Well, first, I agree that SSPU is a wonderful band. But I think this song is a lot darker than most of you seem to. To me, this song is about a young man who has been living through a hellish abusive family life, and has finally broken free. Evidence:
Song title, after all, mentions Families.
Items associated with children - string, rusty ring.
"So what?" - infected wound (something children get commonly), but no one cares.
Forgotten prison - sounds like many kids' homes.
"Now I know just where I stand" - something a teenager might say after his parents lay down the law or even strike him.
"bitter end, I know it won't" - I might finally be getting away from the abusive parent (moving out), but of course it won't really be the end since they're family.
"thank god it's over" - Brian's voice in the last verse and especially this line are so filled with anger and anguish, and also relief at finally escaping.
Also, if you watch the video, Brian has a very prominent black eye. I assume it's makeup, applied for the video. You have to ask yourself why he might have done that.
Anyway, that's how I see it. And no, I'm not from an abusive family background myself. But this song still almost makes me cry like a little girl every time I hear it.
Well, first, I agree that SSPU is a wonderful band. But I think this song is a lot darker than most of you seem to. To me, this song is about a young man who has been living through a hellish abusive family life, and has finally broken free. Evidence: Song title, after all, mentions Families. Items associated with children - string, rusty ring. "So what?" - infected wound (something children get commonly), but no one cares. Forgotten prison - sounds like many kids' homes. "Now I know just where I stand" - something a teenager might say after his parents lay down the law or even strike him. "bitter end, I know it won't" - I might finally be getting away from the abusive parent (moving out), but of course it won't really be the end since they're family. "thank god it's over" - Brian's voice in the last verse and especially this line are so filled with anger and anguish, and also relief at finally escaping.
Also, if you watch the video, Brian has a very prominent black eye. I assume it's makeup, applied for the video. You have to ask yourself why he might have done that.
Anyway, that's how I see it. And no, I'm not from an abusive family background myself. But this song still almost makes me cry like a little girl every time I hear it.
@rkpetersen Makes sense... in the video Brian's got a black eye
@rkpetersen Makes sense... in the video Brian's got a black eye
@rkpetersen Makes sense... in the video Brian's got a black eye
@rkpetersen Makes sense... in the video Brian's got a black eye