One Man Army

Album: Happiness Is Not A Fish That You Can Catch (1999)
Charted: 70
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Our Lady Peace lead singer Raine Maida said: "'One Man Army' is about the struggle for individuality. It's about finding the courage to strip naked and set fire to all your inhibitions. It's about cleansing yourself of all the people and things that suffocate your individuality." >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Chrissy - Vancouver, Canada
  • During a free performance at Kent State University for their "Flash Fest," Maida told the crowd that this song was about an elementary school student who was picked on and bullied a lot, so he set fire to his school. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Dave - Kent, OH

Comments: 3

  • Jeg from NoneThe song is about breaking free from the suffocation of society. Yet fools always want to take an opportunity to bash Christianity.

    Why do people always have to think that Christianity is what is corrupt, when it's the world that's f--ked? We play host to sexual perverts of all kinds, America is built on the bodies of the innocent, they put their babies to death on a daily basis for the sake of whoredom's convenience.

    Christianity, if anything, is what frees you from the vices of society. Things like drinking, fornication, drugs, TV... All the s--t that today's wicked rulers use to enslave you. You might think that by breaking your bands asunder (Psalms 2:3) you're "freeing" yourself from God, but at the end of the day, you can be ruled by God, or be a slave to your vices.

    Either way, your screw ups aren't God's fault. Get over yourselves.
  • Jeremy from Miramici, CanadaI really believe this song is all about questioning and breaking free from christanity. (not an attack on christanity but the corruption that it holds today) When he says give them the finger are you worried that your thoughts are not quite clear I can relate to this, because even though I believe I'm athiest I still question even that.
    Ultimatly I think hes saying he doesnt want to remember falling for the lies of christianity, but doesnt know what else to believe.
    He sings Unbutton your clothes undress your soul show them your vigor.
    and by this I think hes saying that christianity is based off of guilt, as long as your confess your sins your naked to your religion, making you afraid of what you believe in.
  • Christopher from Miami, Flan absolute anthem for anyone who wants to break free, from the static around them, and the people whom cause it.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")Song Writing

Director Mark Pellington on Pearl Jam's "Jeremy," and music videos he made for U2, Jon Bon Jovi and Imagine Dragons.

Emmylou Harris

Emmylou HarrisSongwriter Interviews

She thinks of herself as a "song interpreter," but back in the '80s another country star convinced Emmylou to take a crack at songwriting.

Neal Smith - "I'm Eighteen"

Neal Smith - "I'm Eighteen"They're Playing My Song

With the band in danger of being dropped from their label, Alice Cooper drummer Neal Smith co-wrote the song that started their trek from horror show curiosity to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The Punk Photography of Chris Stein

The Punk Photography of Chris SteinSong Writing

Chris Stein of Blondie shares photos and stories from his book about the New York City punk scene.

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17Songwriter Interviews

Martyn talks about producing Tina Turner, some Heaven 17 hits, and his work with the British Electric Foundation.

Ian Astbury of The Cult

Ian Astbury of The CultSongwriter Interviews

The Cult frontman tells who the "Fire Woman" is, and talks about performing with the new version of The Doors.