.
You were under 18 so they got the law
The authorities used the law against you because you were underage.
Put the handcuffs on you
You were arrested and handcuffed.
Because you're young - you're easy bait
The authorities targeted you because you were young and vulnerable.
For a society - That's filled with hate
The society you live in is filled with hate, which makes it even harder for young people like you.
We were close - now you're gone
We used to be close, but after your arrest, you're no longer here with me.
Where the fuck will they put you
I'm worried about where they will imprison you and how they will treat you there.
Who do they think they are
I question the authority's right to plan your life for you.
I tried my best - to show you how
I did my best to show you how to survive in the streets and avoid getting caught by the authorities.
Got to survive in the street
You need to learn how to survive on the streets without falling into the authorities' traps.
I know your heart, you won't give in
I know you won't surrender to the authority's pressure and games.
To any of their fucking games NO
You won't fall for any of the authority's manipulative games.
Took away all your freedom
The authority deprived you of your freedom by imprisoning you.
Labeled you down - locked you up
The authority labeled you and imprisoned you like a criminal.
They want your mind - they want your soul
The authorities want to control every aspect of your life, including your thoughts and feelings.
Hold on tight - don't let go
Don't let the authorities take over your mind and soul; hold on tight and resist.
You must throw - the final blow
You need to fight back and deliver the final blow to the authority's control and oppression.
You're back - you made it
After all that you've been through, you're back and you've made it through.
You'll never give in
You won't surrender to the authority's pressure and games because you're strong and resilient.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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