Bastard In Love

Black Flag's song 'Bastard In Love' delves into the tumultuous and often painful experience of unrequited love. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a relationship where one partner's feelings are not reciprocated, leading to a cycle of emotional torment. The phrase 'Bastard in love' suggests a sense of betrayal and harshness, as if love itself has become a cruel and punishing force. The repeated lines 'my love is real' emphasize the sincerity and depth of the narrator's feelings, despite the lack of acknowledgment or reciprocation from their partner.

The song explores the destructive nature of this one-sided love, where the narrator's attempts to connect and communicate are met with indifference or deceit. Lines like 'Punish your lover, and then just turn your back' and 'My heart sinks further with each of your lies' highlight the emotional toll and the sense of abandonment felt by the narrator. The lyrics suggest a longing for genuine connection and validation, but also a resignation to the pain that comes with loving someone who does not love you back.

Culturally, Black Flag is known for their raw and intense punk rock style, which often addresses themes of alienation, frustration, and emotional struggle. 'Bastard In Love' fits within this framework, using stark and direct language to convey the anguish of unfulfilled love. The song's relentless repetition of 'my love is real' serves as both a declaration and a plea, underscoring the narrator's desperate need for their feelings to be recognized and valued. This track captures the essence of emotional vulnerability and the harsh reality of loving someone who cannot or will not return that love.