Blame It On The Youth
Action Lyrics


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The guns of oppression are pointing at you
Looking down the barrel of one tonight
The special squad cars are on red alert
You know the policeman is always right

Blame it on the youth, they always do
Blame it on the youth, we're ready for you
Murder is a crime unless you're a cop
Then it's all to do with duty
I only thought they were there to scare
I never really thought they'd shoot him

If they make a mistake they'll cover it up
With some ridiculous lie
Morning newspapers gloating on violence
How many more will suffer and die?

Everywhere you go
It's all the same
Your just another pawn
In a bigger power game

It's all the same all over the world
Justice just isn't fair
On law for them and another for us
They'll strip your dignity bare

Justice is a load of bollox
It really doesn't exist




You're just another target
On a policeman's list

Overall Meaning

In Action's song "Blame It on the Youth," the lyrics speak to the issue of police brutality and oppression faced by marginalized groups. The song starts with the image of the guns of oppression pointed at the singer, indicating the danger and threat they face in their daily lives. The special squad cars and red alerts suggest a heightened state of tension and danger, adding to the feeling of being watched and oppressed. The lyrics "Blame it on the youth, they always do" and "Blame it on the youth, we're ready for you" highlight the common notion of blaming young people for societal problems rather than addressing the root causes.


The song then delves into the issue of police brutality, suggesting that murder is only a crime if the perpetrator is not a cop. The singer expresses their disbelief at the shooting of an unarmed person, showing how deeply ingrained the issue of police brutality is. The lyrics "If they make a mistake, they'll cover it up with some ridiculous lie" call attention to the problem of police departments covering up abuses of power. Morning newspapers gloating on violence further highlight the normalization of police brutality in society.


The lyrics "Justice is a load of bollox, it really doesn't exist" speaks to the lack of justice for marginalized groups and highlights the need for systemic change. The song ends on a note of hopelessness, with the singer being another "target on a policeman's list." Overall, Action's "Blame It on the Youth" is a powerful commentary on police brutality, oppression, and the lack of justice for marginalized groups.


Line by Line Meaning

The guns of oppression are pointing at you
You are the target of those who seek to oppress you


Looking down the barrel of one tonight
You are in immediate danger of being shot by those who oppress you


The special squad cars are on red alert
The authorities are prepared to use force against you


You know the policeman is always right
You are expected to submit to the authority of the police, even when they are wrong


Blame it on the youth, they always do
Young people are often scapegoated for problems caused by others


Blame it on the youth, we're ready for you
We are prepared to stand up against the unjust accusations against young people


Murder is a crime unless you're a cop
Police officers are often held to a different standard of accountability than civilians


Then it's all to do with duty
Police officers may justify harmful actions as part of their duty to maintain law and order


I only thought they were there to scare
The presence of police was once thought to be a deterrent, rather than a direct threat to civilians


I never really thought they'd shoot him
The use of deadly force by police was not always seen as a likely outcome of an interaction


If they make a mistake they'll cover it up
Law enforcement officials may attempt to conceal their errors or misconduct


With some ridiculous lie
The cover-up story is often implausible or unfounded


Morning newspapers gloating on violence
The media may sensationalize violent acts, regardless of the harm done to those involved


How many more will suffer and die?
The continued violence and oppression inflicted by those in power is a cause for concern


Everywhere you go
The oppression is widespread and inescapable


It's all the same
The patterns of violence and oppression are repeated across many contexts and situations


Your just another pawn
Individuals may be disregarded or exploited by those in power, without regard for their humanity


In a bigger power game
The use of violence and oppression by people in positions of power is part of a larger social and political system


It's all the same all over the world
The patterns of violence and oppression are replicated globally, with few exceptions


Justice just isn't fair
The legal system may not ensure fairness or equity for all individuals


On law for them and another for us
The legal system may operate according to different rules, depending on who is involved


They'll strip your dignity bare
Cruel and dehumanizing treatment may be inflicted on those who are marginalized or oppressed


Justice is a load of bollox
The notion that justice is served through legal institutions is often met with skepticism or disbelief


It really doesn't exist
Some believe that justice is an illusion or myth


You're just another target
Individuals may be seen as threats or enemies of the state, simply for being themselves


On a policeman's list
Police officers may view certain individuals or groups as targets of surveillance or monitoring




Contributed by Ella F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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