Live Fast Die Young
Circle Jerks Lyrics


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I don't want to live
To be thirty-four
I don't want to die
In a nuclear war
Go on out
Get some more
Go on out
To the bar, the market or the liquor store

I don't want to live
To be forty-three
I don't like
What I see going on around me

Go on out
Get some more
Go on out
Get fucked up and pass out on the floor
Go on out
Get some more
Go on out
To your favorite liquor store
Go on out
Don't worry about it any more
Go on out
Get fucked up
I don't know what for

I don't want to live
To be fifty-seven
I'm living in hell
Is there a heaven?

Live fast, die young
Live fast, die young




Live fast, die young
Live fast, die young

Overall Meaning

The Circle Jerks' song "Live Fast Die Young" is a powerful statement on the fast, hedonistic lifestyle preferred by many youth in the punk movement. With lyrics like "I don't want to live to be thirty-four" and "I don't want to die in a nuclear war," the song speaks to the fear and anxiety of a generation that never believed they would live long enough to see old age. The track is an anthem of sorts, encouraging listeners to "go on out and get some more" - more alcohol, more drugs, more experiences - before their time is up.


The lyrics continue with the singer expressing a distaste for what they see going on around them, suggesting that they would rather live fast and die young than be stuck in a world they find unpleasant. The repetitions of "get some more" and "go on out" create an urgent, frenzied tone that reflects the impulsive nature of the lifestyle being promoted. The refrain of "live fast, die young" serves as both a warning and an invitation, a caution against the inevitable consequences of reckless living and a call to embrace that lifestyle fully.


In exploring these themes, "Live Fast Die Young" captures the spirit of punk in a way that few other songs do. It speaks to the rebelliousness, the nihilism, and the desire for something more that characterized a movement that was defined by its rejection of mainstream culture.


Line by Line Meaning

I don't want to live To be thirty-four
The singer doesn't want to live past the age of 34.


I don't want to die In a nuclear war
The singer doesn't want to die due to a nuclear war.


Go on out Get some more Go on out To the bar, the market or the liquor store
The singer is encouraging the listener to go out and get more drinks, whether it's from a bar, market or liquor store.


I don't want to live To be forty-three I don't like What I see going on around me
The artist doesn't want to live past 43 and is unhappy with what is happening around them.


Get fucked up and pass out on the floor Go on out Get some more
The artist is encouraging the listener to get so drunk that they pass out and then go out to get more drinks.


Go on out To your favorite liquor store Go on out Don't worry about it any more Go on out Get fucked up I don't know what for
The singer is telling the listener to go out to their favorite liquor store and not worry about anything else. They then question why the listener is getting drunk in the first place.


I don't want to live To be fifty-seven I'm living in hell Is there a heaven?
The singer doesn't want to live past 57 and is currently living in hell. They question the existence of heaven.


Live fast, die young Live fast, die young Live fast, die young Live fast, die young
The chorus repeats the phrase 'live fast, die young' as a celebration of the reckless and hedonistic lifestyle.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: GREG W. HETSON, KEITH G. MORRIS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Robert Crawford

Way cool to see my generation still rocking! Im 57 too!!!

the No Bullsh🐔t Channel

So am I born 65, early retirement ababy at 55 free!

Niki Killian

My ex-husband went to see them last month, we live in New Orleans, he is still my concert buddy. I called him screaming cuz I didn't know they were coming. SAID THEY WERE STILL FREAKING AWESOME.

November Guy

"I don't wanna live
to be fourthy-three
I don't like
what I see going on around me."

Explains my mindset most every day. Love this song and fucking hate the world.

Bill Gordon

My Anthem in 1981 at 17 years old. Punk rock shows and Colt 45 Buzz Bombs. I'm 56, almost 57. I'm still living in Hell!! Is there a Heaven? 😃😃😃😃😃

Nic ci

For me the same, i was 15 in italy

Bill Gordon

59 years old this month and still listening to the classics. Germs, Circle Jerks, Clash, the Damned, etc.
So lucky to have the youth I had. Surfing, punk rock, and wild times.
Lived it, loved it, survived it

Scott Brettschneider

Also 17 in 1981. Dickies and the Germs at the Starwood, also watched Black Flag, X and DK elsewhere. Where have the years gone?

Emilio Aymat

Cheers bro, am also 56

Grayson Wilson

nice to see someone still in their subculture in their 50s

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