Some members went on to play in The Non-Believers, releasing 2010's "From the Bottom"
We're Alright
Street Brats Lyrics
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All these cops they know my name
That's fine with me, I'll keep on running
I'm not dumb and I'm not blind
Kids like us get left behind
That's fine with me, good friends are hard to find
It's alright, we're alright
Wake up and see the light
It's ten years later, we're doing alright
The pain is gone and now
I've found the strength to carry on
We're living our lives, we're living on dreams
These criminal kids do criminal things
Don't know where were gonna go
Or where we're gonna be
But I'll believe in you and you believe in me
It's alright, we're alright
Once upon a time
I learned to hate
Once upon a time
It's never too late
Once upon i time I walked a thin line
I told myself we'll get it next time
I made a decision I made up my mind
We're alright
We're alright now
It's alright, we're alright
In these lyrics, Street Brats seem to be addressing the fact that they are often blamed for things that happen in their community. The police seem to know who they are, and they are used to running from authority. However, they seem to be comfortable with their lives and their friends, even though they may not always make the best decisions. The chorus repeats the idea that "it's alright" and that they are doing just fine despite the struggles that they face.
The second verse seems to show some growth from the first. The lyricist talks about waking up and seeing the light, which could mean that they are becoming more aware of their situation and the world around them. They also mention that it has been ten years since something happened, and that they have found the strength to carry on. This could suggest that they have been through some sort of traumatic event, but they are still going and moving forward. They acknowledge that they do things that might be considered criminal, but they are still just kids who are trying to figure things out. The chorus repeats again, indicating that even though they may face challenges, they are still doing alright.
The final verse seems to be about a turning point in the lyricist's life. They once hated something, but now they have learned to let go of that hate. They walked a "thin line" which could mean that they were on the brink of something, but they were able to get through it. They made a decision and stuck with it, which has led them to being "alright now." This final repeating of the chorus seems to be a statement of affirmation for the lyricist and their situation.
Line by Line Meaning
You know the Street Brats always get the blame
People often criticize and blame the Street Brats for everything that goes wrong.
All these cops they know my name
Police officers are very familiar with the Street Brats and their behavior.
That's fine with me, I'll keep on running
The lead singer doesn't mind being chased by the police, and will continue to run away.
I'm not dumb and I'm not blind
The Street Brats are aware of the world around them and know what's going on.
Kids like us get left behind
Young people with the same experiences as the Street Brats often get ignored and neglected.
That's fine with me, good friends are hard to find
The lead singer doesn't mind being overlooked because they appreciate the friends they have.
It's alright, we're alright
The Street Brats are okay, despite their tough circumstances.
Wake up and see the light
It's time to wake up and take responsibility for your life.
It's ten years later, we're doing alright
The Street Brats have come a long way and are doing better after 10 years.
The pain is gone and now
The emotional and physical pain of the past is no longer present.
I've found the strength to carry on
The lead singer has found the power to move forward and persevere.
We're living our lives, we're living on dreams
The Street Brats are living and following their aspirations, despite the odds against them.
These criminal kids do criminal things
The Street Brats and their peers are often considered delinquents by society.
Don't know where were gonna go
The Street Brats aren't sure what their future holds.
Or where we're gonna be
The Street Brats don't know where they will end up.
But I'll believe in you and you believe in me
The Street Brats have faith in each other and their abilities.
Once upon a time
Before, in the past...
I learned to hate
The lead singer used to hold a lot of anger and hate.
It's never too late
It's never too late to change your ways and move on from your past.
Once upon i time I walked a thin line
The lead singer used to walk a risky path and make dangerous decisions.
I told myself we'll get it next time
The lead singer promised to do better in the future.
I made a decision I made up my mind
The lead singer has made a conscious choice to improve their life.
We're alright
The Street Brats are okay and will continue to persevere.
We're alright now
The Street Brats are currently fine and doing well.
Contributed by Aaliyah I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.