Thrilled after catching Strike Anywhere’s recent show, a close friend revealed to me yesterday he’d done some research on some of their lyrical content and wanted to discuss a few deeply disturbing political truths with me.
Though essentially not a politically motivated person myself, I can’t help but notice many of my favourite bands are either fiercely influenced by politics or at least vaguely tied to a particular cause. Propaghandi, Bad Religion, Anti-Flag Rage Against The Machine, have always made politics sound appealing.
I have –of course- looked into the vague sentiment behind their lyrics but never been compelled to take my participation any further. I almost think the current generation of punk listeners, honestly don’t possess the same unrelenting passion for politics.
I used to think drenching fantastic music in unrelenting, biased political standpoints was exhausting as it was almost impossible to ignore their crafty lyrics and find the time to develop your own opinion on the topic at hand. Then again, when bands like Against Me!, Rise Against, Frenzal Rhomb, NOFX etc start exploring the benefits of genuine social and political discontent, their music becomes that extra bit tastier. Almost as if the injustices of current governmental policies have ten times the burn of an adulterous significant other.
But then can you ever truly enjoy a band’s music if you have no interest in their lyrical content? Would those amazing, empowered sing-alongs at live shows be dampened by Lee Harding-esque inadequacies? The talentless arsehat was berated on Australian Idol when he sung Green Day’s ‘Holiday’ then admitted he cared little for the message behind the lyrics.
Are we guilty of the same crime? Must political lyrics be either believed or ignored? Will I ever recover after mentioning Harding’s name and admitting knowledge of said reality TV show? Who knows?
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