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.

Live and Let Live
Insted Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

As the clock continues to tick days go by me one by one. Views that I still have. People tarnish them through their eyes. I might not fit your mold the way you want me to. I'll never let go of myself. To be like you I'm not. Live and let live. But rather than pointing at someone's bad point or problems. Why not look at yourself and search. Leave each other alone. Live and let live. Why must you mess with somebody cause they're not like you. Unity doesn't have to mean conforming or losing you individuality

Overall Meaning

The song "Live and Let Live" by Insted is a powerful message about individuality and the importance of respecting other people's differences. The lyrics speak about how people judge others and try to fit them into molds that they create for them, even if it means trampling all over their individuality. The clock ticking represents the time that goes by, and how every day people have the chance to learn and grow, but many choose not to. The singer realizes that other people tarnish his views of the world and others, as they try to make him fit into their own perception of what's right and wrong.

The chorus, "Live and let live," reinforces the idea of accepting others for who they are and not trying to change them to fit a certain stereotype or mold. The song also points out that, instead of judging and pointing fingers, people should look inward and focus on self-improvement. It stresses the importance of unity without conformity, and retaining one's individuality while accepting and respecting others.

Overall, Insted's "Live and Let Live" is a strongly-worded anthem about acceptance, individuality, and the importance of respecting others. It encourages people to be themselves and accept others for who they are. The song's message is especially relevant today, with ongoing social and political tensions, and serves as a reminder that everyone deserves respect and acceptance, regardless of our differences.

Line by Line Meaning

As the clock continues to tick days go by me one by one.
Time passes and days go by, gradually shaping my life.

Views that I still have. People tarnish them through their eyes.
I have my own opinions, but others judge and criticize me for them.

I might not fit your mold the way you want me to.
I may not meet your expectations or fit into your idea of the 'right' way to be.

I'll never let go of myself. To be like you I'm not.
I will always stay true to who I am, and I won't try to conform to your image of what I should be.

Live and let live.
Allow others to live their lives and make their own choices without interference or judgement.

But rather than pointing at someone's bad point or problems.
Instead of criticizing or pointing out someone's flaws or mistakes.

Why not look at yourself and search.
Reflect on your own actions and behavior instead of focusing on others.

Leave each other alone. Live and let live.
Respect others by letting them be and accepting that they have the right to live their lives as they choose.

Why must you mess with somebody cause they're not like you.
Why do people feel the need to pick on or bully others who are different from them?

Unity doesn't have to mean conforming or losing you individuality
Unity can exist without everyone being the same or losing their own unique qualities.

Contributed by Colton E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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