Insted was created in the spring of 1986. After writing a handful of songs … Read Full Bio ↴Insted was created in the spring of 1986. After writing a handful of songs they began playing backyard parties and garage gigs. By the end of the year they had developed a following in Anaheim and decided it was time to record a demo. In 1987 they caught the attention of local hardcore label Wishingwell Records, ran by Pat Dubar and Pat Longrie of Uniform Choice. They signed a deal with them later that year, wrote more songs, and began opening for some of the bigger bands at venues all across Southern California. By the time they finished the recording of what would become the "Bonds of Friendship" album, they had opened shows for national acts and expanded their following throughout Orange County. Before their first record was released, the band line up was solidified and they we’re ready to take their show out on the road. This would bring us to the summer of 1988, in a time when the straight edge-hardcore movement was growing. Insted embarked on their 1st national tour and began their system of touring, coming home and writing new songs, playing locally, recording, and then going back out on tour.

These were the key ingredients that defined Insted and would earn them an important spot in the hardcore punk scene. In the spring of 1989 they flew to New York to do some dates with Vision and strengthen their relationship with the East Coast. That summer they released the "We’ll Make the Difference" 7" on Nemesis records and were back in the van for another full U.S assault.

That summer they shared the stage with bands like Gorilla Biscuits, Bold, Uniform Choice, Slapshot and Reason to Believe. Upon returning home, they were offered a record deal from Epitaph Records in which they accepted. Insted’s following had steadily grown and they were now headlining 1000 seat venues and drawing massive crowds. During the recording of "What We Believe" they made plans to expand their borders and tour Europe. But at the end of 1990, shortly after "What We Believe" was released, America went to war with the Middle East. Due to the circumstances they were unable to ship equipment over seas and decided to stay in their homeland. In the spring of 1991 they did another national tour. They were now sharing the stage with bands like Judge, Snapcase, and the Cro-mags. The hardcore sound of the early 80’s that they were so familiar with was changing. It was turning into a hard metal edge sound and the attitude of the scene reflected it. Bands that they looked up to like Uniform Choice and Youth of Today were broken up and their old time favorites Minor Threat and 7 Seconds were long gone.

When they returned from tour they began working on new material but felt out of place. The band had built its reputation on respect and integrity. In July of 1991 they decided to do a final show and bow out gracefully. Spanky’s Cafe in Riverside was one of their favorite spots and a perfect host for their humble grand finale. They made sure to include on the bill a few of the promising up and coming local bands.

Over the years Insted traveled throughout the country making friends and building a legacy that ingrained them into hardcore history. To this day the friendships they built are still in tact and their legacy lives on.

Better Days
Insted Lyrics

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I've seen better days, the one's where life didn't seem like such a waste. But when all you do is complain about things you hate, it's such a shame. What's it worth to you - to make this a better place. What's it worth to you - don't turn your back. What's it worth to you - let them know. What's it worth to you. Why do we live inside a world of greed and so much pain. It's time to step up, take action. Live life and make a change. What's it worth to you. You just sit back and watch while this world falls apart. It's so upsetting. This place is a mess. But I'll make the best, help the rest, what did you expect. We've come this far and I'm not giving up. The government's corrupt. The world's fucked up. Now's your chance to do something. Now's your chance to do something!

Overall Meaning

The opening lyrics of Insted's song "Better Days" are a poignant reflection on the challenges and disappointments of life. The singer observes that they have seen better days, a time when life felt like it was worth living, but now they find themselves surrounded by negativity and complaining. Despite this, the singer still believes that there is hope for a better world, and they ask the listener what they are willing to do to make that world a reality.

The lyrics paint a picture of a world that is plagued by greed and pain, and the singer emphasizes the importance of taking action to make a positive change. They call on the listener to step up and do something, rather than simply sitting back and watching the world fall apart. The singer acknowledges that the situation is far from ideal, with a corrupt government and a messed-up world, but they refuse to give up. They are determined to make the best of what they have and help others along the way.

Line by Line Meaning

I've seen better days, the one's where life didn't seem like such a waste.
The author has experienced happier days where they didn't feel like their life was a waste.

But when all you do is complain about things you hate, it's such a shame.
It's a shame when someone just complains about what they dislike without taking any action to change it.

What's it worth to you - to make this a better place.
The author is asking the listener what they are willing to do to improve the world.

What's it worth to you - don't turn your back.
The author is urging the listener not to ignore the problems in the world.

What's it worth to you - let them know.
The author is encouraging the listener to speak up and make their voice heard about the issues in the world.

What's it worth to you.
The author is repeating the question of what the listener is willing to do to make the world a better place.

Why do we live inside a world of greed and so much pain.
The author is questioning why the world is filled with selfishness and suffering.

It's time to step up, take action. Live life and make a change.
The author is urging the listener to take action and make a positive difference in the world.

You just sit back and watch while this world falls apart.
The author is criticizing those who do nothing while the world deteriorates.

It's so upsetting. This place is a mess.
The author is expressing their frustration and disappointment with the current state of the world.

But I'll make the best, help the rest, what did you expect.
The author is determined to do their best to improve the world and help others despite the challenges.

We've come this far and I'm not giving up.
The author is acknowledging the progress that has been made and is refusing to give up on further progress.

The government's corrupt. The world's fucked up.
The author recognizes the systemic issues that exist in the world.

Now's your chance to do something.
The author is encouraging the listener to take action and make a positive impact in the world.

Now's your chance to do something!
The author is repeating their call to action and emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

Contributed by Addison J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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