Unwelcomed Songs: Collected Lyrics 1980-1992

by Henry Rollins

Unwelcomed Songs covers the lyrical output of Henry Rollins from his first work in the late seventies when he lived in Washington DC, through his contributions to the Black Flag cannon to the first few years of the Rollins Band.
In interviews Henry has said on many occasions that he has always tried to "bring the inside outside" lyrically. Usually blunt and visceral, his words make no apology and don't hold back, earning him die hard fans and harsh criticism alike.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Memoir

256 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2002

About the author

Henry Rollins (born Henry Lawrence Garfield; often referred to simply as Rollins) is an American singer-songwriter, spoken word artist, author, actor and publisher.

After joining the short-lived Washington, D.C. band State of Alert in 1980, Rollins fronted the Californian hardcore punk band Black Flag from 1981 until 1986. Following the band's breakup, Rollins soon established the record label and publishing company 2.13.61 to release his spoken word albums, as well as forming the Rollins Band, which toured with a number of lineups until 2003 and during 2006.

Since Black Flag, Rollins has embarked on projects covering a variety of media. He has hosted numerous radio shows, such as The Henry Rollins Show and Harmony In My Head, and television shows, such as MTV's 120 Minutes and Jackass, along with roles in several films. Rollins has also campaigned for human rights in the United States, promoting gay rights in particular, and tours overseas with the United Service Organizations to entertain American troops.

Reviews

[Deyth Banger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its a really weird work, but still non the less enjoyable and interesting to dive deep into the human emotions.

[Shawn Fairweather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slightly disappointed in Hanks effort on this one. Only for the fact that I would have liken to see more thoughts from him or perhaps others. I can never get enough Black Flag or travel stories and I seldomly see Rollins Band stories especially from the End of Silence and prior sessions. What I read was great, photos great, but I would have liked to see more. I appreciate the lyrics, but honestly I get them when I pick up the album. I enjoy the lyric writing process to a point but what I like more is the story behind the lyrics which only played out here in small amounts. A must for any Rollins fan like myself, but not his best effort by far.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

One should get this book for the cover alone.

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This would be better to read along with the Black Flag and Rollins Band CDs, but, honestly, it was great just for the pictures. I wish I had scanned them. Henry Rollins is love.

[Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Henry Rollins writes brutal lyrics. Lots of nice black and white photos included. I dug it, but not as much as I thought I would.

[Derek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great stuff here.

[Avis F. · Rating 4 out of 5]

rollins is great when you're feeling really pissed off and rejected from the world. would have given it 5 stars, but near the end i was getting a little tired of his bleak outlook on everything.

[Myke · Rating 4 out of 5]

5 stars because i love him and he would destroy me if given a lower rating.