Questions & Statements #2

Singalong Song

When’s the last time you saw a room full of people singing a song that wasn’t a hit on the radio at one point or another?

Growing up in St John’s, Newfoundland, one song stuck out for many years, most importantly for its story: "Dry Show" by CONDITIONER.

The band’s member have served in different punk projects over the years like BAD PLAN, YEE GIRLS and PILLOWCOUNT. It’s not a punk song, it’s a song about punk. The story describes the atmosphere of St John’s shows at one time.

I didn’t know it was a true story till I joked to the singer about the starting lyrics, asking “so who punched you in the face?” That’s when the story found me. It’s a small enough town that I think he even pointed to the person at that show.

After talking to another friend about my newfound knowledge, he told me excitedly that he was in fact one of the kids described in the song who the singer had stuck up for.

Sometimes you steal someone’s beer, tag the wrong shit or break a rule. We take it, dish it out and learn along the way. You never know when that stupid kid from the gig might act a bit smarter and become a lifelong friend. This song embodies that feeling of waking away in defeat (yet with a smile) after breaking some rules.

I hope this song does not get forgotten. There’s a great live session version on the Lost Opus YouTube channel that I recommend.

The lyrics as listed on bandcamp:

I was punched in the face by an aging punk outside of a house show a few years back.
I recall that.
I guess I shouldn't have said anything in defense of those kids.
Their only crime
was doing cocaine with the sketchy dude you invited but who invited you?
You stood outside gatekeeping with an open beer, arms folded you wore a sneer. They were nothing like what you lost.

When you really get a taste for it, it really sucks you in.
They want to be your friend.
You want to run away.
Makes you want to walk home