Fishbone is an American rock band formed in 1979 in Los Angeles, California… Read Full Bio ↴Fishbone is an American rock band formed in 1979 in Los Angeles, California, which plays a fusion of ska, punk, funk, heavy metal, reggae, and soul. AllMusic has described the group as "one of the most distinctive and eclectic alternative rock bands of the late '80s. With their hyperactive, self-conscious diversity, goofy sense of humor, and sharp social commentary, the group gained a sizable cult following yet they were never able to earn a mainstream audience."

Fishbone first assembled with John Norwood Fisher (bass), his brother Philip "Fish" Fisher (drums), Angelo Moore (vocals, saxophones and theremin), Kendall Jones (guitar), "Dirty" Walter A. Kibby II (vocals, trumpet), and Christopher Dowd (keyboards, trombone, vocals). They achieved their greatest success in the late 1980s and early 1990s, after which they went through many personnel changes. From 2003 to 2010, John Norwood Fisher and Angelo Moore were the last remaining original members of the band. In the 2010s, all the other original members except Kendall Jones rejoined the band for various reunions and anniversary activities.

Fight The Youth
Fishbone Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

And now another story of stolen faith and tragic glory
They claim to be your friends but all the while they taunt you with lies
They tell you what to think and how to face the world around you
You never question what you know inside is lax and untrue

But take a look around
We`re not running anymore
We`re in the positive

But we`re ready for the war... For the war

Fight the Youth
The Youth with poisoned minds
Ignite the truth
Restore sight to these blind
Fight the youth
The youth with poisoned minds
And if they suffer it`s no fault but their own

And every time I see the hatred that engulfs these children
It makes me wonder if the quest for peace will someday subside
I`m not afraid to wage the hopeless battles I must fight
For I could never lose, I know my cause shines in the light

Take a look around
We`re not hiding anymore
Your weapon`s cowardice
And we won`t take it anymore... Anymore
Fight the Youth
The Youth with poisoned minds
Ignite the truth
Restore sight to these blind
Fight the youth
The youth with poisoned minds
And if they suffer it`s no fault but their own

And all the feelings of a generation fed with anger
Make all the choices for a future where all nightmares come true

I choose to fight for youth, to fight for truth, to fight for justice
I choose to heal the wounds of sacrifice made by the children

Overall Meaning

Fishbone's song Fight The Youth tells a story about stolen faith and misguided youth. The lyrics speak of a group of people who claim to be friends while constantly lying and manipulating those around them. They preach false truths and expect others to blindly follow them. The singer knows that these truths are flawed and that the youth around them are being poisoned. The songwriter asks others to open their eyes and join in the fight against the youth's poisoned minds. The lyrics imply that the quest for peace can only be achieved if everyone fights together.

The song's chorus "Fight the Youth, the Youth with poisoned minds, Ignite the truth, Restore sight to these blind" is a call to action for people to fight against the falsehood being peddled to the youth. Fishbone takes the stance that the young are being poisoned and blinded, and it is up to the rest of society to act. The lyrics point out the responsibility of individuals to take up the fight and help those who are being deceived. The song ends with the singer's desire to fight for the youth and heal the wounds that were caused.

Line by Line Meaning

And now another story of stolen faith and tragic glory
Starting another tale of lost belief and doomed success

They claim to be your friends but all the while they taunt you with lies
They pretend to be your pals, yet mock you with deceit

They tell you what to think and how to face the world around you
They dictate your thoughts and how to tackle the environment

You never question what you know inside is lax and untrue
You believe that what you know is fragile and false, but never object

But take a look around
Observe your surroundings

We`re not running anymore
We are not fleeing anymore

We`re in the positive
We are in a good position

But we`re ready for the war... For the war
However, we are prepared for the conflict... for the conflict

Fight the Youth
Combat the younger generation

The Youth with poisoned minds
The youngsters with toxic thoughts

Ignite the truth
Kindle honesty

Restore sight to these blind
Recover vision for those blinded

And if they suffer it`s no fault but their own
And if they endure it, it is solely their responsibility

And every time I see the hatred that engulfs these children
And every instance I observe the animosity consuming these kids

It makes me wonder if the quest for peace will someday subside
I ponder whether the search for peace will fade someday

I`m not afraid to wage the hopeless battles I must fight
I am not scared to undertake the futile battles required of me

For I could never lose, I know my cause shines in the light
Because I can never fail, I realize my purpose radiates in the open

We`re not hiding anymore
We are not concealing anymore

Your weapon`s cowardice
Your tool is cowardly

And we won`t take it anymore... Anymore
And we will not endure it anymore... anymore

And all the feelings of a generation fed with anger
And all the sentiments of a youth fed with resentment

Make all the choices for a future where all nightmares come true
Dictate all the decisions for a future where all terrors materialize

I choose to fight for youth, to fight for truth, to fight for justice
I opt to battle for the young, realism, righteousness

I choose to heal the wounds of sacrifice made by the children
I select to cure the injuries of sacrifices offered by the children

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network
Written by: ANGELO CHRISTOPHER MOORE, CHRISTOPHER DOWD, JOHN NORWOOD FISHER, KENDALL REY JONES, PHILLIP DWIGHT FISHER, WALTER ADAM II KIBBY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Comments from YouTube:

@senseless1685

4y↑76

One of the most underrated bands in music history ! This should have millions of views

@bmtusmc

2y↑4

Without a doubt dude!!

@joeybaker8606

2y↑5

I agree completely. They flawlessly combine so many styles its mind boggling. I love their more metal/funk influenced tracks the most but its all great. They should get way more recognition for being such bad ass musicians.

@dickflinghammer2985

2y↑3

Yours alone counts more than a thousand dead ears who can't hear

@ThePeacemaker67

41w

💥💥💥🤘🤪🤘💥💥💥

@moneyovereverything9682

4y↑60

These guys were way ahead of their time.
This is a band we need today.

@matthewjdouglas6471

3y↑2

Still going strong

@alphadogg64

Nah, this sounds very very 80s. And it's from the 90s. Definitely not ahead of their time.

@osiruskat

2y↑2

Yeah but it is better than most music today.

@alphadogg64

@osiruskat That's a statement that you can't make unless you've listened to the majority of new music. Which you haven't.

@osiruskat

@Ulysses Oh. I'm a nerd and yes I have. Name me some bands today that can go from ska, funk, r and b to metal in one song that aren't Fishbone, Bad Brains or 24/7 Spyz.

13 More Replies...

@Bluexhox

6y↑28

One of the greatest band ever that didn't get the true appreciation, adoration, and acclaim that they should have...

@nursebretty

2y↑1

they're still here let's go

@jamescanzoneri1698

2y↑7

Fishbone were absolute beasts in this period!

@davidtucker9122

38w↑3

I agree. I discovered them on a free CD handed out at some show I can’t remember back in the 90s. I got to see them perform live at lollapalooza and they were amazing. This and Sunlesd Saturday are my favorite songs from them. So talented, so underrated and most of all, as someone else already said, way ahead of their time, This message needs to be delivered to so many people in this country, today…

@UvayBowl

6y↑34

A masterpiece. One of the greatest songs ever written. And I don't toss those words around lightly.

@ronnywilson2112

1y↑3

Love this band, love this song, love the album "The Reality Of My Surroundings" ❤❤❤🐟🐠🐟🐠🐟🐠🐟🐠

@scottnixon6374

6y↑39

Fish is one of the baddest drummers ever

@bradsmith1173

2y↑5

This has to be one of the best songs ever written!!

@Spaniggles

13y↑3

You don't know music if you can't get with these guys...journeymen they are to say the least...they have survived so much throughout the changes in music. Loved their music from the 80's...and this jam here is a perfect display of the heartbeat of Fishbone....Funky, a lil metal flavor, with a lil tight jazz mix....That is Fishbone!!!!!

@snakeplisskenish

11y↑18

I was there too! Filmed at London Astoria 21/10/91. My first ever gig - and what an unforgettable gig it was. I remember they passed that massive flag out over the crowd and told us not to damage it - the thing was ripped to shreds by the time they finished the song. Heheh.

@RoLPeace

6y↑4

At their peak, they were the best live band I had ever seen. Just could not get that big breakthrough record. They were on a major label but the promotion didn't seem to market them well.

@jonmatrix2033

42w↑1

One of the most talented bands in the music industry an the underground . An they still underground till this day. They are a diamond .

@geoffhorvath3261

4y↑1

Prophetic words from a truly great and grossly underrated band!✊

@dtjimmyb6340

5y↑21

This era of Fishbone blew the dots off of all the rest of the "funk metal" genre. The original version blew the dots off the English ska-punk thing.

@TheMeJustMe75

32w

I rediscovered Fishbone about a year ago. I had forgotten how great they are.

@jameseveleigh6319

9y↑9

Still one of the best gigs I've ever been to!! Remember holding the corner of the flag and getting booted in the face by one of the band. Good times!!

@CordeliaAurora

11y↑3

That's actually some interesting guitar work. These guys rock.

@Warrow74

6y↑1

Boom!! This is the very best.
Fishbone thank you very much for bringing your genious to the world. Listening to my favorites from the early 90's, like 24-7 spyz, living colour etc.., this band stands out because it's still outrageously good.

@paulcullen6662

6y↑2

Easily the best live band ever, simply the best ever

@GuitarGangsta

6y↑2

When this first came out in "my glory years", i thought and still do think, that they out did Living Colour, and everyone else so far, as far as hitting the balancing point of where "THE funk meets metal" . Absolutely relentless groovin energy.

@ChadCWatson

3y↑2

This is the best song they ever had. And its a showcase of how badass they really were

@MGmanmanman

12y↑3

The greatest live band of all time!

@jjOnes10mine

3y↑3

I don't think I've ever heard of this band before, but I'm gonna add them to my playlist, cause I like this song...😎

@tahseti1113

6y↑2

Saw these guys several times. Stage show is sick!

@75aces97

6y↑37

It's a crime that this band was mostly ignored and forgotten. I just looked this one up out of the blue since I hadn't heard it in 25 years or so.

@fishbone3333

4y↑6

Fishbone Soldiers like me never gave up on them and now five of the original six members are back in the band and they are in the midst of a bit of a resurrection

@captainbuzzkill4658

4y↑1

It's weird. I can tell all the musicians are talented and the singer has a good voice. But I haven't heard one song by this band that's catchy or enjoyable to me. They're just all over the place. The chord progression and song structure are kinda boring to me. The melody of the vocals just sounds drawn out and not really original. All my personal opinions. I'm sure the fans would argue with me but I'm just being brutality honest here. It sucks because they're all talented i just can't find a one damn song I can get into.

@75aces97

4y↑2

@Captain Buzzkill I can understand. They were never too popular at any point, but had a following. Some of their material was experimental, more let's-groove-and-see-if-we-land-on-a-great-song as opposed to great songwriting, but every now and then they'd hit on a tune that I liked a lot.
I haven't heard them on any radio or streaming platform in almost 30 years now, which makes me wonder if very few people ever liked them as much as I do. C'est la vie, I guess.

@redglass77

3y↑3

The sign of a great band is one that is better live than they are in the studio. Fishbone , as good as their recorded albums are; were an amazing live experience.

@briannau3449

38w

From one of the greatest albums of all time

@moneyovereverything9682

4y↑5

That guitar player has some clean sounding tapping licks. Damn clean sounding guitar rig. 👍

@jamescanzoneri1698

That’s Kendall on the lead…he and JB made for one of the greatest and overlooked guitar duos in rock music, and neither of them stepped on the other one’s toes. They totally complemented each other’s (and the band’s) style.

@fishbone3333

3y↑4

Reality of My Surroundings is one of the greatest records of all time. This is the peak of one of the greatest bands to grace this good earth.

@ga6972

8y↑1

Was at this gig many years ago...fantastic band

@edwardriley3120

5y↑2

such kick-butt, incredible musician's right in your face to punch moral injustice right in the face! you guy's make any day!

@SamShadow93

10y

Such a great song.

@gavinmarshall2228

6y↑2

Holy shit, never heard Fishbone before today and now I know what I'm missing! These guys can PLAY...

@johnnyzsalt5374

1y↑1

I remember this era. Hearing the beefy chuggy guitars underneath all the funk was a novel idea at the time and it worked. Fishbone wasn't even Nu-Metal, but they fit in perfectly, crushing many other established acts that chose the cookie cutter approach. I remember being in a band at the time and I heard we were going to open for Fishbone and crapped my pants because I was a rookie vocalist. Show fell through, but it was nice to be considered. Oh, and I got some new pants.

@jasonlicciardi6578

2y↑1

One of the greatest bands

@BladeR2049

Yes

@goreds551

This sounds good, very eclectic. First time I heared this was on Beavis and Butthead. These guys actually remind me of a Dutch band named the Urban Dance Squad.

@paulcullen6662

6y↑4

Energy to burn,unsurpassed, simply the best

@markbond4771

8y↑1

What Great Band Great Message To Our Kids!!!!

@Disturber93

5y↑1

This should have more than 10 million views easily !

@DrHeadgear

11y↑5

I was there, London Astoria. It's still the most incredible live show I have ever seen. And I've seen a few.

@barbamatteo

4y↑1

2020 and fishbone crossover is still unbeatable.... hear this young bands! Try to copy this if you can...

@ciscomars

7y↑3

Quelle énergie!

@slavden

oui oui! Драйвовi хлопцi!

@matthawes4395

42w

BEST BAND EVER❤

@pepemolina

que bueno son este grupo

@reddeve2531

This is the first song I ever heard by Fishbone. The rest is history.

@giovannibarbieri6241

47w

what a groove really few black musicians in my opinion managed to play a croosover style mixing funk and'metal 'Living Color are on top of course but Fishbone aren't anywhere else but right there with them sadly I've never had the chance to see them live anyway this stuff reamins to testify how great they are

@JadeDude1973

12y↑6

1991 thru 1993 they were unstoppable!

@JonnyLikesPie

12y

so fierce they were at the top of their game in 1991

@hanbaal

12y↑9

This song cuts out just as their getting into it! I wants more horns.

@ladydontekno

6y↑55

I feel like this song is more relevant now than when they first released it.

@TahoeNevada

4y↑5

ladydontekno It’s even more relevant today 6/1/20

@Phrenotopia

4y↑6

100% THIS ^

@dickflinghammer58

Hey U
❤️

@dickflinghammer58

@Tyrone Thornton What what what? Tell me more please. These times need this vision. Patiently awaiting your reply.

@rocketdock11

Yeah, in regards to those damned commies who indoctrinating the children by his pedos, just to mention one thing for which they deserve the death sentence.

5 More Replies...

@reveranddoctorfuzzy

9y↑25

They shot this video at a gig at the old Astoria London. I was there. Still the best gig I've ever been to, and I've been to my share :)

@jacobpablo13

I was there too - we should start a club 😉 I was a bit dusted, but seem to recall they announced at the end of the gig they were shooting the video and then threw the flag out to the crowd. Took a few takes as i recall, but 30 years does tend to create some haze..

@Fewbird7

Haha, I was there and my buddy was thrown up in that parachute. I was in London for a semester and they were one of my favorite bands. Great era. I still have my ticket and autographs that my girlfriend got, they let her backstage haha. I'm in this club too.

@Jennadanger10

I've been to a ton of shows myself. Have seen Fishbone 7 times dating back to around 94 all sorts of various lineups with Angelo and Norwood being the only constants and they have never let me down. Best live band in the world. Favorite band of all time actually.

@ohmightyzeus6135

FWIW I saw then around the same time in Australia - and yeah, best gig I have ever been to as well. Like you I have seen my share (and then some). I recall taking a blow from Angelo's oxblood Doc to the side of the head as he surfed by. I recall brass instruments flying through the air. Christ on a bike, that was a fucking great show!

@aminch168

this drummer is really good..

@johnnyjohnson33

5y↑1

The reason this band never shot up to rock stardom was because they didn't sell their souls, but still came through with scratches and bruises.

@MACCA672

11y↑4

seriously i think this is one of the best songs ever

@mzirino

13y↑1

I'm a huge fishbone lover. I can't help but feel that fishbone contains elements of self destruction - nudity on stage, dildos, foul language, debasing women. These elements mixed in with often idealistic themes makes a weird soup that is both positive and negative - no wonder it couldn't hold together. I heard a guy on Skid row who spoke about Fishbone's genius being something from God. I think Truth and Soul was both their musical and spiritual peak.

@hamptonolfus9940

11y

Great music.

@SunKing968

27w

PERFECT song

@lybel111

8y↑3

Still amazing...

@phillipgohorns

too much talent in one band

@charlesmarwick7083

6y↑1

FUN FUN live band. Missing them tonight, as we speak

@tommyrodgers

8y↑15

Best band ever

@Jennadanger10

8y↑2

Absolutely! So talented and do musically varied. Live especially they are remarkable.

@Jennadanger10

8y↑2

Absolutely! So talented and so musically varied. Live especially they are remarkable.

@RobertoGinsburg

8y↑1

+Tommy Rodgers Close friend of the Chili Peppers, both from Hollywood L.A.

@MargaretBrowngeekbytes101

11y↑1

we been around a long time. It's just now more excepted is all I've loved them when I was a little kid and now I love them so much more. They helped me see the world through my own expectations and not just what's expected of you.

@mikeloe666

Long live Fishbone ♥️🖤💚👑✨💫✨

@Zaimk

14y↑1

God I can't believe I just now heard of these guys

@46and2ish

Hideously underrated band

@Plant_Parenthood

11y↑1

I REALLY love the Fishbone songs where you can hear Kendall's heavier influence.

@sofidum9111

Vu à morlaix au festival,une tuerie !!!!

@paulpelt

14y

forgive them for they know not what they say and it doesn't matter. Fishbone and Living Colour are 2 of the all time best american rock bands. Little Richard, Jimi Hendrix and many other brothers opened the door.

@dharmaseed

13y

Hard to believe that this song is twenty years old.

@gyromurphy

4y↑11

Yeah. So this song makes so much sense to me now. I never knew what the hell they were talking about. Now... I do. They predicted the future

@Nubias

8y↑55

Talk about underrated! They use to rehearse in a studio on the floor above my band.

@dickflinghammer7643

5y↑3

That's cool as %$&$&. More energy, soul, power-funkin slammin ass truth in your face. I was on my 20s and a mosh
pit maniac so was our band. We used to cover servitude.

@bobthebear1246

3y↑1

That's awesome, man. I bet that was so cool. Did you ever meet them?

@CP-kb1du

@Bob Schneider Met the band in 95 in Toronto and 2010 in NewYork ...great guys ... Walt Angelo and Norwood at the time ...

@lol1234536978

11y

THIS ROCKS

@x-STORMXX-x

44w

This song is a jam and says so much in 2023

@fishbone3333

11y↑2

The most bad-ass band ever assembled.

@whitecloak11

4y↑13

Fishbone,Jane's addiction,primus and the chili peppers,faith no more, and that late 80s early 90s so cal music is the best.

@flamegarden

Agreed…and Thelonious Monster

@MrFuckinghostile90

12y

The youths minds still remain poisoned especially with all this shitty music coming out now! I'm glad i have grown up listening to Fishbone, Primus, RHCP, Tool, Mr. Bungle, Faith No More, and so much more.This is real fuckin' timeless music right here! Tear up that sax Angelo!

@fishbone3333

5y↑18

Reality of My Surroundings should have launched this band into the stratosphere.

@nebula0697

3y↑2

Yeah it was a lot more meaty than red hot chili peppers- Give a Monkey a Brain was also sublime. It was also the time Prince was making his most rocking albums. The nineties creative burst. Problem is Fishbone was probably too black somehow even though they played all those styles and had a very white audience.

@Spaniggles

13y

@xeridian Right on!!! Fishbone is an incredible band ..love them...saw them in concert 1986 at the Fresh Fest in Houston....

@noahmijo

3y↑4

Imagine if these guys toured with living colour today...

@DrHeadgear

13y

@simes205 So was I. Never heard of them before, got dragged along by a mate. Gobsmacked. Never seen that much energy and stage presence before or since. Awesome. d'Angelo stage diving from the balcony? Horns flying through the air? Non stop skanking? Best gig ever.

@gyromurphy

they...are...touring...again.!!!! I'm seeing them in march! holy shit I can't wait!!!

@gyromurphy

7y↑1

less than 2 weeks now...

@shadimuhammad6585

4y↑2

THESE BROTHAS R TIGHT, LOVE UM, THE DRUMMER IS AMAZING.

@buzzlightbeer2541

what a band these cats go hard out hell yeah

@Cynical2012

Awesome all around!!!

@user-qp5vg4ne2r

3y↑1

marvelous! it`s like faith no more has a brother

@Liggy

3y↑2

In reality an uncle !

@daniloestima1

Fodastico

@allenbingham8475

This should pump anybody up also 85 hit modern industry

@reddeve2531

10y↑40

Yet another fantastic band who is little known. Sad, just sad.

@Dementedboundry760

You should listen to a band called CHON, really amazing band to listen to!

@TheRealTommyRock

8y↑2

+Lindsay Glenn we know!

@dickflinghammer7643

Not for the masses. Not in this world. You wouldn't want them around anyway.

@vgee3991

not little known

@dustinray9950

40w

Beavis and Butt-Head brought me here. Great band with awesome energy! 😎🤘🏻

@dickflinghammer2985

19w

Everytime I see or hear this it's the original spark to flame

@titteryenot4524

2y↑2

Red Hot Chillis meets Sly Stone meets Living Colour meets Funkadelic; but arguably better than them all!

@Adizero2

so good

@johnnysullivan436

3y↑1

Man I miss the 90's... remember when there weren't rules?

@miroslavdockal9468

Wow.....i dont hear this yet.... Why?!!!! Wonderfull!!!! 💪

@FatManRedemption

13y

"Man, you know what? We gotta tell these people we got a video for this song! A video, comin' out soon! Fight the Youth With Poisoned Minds by Fishbone! Call MTV and say, if you don't play Fishbone, I'm gonna come to your house, and SCREW YOUR DOG!!" - Angelo Moore.