Bad Religion - The Handshake + Better Off Dead | Reaction + Review!

[@KnightscastStudios]

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[@LuisSantos-fl1rl]

"Better Off Dead" by Bad Religion is a powerful song about regret and despair. The song's lyrics convey a sense of guilt and responsibility for the state of the world and its inhabitants, as well as a desire to make things right. In the first verse, the narrator apologizes for the sun and moon, expressing remorse for not anticipating the negative effects they would have. The chorus, "better off dead, a smile on the lips and a hole in the head", suggests that death might be preferable to living in a world full of pain and suffering. The second verse continues with the narrator apologizing for the world, admitting that they did not know how bad it would be. The line "why not try the entire human race, just to play it safe?" highlights the idea that humankind is often the cause of its own problems. The bridge and guitar solo offer a glimmer of hope, with the narrator promising to do better next time and ensure that everyone participates in creating a better universe. However, the outro reminds us that the regret and sorrow expressed throughout the song are not easily forgotten. Overall, "Better Off Dead" portrays a sense of despair at the state of the world and the narrator's own ability to affect change. It highlights the need for communication and participation in order to create a better future, but also acknowledges the difficulty of achieving this goal.

[@RojinegroMaiden]

you nailed it. love it.

[@LuisSantos-fl1rl]

​@@RojinegroMaiden In my entire life i never heard anything like Bad Religion. "Stranger than fiction" is a Master piece.

[@RojinegroMaiden]

@@LuisSantos-fl1rl would you tell me what's Generator about? Its my favorite one. but I dont get it lol

[@LuisSantos-fl1rl]

@@RojinegroMaiden The lyrics of Generator are a reflection on the cycles of life and the oppressive nature of societal constructs. Lead vocalist Greg Graffin delivers the message with his trademark intensity and conviction, drawing listeners into a searing examination of the human condition. The song explores the idea that human lives are often shaped by external forces that control and limit individual freedom. It delves into the struggle against complacency and conformity, urging listeners to break free from the metaphorical generator that stifles individuality and creativity. Bad Religion drew inspiration for the song Generator from their observations of the world around them. They sought to capture the frustration and disillusionment many people experience in the face of societal pressures and the struggle for authenticity. The title “Generator” refers to the metaphorical machinery that controls and generates the patterns of society. Bad Religion uses this metaphor to emphasize the idea that individuals are constrained by external systems and need to detach themselves from these limiting structures. These lyrics express the determination of an individual to navigate through life’s challenges, finding strength and resilience amidst the chaos and uncertainty. It speaks to the idea of maintaining one’s integrity and not succumbing to the overwhelming pressures of the world. The 'Generator' could be a metaphor for God. In the words of Brett: 'The vibe that I'm trying to give is like, if you've ever been in a room and the air conditioner's humming. You don't notice it, of course, because it's a constant hum. Then it turns off and you suddenly notice how quiet it is because it went away. That's the generator; it's just behind everything. It's funny, God and spirituality has been the central conflict of my entire life.' 'It's a song about my concept of god (...) the hammer, window, knife etc. are prose and I don't feel it's appropriate to give you my personal intention, although like any art there is a definite 'meaning' I'm trying to convey. If Generator makes you feel something when you listen to it real loud than chances are you understand it just fine.'

[@RojinegroMaiden]

​@@LuisSantos-fl1rl i loveit. tbh I've never understand it but now it every lyric makes sense to me. I think I get it. thank u so much 4 ur time.

[@downwardisheavenward3006]

Another perspective on Better Off Dead, from The BR Page, a quote from Brett - "Better Off Dead is about carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders and how it's better off not to do that.”

[@versebuchanan512]

It's not a pointless "I'm Sorry", its a sarcastic I'm sorry.

[@joshuamichael9761]

From here out Jay really steps up his bass game.

[@dynofx1132]

If you believe you're going to "heaven" than your better off dead. They added this to their set list for the first time and was the loudest song sang by the crowd...really cool, sounded like a choir.

[@johnblack3204]

Better off dead is one of those songs that I enjoyed the first time I heard it, but over time has become one of my favorite Bad Religion songs. There's a lot going on in it that you don't hear the first time you listen to it.

[@tim.kaiser_aka_timmaay]

🤣 The Handshake F-Bomb rating was perfect because it's "just a subtle fuck you" Well done Chuck! Brain cell to you! Now, "Better Off Dead" is one of the greatest bass lines ever written. You really need to focus in on the bass to catch it all (some of it is so subtle and buried), but it carries the rhythm and sound of the song from beginning to end perfectly. 10/10 bass line. Just shows off how amazing and underrated Jay Bentley is.

[@Lateralus138]

His "I'm sorry..." is sarcasm...

[@wasskay13]

I love this album. I feel like their growth as musicians and song writers really shows on this masterpiece. Not to discredit everything before this but this album really sticks out for me from start to finish.

[@jalbertoss]

Better of Dead was the first punk rock song I heard and bc of that I turned into Punk, its been a good long ride❤

[@Boognish82]

Better Off Dead is one of my very favorite BR songs. Those harmonies! Usually they harmonize on the chorus, not on the verses.

[@erykvonritzmann4741]

I feel like Better off dead is so passive aggressive lol

[@chops5996]

If I remember correctly Better Off Dead is about the creative writing process of bad religion songs. People being critical of their song writing and growth as musicians.

[@josephsimmons9241]

First BR album I ever heard. Blew me the fuck away! Unlike any other music ever made! Energetic and intellectual. "Everyone's vying for patronage!"

[@NinjaLill]

Better of dead is one of the best songs. The irony. Just. In. Case.

[@christopherrubino3614]

OOF I have to many requests or things I would just be curious to see your reaction to! Saves the day "A drag in d flat" hell half of saves the days discography would be interesting. Rufio "Still" Face to face "disconnected" or "A wolf in sheep's clothing" , Audio Karate "Nintendo 89", Autopilot off "Cicada's song" and the list would keep going on and on!!!!!!!!

[@christopherrubino3614]

Would love to see a reaction to la dispute "king park" such a good one and kind of all over the place emotionally from the event to the song to the voice!