GOOD RIDDANCE is back with a politically charged anthem, “No More System to Believe In,” which serves as a direct attack on broken societal structures.
This new single, released under Fat Wreck Chords, packs a punch with its blend of skate punk energy and a thought-provoking lyrical message that echoes the band’s deep roots in hardcore punk. Over three minutes of hard-hitting riffs, the track reflects the band’s continued resistance to conformity, showcasing their signature raw sound while making a clear statement on the decay of political systems.
The lyrics offer a stark vision of a landscape ravaged by war and failure. Lines like “Resistance in the eyes of one and all the same” and “Construct your edifice of taxes and despair” highlight the futility of current power structures, as well as the sense of alienation that comes with them.
With this track, the band channels their frustration into a powerful melodic punk anthem that reflects the disillusionment so many are experiencing. The lyrics lament the loss of a society meant to be interconnected, where the struggles of one should matter to all. If we want to see real change, we’ve got to get involved. Whether it’s voting or just getting closer to our communities, the song is a reminder that the power to rebuild is in our hands—if we choose to use it.
The song calls for opposition, urging listeners to raise banners and challenge those who hold authority, with the powerful chorus proclaiming there’s “No more system to believe in.” The imagery of fallen soldiers, rusted medals, and desperate decisions paint a grim picture of societal collapse, with GOOD RIDDANCE standing firm as advocates for change.
Vocalist Russ Rankin shares: “A Hope…To believe in this society as a vast, interconnected body, and that the voiceless suffering and malaise of our neighbors are ours as well to bear. Actioned by lifting each other up in the small, nascent moments when there is no immediate glory or brilliant reward in it. And by reimagining the breathless vigor and star-crossed hope with which this grand experiment was originally conceived. For no machination of government, nor whip of authority, may succeed in stifling our capacity to care for, and support one another in what must ultimately be a unified struggle for vitality, liberty, and a more equitable distribution of life’s blessings.”
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Formed in 1986, GOOD RIDDANCE hails from Santa Cruz, California, and quickly made a name for themselves in the punk scene.
Led by vocalist Russ Rankin, the band blends the intensity of hardcore punk with socially conscious lyrics, addressing themes of political injustice, personal struggles, and the environment.
With nine studio albums under their belt, including the critically acclaimed Thoughts and Prayers (2019), the band has remained an influential voice in the punk community.
Following a temporary breakup in 2007, GOOD RIDDANCE reunited in 2012 and have continued to push the boundaries of punk rock, while staying true to their activist principles.
