DYS took its name from the Department of Youth Services, a Massachusetts governmental organization. Singer Dave Smalley went on to sing for Dag Nasty, ALL, and Down By Law. Bassist Jonathan Anastas became founding member of Slapshot before leaving the music business for a career in advertising.
More Than Fashion
DYS Lyrics
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More than being in a straightedge band
I see no good in my mind getting fucked
A needless vacuum, I won't be sucked
Straight Mind
Razor Edge
Firm footing on a social ledge
"A party's no fun if there's no brew"
'Cause I've had a blast all my life
Never needed any puke-filled strife
Straight Mind
Razor Edge
Firm footing on a social ledge
It's a way of life that says I don't need
Hangovers, freak-outs or expensive weed
Rather buy a record any day
My mind is here, not far away
Straight Mind
Razor Edge
Firm footing on a social ledge
The song "More Than Fashion" by the band DYS is a classic anthem of straight edge culture. The lyrics express a sense of defiance against the mainstream party culture and a commitment to a sober and focused lifestyle. The first two lines - "more than X's on my hand, more than being in a straight edge band" - suggest that being straight edge is not just about the outward symbols or being part of a particular subculture, but rather about a deeper commitment to personal values and a way of life.
The next two lines - "I see no good in my mind getting fucked, a needless vacuum, I won't be sucked" - reinforce this idea by condemning the negative effects of drugs and alcohol on the mind and body. The phrase "needless vacuum" suggests a sense of emptiness or meaningless that comes with substance use, and the refusal to be "sucked" into this lifestyle implies a strong sense of self-determination.
The chorus of the song - "straight mind, razor edge, firm footing on a social ledge" - reinforces the idea of being grounded and focused, with a sharpness and clarity of mind. The next verse continues in this vein, contrasting the self-indulgent and destructive behavior of others with the meaningful joy and fulfillment of a sober life.
Line by Line Meaning
More than X's on my hand
Having marked X's on my hand is more than just a symbol of being straightedge
More than being in a straightedge band
My commitment to a sober lifestyle is not just about the music I listen to
I see no good in my mind getting fucked
I don't see the point in damaging my mental state with drugs or alcohol
A needless vacuum, I won't be sucked
I refuse to be sucked into a lifestyle that involves pointless substance abuse
Straight Mind
My mindset is focused on avoiding drugs and alcohol
Razor Edge
My commitment to being straightedge is sharp and defined
Firm footing on a social ledge
My sober lifestyle is a solid foundation for my social life
"A party's no fun if there's no brew"
I feel sorry for people who think alcohol is necessary to enjoy a party
I can only feel sorry for you
Alcohol isn't necessary for me to have a good time, and I feel sorry for people who think it is
'Cause I've had a blast all my life
I've had plenty of fun without needing alcohol or drugs
Never needed any puke-filled strife
I've never had to deal with the negative consequences of excessive drinking
It's a way of life that says I don't need
Being straightedge is a lifestyle choice that doesn't require substance abuse
Hangovers, freak-outs or expensive weed
I'd rather avoid the negative consequences of alcohol and drug use
Rather buy a record any day
I'm more interested in spending money on music than on drugs or alcohol
My mind is here, not far away
By avoiding substance abuse, my mind remains clear and present in the moment
Contributed by Benjamin I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.