An Essay On Revolution

by Russ Rankin of Good Riddance

Although the word "revolution" often conjures up stark images of fierce rebellion and violent, dogmatic clashes between oppressor and oppressed, it is, I believe in reality practiced on a much more personal level; at least in the context of one's involvement in the punk/hardcore scene.

As humanity races inexorably towards a new century and punk, as a relevant social movement, wimds down it's second decade, I find myself wrestling with the inevitable hardships inherent in remaining steadfast in my ideals at a time when adherence to these principals is frowned on by others my age. As someone who has invested close to fifteen years in this lifestyle, I can attest that being punk at 29 is much different than being punk at 17.

In today's world of alienation, avarice and despair it seems to be increasingly tempting for us to throw up our hands, overwhelmed by it all, and admit defeat-submitting ourselves grimly to whatever fate the powers that be have in store for us. As we grow older the pull to somehow conform, to normalize, to "outgrow" punk and hardcore becomes quite strong. I've watched more than a few friends who once claimed they would "never sell out" trade in their spikes and their Crass lp's for a more acceptable existence. Only by constantly reinventing my own personal definition of revolution have I survived to fight another day.

I still believe that we can change the world but I am convinced that this battle will be won or lost on a more personal front depending on our ability to change and evolve as people; to experience our own inner-revolution. This might, in turn, affect those around us, the communities we live in and, ideally, the world.

It is from this more practical revolt that this collection of songs is born; from such "revolutionary" notions as the belief that we are all intrinsically liked together-that we must treat those with whom we share this fragile planet with benevolence and compassion, from the idea that we can affect more positive changes by uniting in a common purpose than by dividing in hatred, and that to the extent that we value and nurture out own interpersonal relationships will we invariably enrich our own lives and those around us.

The real revolution lies in questioning the once unquestionable. Blind acceptance of somebody else's status quo and the age-old idea that we can't make a difference will be our downfall if we let it. We must never stop trying to better ourselves and the world around us.

Remember that in a revolution of ideologies there can be no more potent weapon than the combination of values, sincerity, and conviction.

-Russ R.

October 1997

From the CD booklet of Good Riddance's third full length on Fat Wreck Chords, Ballads From The Revolution.