MxPx started as three 15-year-old kids calling themselves Magnified Plaid pounding out music inspired by and similar to The Descendents and other Southern California punk rock bands. They didn’t really love their band name, however, which was a tribute to the original guitarist’s penchant for wearing one particularly loud plaid shirt. Consequently, the name was abbreviated to M.P., but in Yuri’s handwriting, periods become “X“‘s and since he made up the show posters for the band, the four-letter moniker stuck.
Andy Husted, the former guitarist, left the band in 1995 to continue college.
Andy was replaced by Tom to solidify the line-up that would take the band into their post-teen years. Maybe Tom’s background as a drummer made up for his relative inexperience playing guitar (he had only played for a year at the time). He and Yuri lock into backbreakingly fast rhythms that rank with vintage Minor Threat for speed and percussive attack. Mike then adds to the mix his signature sing-along melodies that call to mind SoCal punk bands from the early ’80s.
Bremerton had been a town most famous for its naval shipyards until MxPx caught the attention of Tooth & Nail Records when they played a “showcase” for the T&N label in 1993 in Herrera’s parents’ garage. Mike Herrera had practiced so much before the first show, he lost his voice.
MxPx released three albums with Tooth & Nail Records: Pokinatcha in 1994, Teenage Politics in 1995, and Life in General in 1996. After a falling out with Tooth & Nail, MxPx left the label and signed with A&M Records.
In July 2010 drummer Yuri Ruley announced he would be retiring from the band to focus on his family. Ruley played his last show with the band in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 18, 2010. In a recent video message from Mike, he stated that Tom and Yuri have both finished touring full time, but will continue to play one-off shows with the band.
Responsibility
MxPx Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And don't use me because I don't agree
Why lie, do or die?
Why lie, do or?
Responsibility? What's that?
Responsibility? not quite yet
I don't want to think about it; we'd be better off without it
You think I'm so simplistic
I'm onto you and your tricks
I'm still young and I'd like to stay that way
'Cause growing up won't make everything okay
I'm still young and I'd like to stay that way
I've got a voice and I've got a lot to say
I've got a lot to say
The song Responsibility by MxPx is about the reluctance of taking responsibility and growing up. The lyrics express the desire to stay young and carefree, and not be burdened with the responsibilities of adulthood. The singer of the song implies that responsibility is not desirable, and it would be better off without it. The lyrics also suggest that the person singing the song is aware of being manipulated by others, and they do not want to be used or lied to.
The repeated vocalization “Why lie, do or die?” can be interpreted as a challenge to accept the truth and the consequences that come with it. The phrase “Responsibility? What's that? Responsibility? not quite yet” indicates that the person singing the song does not think they are ready for responsibility because they are not sure what it entails or how to handle it.
Furthermore, the lyrics reflect the desire to be heard and have a voice, indicating a desire for autonomy and independence. The song captures the feeling of being stuck in between childhood and adulthood as the person is not quite ready to let go of their youth, yet they acknowledge that responsibility is inevitable. The song speaks to the universal experience of growing up and the reluctance that often comes with it.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't want this responsibility
I refuse to take any responsibility whatsoever
And don't use me because I don't agree
Don't try to manipulate me into doing something I am not aligned with
Why lie, do or die?
Why feel compelled to be deceitful or face severe consequences?
Why lie, do or?
Why lie or deceive in the first place?
Responsibility? What's that?
What even is responsibility?
Responsibility? not quite yet
I am not ready to accept any responsibilities at this time
Responsibility? What's that?
I am not entirely sure what is meant by 'responsibility'
I don't want to think about it; we'd be better off without it
Thinking about taking on responsibilities is enough to make me uncomfortable; I would rather avoid it altogether
You think I'm so simplistic
You seem to believe that I am overly simple-minded
I'm onto you and your tricks
I am aware and resistant to any attempts at manipulation or dishonesty
I'm still young and I'd like to stay that way
I am currently young and intend to remain that way
'Cause growing up won't make everything okay
Being an adult or taking on responsibilities does not necessarily lead to a more satisfactory life
I'm still young and I'd like to stay that way
I continue to insist on avoiding growing up and any associated adult responsibilities
I've got a voice and I've got a lot to say
I have a powerful voice and an abundance of opinions that I want to express
I've got a lot to say
There are many issues and concerns that I want to vocalize and draw attention to
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: MICHAEL HERRERA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@esaenz26
Lyrics:
I don't want this responsibility
And don't use me because I don't agree
Why lie, do or die?
Why lie, do or?
Responsibility? What's that?
Responsibility? not quite yet
Responsibility? What's that?
I don't want to think about it; we'd be better off without it
You think I'm so simplistic
I'm onto you and your tricks
I'm still young and I'd like to stay that way
'Cause growing up won't make everything okay
I'm still young and I'd like to stay that way
I've got a voice and I've got a lot to say
I've got a lot to say
Responsibility? What's that?
Responsibility? not quite yet
Responsibility? What's that?
I don't want to think about it
Responsibility? What's that?
Responsibility? not quite yet
Responsibility? What's that?
I don't want to think about it, we'd be better off without it
I don't want to think about it
@macbeth6969
I don't want this responsibility
And don't use me because I don't agree
Why lie, do or die?
Why lie, do or?
Responsibility? What's that?
Responsibility? not quite yet
Responsibility? What's that?
I don't want to think about it; we'd be better off without it
You think I'm so simplistic
I'm onto you and your tricks
I'm still young and I'd like to stay that way
'Cause growing up won't make everything okay
I'm still young and I'd like to stay that way
I've got a voice and I've got a lot to say
I've got a lot to say. . .
@hankwilliams8184
Mike Herrera and Mark Hoppus inspired me to play bass and sing in pop punk bands back when I was 13-16. Still love them both!
@judeinLA.
Awesomeness
@erickmazur807
same
@OsagieGuobadia
Those are your role models, from here on in. : )
@MisterRorschach90
My brother. The second my dad let me start playing his guitar I was maybe 4 or 5, and I never turned back. Years later my older brother started listening to the pop punk I liked, and he went through this exact phase. Mark and mike made him ask for a bass. Lol he even played bass in my first band.
@user-oq4ob6zm6s
Its ok that you're attracged to men. Its 2024 we are accepting
@aaroncurwen-walker4157
I'm 31 and still listening to this song
@PunkCoverMoose
Aaron C yeahhhhhh me too hahaha
@mattbenji1383
Me 38 hahaha
@pettersonvicente1235
Me 34 hahaha...