Dag Nasty was an American melodic hardcore band from Washington D.C., formed in 1985 by guitarist Brian Baker of Minor Threat, drummer Colin Sears and bassist Roger Marbury, both of Bloody Mannequin Orchestra, and vocalist Shawn Brown (later of Swiz and Jesuseater). Their style of less aggressive, melodic hardcore was influential to emocore, as well as post-hardcore; they being influenced by The Faith and their 1983 EP Subject to Change.
Shawn Brown was the first vocalist with whom the band recorded unreleased versions of most of the material that later made up their first release Can I Say, which featured former roadie and new singer Dave Smalley of DYS. Dave left the band to attend grad school at New York University before a summer tour with The Descendents. A new singer, Peter Cortner, was found after the band placed an ad in a local paper and the tour was kept. After touring half the US opening for The Descendents, the band went home and recorded new material that wasn't released until years later. After a few more local shows, the band broke up in the fall of 1986. Brian went to L.A. to start a new band with Doug Carrion and half of Doggie Style called Doggie Rock. After releasing one album under the Doggie Style name, Doggie Rock broke up and Brian reformed Dag Nasty in early 1987 with Peter, Colin and Doug replacing Roger Marbury, who declined to rejoin. Months later, the band recorded and released Wig Out at Denko's, including rerecorded versions of the late 86' tape and new material.
I just wanna ride
so drive
I don't care where we're going to
just go
just drive
I don't care if we ever come back here
just drive
I wanna lay back and close my eyes
just let me close my eyes
Don't hold my hand
it makes me afraid
Don't hold my hand
it's too late for that
I can see your head
I can see the fire
just close your eyes
Fear is the law
duty is pain
Shame is necessary
to grind the edges from our minds
our minds
She's hurtin' now
she let the smooth taste fool her
now when she opens up her eyes
her head's on fire
She wanted to be
a fly on my wall
She thinks she'll see me change
but I don't change at all
I won't change at all
no not for you dear
I won't change at all
You wouldn't have to walk on water
if you'd just swim like the rest of us
if for once in your life
you'd just close your eyes