my careless contagion

Your smile, the first thing I see when I open my eyes, invites me into a new day. Your lips, full and beautiful, part for a moment, purse again, kissing me on the nose. A new day for you and me begins with a smile and an ache. My time with you seems so short. The ache tells me our day will be spent apart.  I close my eyes again, my hand making its circuit up and down your thigh. Your breath catches momentarily, then releases as my hand pauses. I pull your body next to me. Our eyes closed, we both know this isn't about fulfilling a carnal desire. This is two spirits, two souls touching with bodies of flesh.  Some souls touch more than hands ever could.  We felt one another from a distance for so long. Now that we are close, it's stronger, though it has the same unique mix of excitement and peace. It's not confusing. It's precious and still feels brand new, though we keep coming back to it. I am jealous of my time with you, guarding it, but realizing I don't own you. ...

Marked by Bad Religion conforms to the punk rock ethic of mind over matter, of letting nothing affect you. Of being stronger than the world which seeks to crush and conform you. It is a classic theme of punk rock manifested on arguably one of Bad Religion's best albums, Stranger Than Fiction (1994). This is probably Bad Religion's most radio-friendly album and their first major-label release. Without getting into the discussion of punk rock and major labels, let me dissect the meaning of this song.  Lyrically, the song is simple. It was written by Brett Gurewitz, aka Mr. Brett, one of the band's founders, and guitarist (and owner of Epitaph records). Mr. Brett's songs are unique and quite unlike the other principal songwriter Greg Graffin's songs. The Gray Race album, entirely written by Graffin, showcases what's missing when Mr. Brett isn't involved.  Mr. Brett's songs are more like paintings, which are up to the viewer to decide what they mean,...