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Back Against The Wall Lyrics
you yell out in defiance
you're backed up against the wall
they're up there clutching their guns and
it makes you feel real small
so you can cuss, spit, throw bottles
broken glass
but it all ends up with handcuffs on you hands
you run around and spray paint
graffiti on everybody's wall
you think that's bitchin man
that ain't nothing at all!
so you can cuss,spit,throw bottles
broken glass
but it ends up with a swift kick to your ass
you're backed up against the wall
they're up there clutching their guns and
it makes you feel real small
broken glass
but it all ends up with handcuffs on you hands
graffiti on everybody's wall
you think that's bitchin man
that ain't nothing at all!
broken glass
but it ends up with a swift kick to your ass
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I've always taken this amongst the lines of being against phony revolutionary type kids. The shit they're doing described in this song, is just destructive crap. Nothing is accomplished from it. Kids think they're tough shit because they "cuss, spit, throw bottles, write graffiti, or break glass", but just like it's said, "that ain't nothing at all".
Totally agree with xDeadCitiesx - this point is proven further by the Jerks performance in "The Decline of Western Civilization", where Keith alternates some of the lyrics:
"You run around, spray paint Graffiti on everybody's walls You think you're really smart, man But you don't know fuckin' shit at all!"
To me, this song means that you can't rebel without having the cops on your back. They have the guns, so you can't do too much, it makes you feel real small. You can cuss, spit, throw bottles, write graffiti, or break glass, but the cops will kick your ass and arrest you.
If you think about it...It could be about Henry Rollins. Remember, Rollins took his spot in Black Flag. I mean it sounds selfish but, "Graffiti on eveybody's walls"-sounds like spray paint the walls by black flag. Broken Glass...The Cover of Damaged. There is a little more to it. No Time To Talk.
Love this song. It's one of the best messages in any punk song for the punkers out there that are looking to "voice their opinion". There are smart ways, then there are ways that basically amount to nothing and end up in arrest. Nice job fellas. Thanks.