Straight Edge
Minor Threat Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I've got better things to do
Than sit around and fuck my head
Hang out with the living dead
Snort white shit up my nose
Pass out at the shows
I don't even think about speed
That's something I just don't need
I've got the straight edge
I'm a person just like you
But I've got better things to do
Than sit around and smoke dope
Because I know that I can cope
Laugh at the thought of eating ludes
Laugh at the thought of sniffing glue
Always gonna keep in touch
Never want to use a crutch
I've got the straight edge
I've got the straight edge
I've got the straight edge
I've got the straight edge
The lyrics of Minor Threat's song "Straight Edge" express the values and ideals of the straight edge lifestyle, which emerged as a subculture within the punk rock scene in the early 1980s. The song is a manifesto of sorts, as it outlines the singer's rejection of drugs and alcohol, as well as their disdain for those who engage in such behaviors. The first stanza establishes the singer's sense of purpose and self-worth, as they claim to have "better things to do" than waste their time and health on drugs. They refer to drug users as the "living dead" and denounce their reckless behavior, such as snorting white powder and passing out at shows.
The second stanza reaffirms the singer's commitment to the straight edge lifestyle, as they reject marijuana and other drugs in favor of a clear mind and the ability to cope. They also express their distaste for other substances, such as Quaaludes and glue, and emphasize their desire to remain independent and avoid reliance on any crutches or coping mechanisms. The repeated refrain of "I've got straight edge" serves as a rallying cry for others who share these values and beliefs, and demonstrate the singer's pride in their identity as a straight edge individual.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm a person just like you
I am a human being just like you, with similar attributes and characteristics.
But I've got better things to do
However, I have a different preference in my lifestyle regarding my leisure time.
Than sit around and fuck my head
Instead of doing drugs and making my head spin, unnecessarily, I choose not to.
Hang out with the living dead
In other words, I avoid spending time with drug addicts or alcoholics who are basically throwing their precious life away.
Snort white shit up my nose
I refuse to inhale any powdery substance into my nose, like cocaine.
Pass out at the shows
I would rather remain in control of my senses and enjoy the music, without blacking out from excessive alcohol or drug consumption.
I don't even think about speed
I do not even consider consuming any form of amphetamine, as I know its potential side effects.
That's something I just don't need
I am perfectly fine without any form of substance abuse, hence I do not require it in my life.
I've got straight edge
My own personal decision to abstain from drugs, alcohol, and other such substances is known as being 'straight edge'.
Laugh at the thought of eating ludes
I even find the idea of consuming quaaludes humorous, and hence, unacceptable.
Laugh at the thought of sniffing glue
The same mentality applies to huffing glue, which seems like an unreasonable action.
Always gonna keep in touch
I remain aware of and in charge of my actions, emotions, and mental state, without the need or influence of any synthetic or harmful chemicals.
Never want to use a crutch
I strive for self-reliance and independence rather than being dependent on drugs to feel a certain way or to cope with life's struggles.
Lyrics ยฉ ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING
Written by: Minor Threat
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@spinyjunior8118
Just so I can read the lyrics and listen at the same time (the lyric videos never do it for me)
I'm a person just like you
But I've got better things to do
Than sit around and fuck my head
Hang out with the living dead
Snort white shit up my nose
Pass out at the shows
I don't even think about speed
That's something I just don't need
I've got straight edge
I'm a person just like you
But I've got better things to do
Than sit around and smoke dope
Because i know that I can cope
Laugh at the thought of eating ludes
Laugh at the thought of sniffing glue
Always gonna keep in touch
Never want to use a crutch
I've got straight edge
@jackcarraway4707
@@ajmurtagh27
I'm a person just like you
But I've got better things to do
Than sit around and fuck my head
Hang out with the living dead
Snort white shit up my nose
Pass out at the shows
I don't even think about speed
That's just something I don't need
Ian makes it pretty clear how he feels about drugs and alcohol.
@hopeisintheether2888
The moral of the story is, he abused so many hard drugs for so many years that his brain broke in twain , and the voices in his head told him to kill, so he grabbed a straightedge and now he will slice and dice anyone who does hard drugs.
Whoah man, step away from the crack pipe slowly, and kick those heroin filled syringes, and little bags of crystal meth over to the curb, and dump those lines of coke, and used straws and broken and cracked mirrors into the garbage.
Now pass those joints, bongs, and ziplock bags overflowing with that sweet, succulent cannabis over to me, because I will dispose of it very quickly.
And slide those giant bags of psilocybin, and liberty cap mushrooms over to me.
Remember stay away from powders, pills, and synthetic drugs.
Only responsible use of natural drugs.
Or you get a slice from a straightedge.
@cdubs9918
It's amazing how a 45 second song started an entire subculture of music and an entire hardcore scene.
@ronaldsmith8101
I'm an ex meth addict and back when I was using I just like the song because it's punk. But now that im sober I understand what Ian's message. - I'm a person just like you.. I go through the same problems as the next woman and or as the next man or but I keep my held up high and stay positive struggling to not use.
@PalashaGabarra
Ex heroin addict. Almost died twice from OD'ing. Sober since 2017. Drugs are degeneracy. They only reduce your power level.
@JJONNYREPP
Minor Threat-Straight Edge yr full of shit...
@devilsoffspring5519
@@PalashaGabarra I've met plenty of sober degenerates though. There are also plenty of people in the world that enjoy a good buzz and are otherwise conscientious people that wouldn't ever dream of hurting or killing anyone that didn't have it coming.
Good for you for quitting heroin though, I've heard that stuff is an absolute ball-busting blinkin' bugger to quit and that's one of the reasons I never got into it. I'm also too lazy to seek it out and too cheap to pay for it. It's supposed be a hell of a good buzz, though.
@mikesilva5085
I remember hearing Minor Threat when I was 13 and instinctively knew that Ian meant what he was saying . I also instinctively knew he wasn't preaching . He wasn't instructing you how to live your life but at the same time he was proudly proclaiming his lifestyle choices . I thought that was so cool .
@theheightsboy100
โโฆnever want to use a ccrrrRRUUUTCH!!โ power level 1000, gets me everytime
@Larolex3
Same man, love this shit
@BrettonFerguson
I could never use drugs or alcohol as a crutch.... because crutches help you walk.
@joes.4149
@@BrettonFerguson some people canโt even walk on their own.