ANGELIC UPSTARTS are an English punk rock band formed in South Shields in 1… Read Full Bio ↴ANGELIC UPSTARTS are an English punk rock band formed in South Shields in 1977. They are one of most prominent Oi! bands, and espouse a socialist and working class philosophy which later inspired bands such as: Strawman, Red London or Redskins . Angelic Upstarts have been associated with anti-fascist skinhead subculture. More than two decades after its release, their debut single, "The Murder Of Liddle Towers", was included in Mojo magazine’s list of the best punk rock singles of all time. The original line up for the band was Mensi (vocals), Mond (guitar), Steve Forsten (bass) and Decca Wade (drums). The band have reformed and split a few times over the years and some of the ex members include bass players, Ronnie Wooden, Glyn Warren, Tony Feedback, Ronnie Rocker and Max Splodge who also had a stint playing drums. Other drummers have included Sticks (who later joined The Cockney Rejects), Paul Thompson (ex Roxy Music) and Chris White. Decca Wade rejoined the band for a few years before leaving again. Brian Hayes originally joined the band as second guitarist until Mond left leaving Brian as the only guitarist. The line up for the band is as follows
The band are still playing throughout Europe.
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A Young Punk
Angelic Upstarts Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Young punk born to lose
But never the right to choose
At the 100 club there's not a lot else to do
Ponce a drink maybe sniff some glue
A young punk asks where's the change
As his world it's still the same
As he stands up to pay his toll
The problem's still wall to wall

Traffic sign punched in a night of frustration
A night on the blocks to ease the tension
But ask yourself does it really matter
To the punk on the street without an answer

But mister we'll change your views
If he wasn't tough he wouldn't be news

Overall Meaning

The Angelic Upstarts' song "A Young Punk" reflects on the state of the British punk scene in the late 1970s. The song's opening lines, "Young punk born to lose, but never the right to choose," speaks to the bleak prospects felt by many young people in the period, who felt disenfranchised and disconnected from mainstream society. The song describes the limited options for entertainment and release available to punks, including drinking and drug use. The lyrics of "A Young Punk" also touch on themes of frustration and anger, with references to traffic signs being punched and nights spent on the block to ease tension.

However, despite the difficulties and challenges faced by young punks, the song also speaks to the resilience and determination of this generation. The lyrics suggest that despite the odds against them, punks will keep fighting for change and pushing for something better. In the final lines of the chorus, the song declares, "But mister we'll change your views, if he wasn't tough he wouldn't be news." This statement suggests that the punks may be dismissed or overlooked by those in power, but their voices and actions will eventually have an impact and influence on society.

In sum, "A Young Punk" is a powerful and insightful reflection on the punk scene of the late 1970s, capturing the spirit of a generation that was marginalized and struggling but also determined and resilient in the face of adversity.

Line by Line Meaning

Young punk born to lose
The young punk is facing unfavorable circumstances from birth and has a bleak future.

But never the right to choose
Despite this, the punk believes that he has the freedom to make choices.

At the 100 club there's not a lot else to do
The punk spends his time at a venue where there is little entertainment or opportunity.

Ponce a drink maybe sniff some glue
To pass the time, the punk indulges in drinking and drug use.

A young punk asks where's the change
The punk questions whether things will ever improve for himself and his peers.

As his world it's still the same
Despite his hopes, the punk's world remains stagnant and unchanging.

As he stands up to pay his toll
Even the smallest actions, such as paying a toll, are difficult for the punk.

The problem's still wall to wall
The punk is surrounded by problems and obstacles on all sides.

Traffic sign punched in a night of frustration
Out of frustration, the punk lashes out and vandalizes public property.

A night on the blocks to ease the tension
In order to cope with stress and anxiety, the punk spends time on street corners.

But ask yourself does it really matter
The punk questions whether his actions have any real significance or impact.

To the punk on the street without an answer
Despite his uncertainty, the punk continues to search for meaning and purpose.

But mister we'll change your views
The punk believes that he and his fellow punks will eventually be able to change society's views on them.

If he wasn't tough he wouldn't be news
The punk feels that the only way he can gain recognition and attention is by demonstrating his toughness and strength.

Writer(s): Robert Mensforth, Brian Hayes

Contributed by Brooklyn S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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