Shortly after forming they enlisted Milo Aukerman and made what started out a surf band into a full fledged punk unit. Descendents have diverged from their punk peers, perhaps because of the Beach Boys influences, and sang about topics that touched many young punks' lives like parents, food, girls and being rejected.
This band separated due to Milo actually going to college (he attended the University of California, San Diego) just like the title of their debut. This and other constraints have made them famous for their long hiatuses, which are sometimes a decade span in length. The band has now spread out across their country of origin and their future is somewhat uncertain.
Lead singer Milo Aukerman currently resides in Newark, Delaware. He was a biochemist for the internationally known DuPont Chemical company, which is based out of Delaware. However, whenever the end of Descendents seemed to be approaching, Milo popped up again and the band released a new record. Aukerman then later returned to his academic duties in teaching biochemistry. He then quit his academic life to pursue a career in music fulltime.
Parents
Descendents Lyrics
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The Descendents' song "Parents" is a scathing criticism of the way parents can be overbearing, intrusive, and just plain annoying. The lyrics express the frustration and anger that young people can feel when their parents won't let them live their lives without interference. The opening line, "Parents, why won't they shut up?" sets the tone for the rest of the song. The writer is clearly exasperated by a constant barrage of unwanted advice or criticism.
The second line, "Parents, they're so fucked up," adds a layer of bitterness to the song. The writer is seemingly fed up with the way parents can mess up their children's lives. Throughout the song, the writer rails against parents who treat their kids "like a fool," "like a toy," and who don't even bother to understand who their child really is. The lyric "they look into the past for future reference" suggests that parents are trapped in their own nostalgia and can't see how the world has changed around them.
Ultimately, the writer makes a bold declaration: "one day I'll explode." This could be interpreted as a warning to parents that if they continue to treat their children poorly, there will be repercussions. The song is an anthem for young people who feel oppressed by their parents and a call to action for parents to remember what it was like to be young and to treat their children with the respect and understanding they deserve.
Line by Line Meaning
parents, why won't they shut up?
Why can't parents stop talking and just listen for once?
parent's they're so fucked up.
Parents can be really messed up and dysfunctional.
they treat me like a fool
Parents can belittle their children and make them feel foolish.
they take me for a fool
Parents underestimate their child's intelligence and capabilities.
parents... they're so fucking dense
Parents can be oblivious and ignorant to their child's needs and feelings.
they look into the past for future reference
Parents may base their decisions or advice on outdated experiences without considering present circumstances.
parents... they don't even know i'm a boy
Parents can misunderstand and misgender their child.
just treat me like a toy
Parents can use their child for their own entertainment or to manipulate them.
but little do they know one day i'll explode!
Parents may not recognize the internal turmoil of their child and the potential for a future outburst or rebellion.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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