The NYHC Breakdown started in Yonkers, NY just outside of NYC. It consisted… Read Full Bio ↴The NYHC Breakdown started in Yonkers, NY just outside of NYC. It consisted of Jeff (Vocals), Carl (Guitar), Don (Guitar), Rich (Bass), and Drago (Drums.) The band fused the thrash style of A7 style hardcore punk with a modern metallic crunch, influenced by crossover sound of bands like Crumbsuckers, Cro-Mags, and Agnostic Front. Their classic demo, released as a 7" and then CD on Blackout! Records set the stage for bands like Hatebreed and Madball. This first line up of Breakdown split up in 1988, Jeff continued with new musicians, releasing albums on Thorp and Eyeball Records while Carl, Drago, and Rich joined with Ex-NY Hoods Guitarist and Ex-Token Entry vocalist Anthony to form Raw Deal.

Safe In A Crowd
Breakdown Lyrics

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(I′m ready)
One, two, three, go

Yeah, you say things to me when
You got forty friends watchin'
Your back
Oh, but when they′re not there
You should shut your fuckin' trap

Yeah, you say things to me when
You got

Forty friends watchin' your back

Oh, but when they′re not there
You should shut your fuckin′ trap
Yeah, you got lots of friends
And I know why 'cause they′re all
Like you

Too weak to settle one on one
So put it together, that's what you do
(Best)

Coward, that′s all you are
Faggot, without your friends
Pussy, when you're alone
Death, that′s where it ends

Yeah, you say things to me when
You got

Forty friends watchin' your back
Oh, but when they're not there
You should shut your fuckin′ trap
Yeah, you say things to me when
You got

Forty friends watchin′ your back
Oh, but when they're not there
You should shut your fuckin′ trap

Yeah, you got lots of friends
And I know why 'cause they′re
All like you

Too weak to settle one on one
So put it together, that's what you do (Best)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Breakdown's song "Safe In A Crowd" convey a message about the cowardice and insecurity of people who talk tough only when they are surrounded by their friends. The singer calls out these types of individuals, pointing out that they are too weak to fight their own battles and rely on group dynamics to feel powerful. The use of derogatory terms like "faggot" and "pussy" reinforces the negative portrayal of these individuals and highlights their fear of being vulnerable or alone.

The repetition of the phrase "forty friends watchin' your back" emphasizes the importance of group identity for these individuals and mocks their need for validation through this support. The singer suggests that if these individuals were truly strong and confident in their beliefs, they would not need to rely on others for protection or backup.

Line by Line Meaning

Yeah, you say things to me when
You tend to speak inappropriately to me when

You got forty friends watchin'
You only speak inappropriately because you have many friends to back you up

Your back
Protecting you in situations where you have disagreements with others

Oh, but when they're not there
Once your friends are gone and you're alone

You should shut your fuckin' trap
You should stop speaking that way to me

Yeah, you got lots of friends
You have many acquaintances

And I know why 'cause they're all
I'm aware that it's because they share your personality traits

Like you
Such as being too timid to confront others alone

Too weak to settle one on one
You aren't brave enough to handle disputes without support

So put it together, that's what you do (Best)
You tend to join forces with others when facing conflicts rather than solving issues alone

Coward, that's all you are
You're a coward without your friends around