Back In The Day
Local H Lyrics


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Well punk is dead
And yeah you're next
But it seems no one has told you yet
So hardcore
You must be sore
You come on like a major threat
Face I know you like it
Hard 'N' straight
Face Think I'll hang around and wait
Hey old school yeah you were cool
But that was back in the day
Well take a bow
Harder than thou
You scream "Guilty" like a Judge on high
Well beat them back
The New Jacks




More than music it's a way of life
Face

Overall Meaning

The Local H's song Back In The Day is an aggressive commentary on the evolution of punk rock and the rise of hardcore music. The lead singer, Scott Lucas, addresses an individual who seems to be stuck in the past and still living in the era of punk rock, which has since died. He sarcastically tells the person that they are "hardcore" and must be "sore" from living such an intense lifestyle, adding that punk is dead and that they will soon face the same fate.


The lyrics also take a direct shot at the new wave of hardcore musicians, who have embraced the aggressive, in-your-face style of punk music but have taken it to a new level. Lucas mocks their posturing and claims that their aggressive persona is just for show, standing in stark contrast to the genuine punk rock fans who lived the lifestyle and pushed the boundaries of society.


Throughout the song, Lucas lays out his critique of those who try to cling to a past era when punk rock was king. The lyrics suggest that the new wave of hardcore musicians and fans are misguided, because they are trying to recreate a scene that no longer exists. The song's message is clear: the world has moved on, and it's time to let go of the past and embrace a new future.


Line by Line Meaning

Well punk is dead
The punk rock genre is no longer popular or relevant.


And yeah you're next
You will soon be irrelevant and out of touch with current music trends.


But it seems no one has told you yet
You are not aware of the shift away from punk rock music.


So hardcore
Your punk rock music style is especially intense and aggressive.


You must be sore
Your constant need to exude this intensely aggressive persona may be exhausting for you.


You come on like a major threat
Your punk rock music style and persona may appear threatening to some.


Face I know you like it
I understand that projecting this aggressive persona brings you satisfaction.


Hard 'N' straight
Your punk rock music is characterized by its unapologetic, straightforwardness.


Face Think I'll hang around and wait
I'll wait and see if you'll recognize the change in music trends and adjust accordingly.


Hey old school yeah you were cool
The old style of punk rock music used to be popular and well-liked.


But that was back in the day
However, that style of music is now out of fashion and no longer popular.


Well take a bow
You should recognize your achievements in punk rock music of the past, but it's time to move on.


Harder than thou
Your aggressive punk rock persona and music style tries to prove that you are better/harder than everyone else.


You scream "Guilty" like a Judge on high
You accuse others of not being true to the punk rock genre, as if you were the ultimate authority on the matter.


Well beat them back
Push back against those who innovate and change the genre, trying to keep it locked in the past.


The New Jacks
The new generation of punk rock music artists who are pushing the boundaries of the genre and innovating.


More than music it's a way of life
Punk rock music is not just a genre - it represents a lifestyle, ethos and counterculture.


Face
Direct address to the person being spoken to.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sentric Music
Written by: DAVID SCOTT LUCAS, JOSEPH DANILES

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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