The raw rebellious spirit that once defined punk rock has been gradually sanitized and commercialized, much to the dismay of its original devotees. In this critical commentary, NOFX laments the transformation of punk culture from its anarchistic, anti-establishment roots into a watered-down, family-friendly version of its former self. The song uses sarcasm to mock the increasing safety measures, censorship, and corporatization of punk shows, comparing them to religious institutions through the clever wordplay in the title. The lyrics yearn for the return of authentic punk elements - conflict, dissent, and genuine political messaging - while criticizing modern punk bands for producing homogeneous, inoffensive music. The overall message suggests that by becoming "safer" and more mainstream, punk rock has lost its essential purpose as a vehicle for rebellion and social criticism.
The Separation of Church and Skate
Lyrics
Lost in a sea of combat boots
Flush the bouncers with wasted youth
When did punk rock become so safe?
When did the scene become a joke?
The kids who used to live for beer and speed
Now want their fries and coke
Cursing and birds are not allowed
In fact let's keep noise levels down
Must separate the church and skate
Why don't we put pads on the kids?
Helmets, head gear and mouth pieces
Then we could pad the floors and walls
Put cameras inside bathroom stalls
We make sure only nice bands play
Make every show a matinee
Teach kids to be all they can be
And we could sing, "My Country, 'Tis of Thee"
Sweet land of liberty
When did punk rock become so safe?
I know it wasn't Duane or Fletcher
Who put up the barricades
Like a stake in the heart
Somehow we got driven apart
I want conflict, I want dissent
I want the scene to represent
Our hatred of authority
Our fight against complacency
Stop singing songs 'bout girls and love
You killed the owl, you freed the dove
Confrontation and politics
Replaced with harmony and shticks
When did punk rock become so tame?
These fucking bands all sound the same
We want our fights, we want our thugs
We want our burns, we want our drugs
Where is the violent apathy?
These fucking records rated G
When did punk rock become so safe?
Writer(s): Michael John Burkett
Copyright(s): Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
What is the Meaning of The Separation of Church and Skate
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