The Separation of Church and Skate

NOFX's song "The Separation of Church and Skate" is a raw and unapologetic critique of the punk rock scene's evolution. The song opens with a dialogue between a father and his kids, highlighting the mundane options of modern entertainment before enthusiastically choosing a punk rock show. This sets the stage for the band's lament over how the punk rock scene has lost its rebellious edge and become sanitized and commercialized.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a time when punk rock was synonymous with rebellion, chaos, and a fight against authority. The imagery of combat boots and wasted youth contrasts sharply with the current scene, where the once wild and untamed spirit of punk has been replaced by a more family-friendly, sanitized version. The line "Must separate the church and skate" serves as a metaphor for the need to keep the raw, rebellious spirit of punk rock separate from mainstream, conformist influences.

NOFX criticizes the current state of punk rock, where safety measures like pads and helmets, and the inclusion of cameras in bathroom stalls, symbolize the over-regulation and loss of freedom. The song calls for a return to the roots of punk rock, emphasizing conflict, dissent, and a fight against complacency. The band expresses frustration with the current trend of punk bands singing about love and harmony, rather than addressing political and social issues. The repeated question, "When did punk rock become so safe?" underscores the band's longing for the days when punk was a powerful force for change and rebellion.