(1) The … Read Full Bio ↴Youth Brigade can refer to two different punk music groups.
(1) The first was a punk music trio formed by brothers Mark Stern, Adam Stern, and Shawn Stern, in Hollywood, California in 1980. The band has broken up and subsequently re-formed a number of times. They have been together again for several years as of 2006, and playing shows throughout California. Youth Brigade have only released a few records, but were influential as the founders of the Better Youth Organization, an independent record label and concert booking firm.
(2) Youth Brigade was also another, unrelated punk band from Washington D.C., who released a 7" EP on Dischord Records in 1981. This band subsequently, during their short life, called themselves DC Youth Brigade. Youth Brigade DC also has 3 tracks featured on the 1982 Dischord compilation Flex Your Head. An unreleased song entitled "I Object" is also featured on the 20 Years of Dischord compliation set. Although only around for a short period of time the DC Youth Brigade played shows with the legendary Minor Threat. Their style is also now considered a classic example of American hardcore punk.
Alright Then
Youth Brigade Lyrics
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Just another battle fought in a never ending war
Kick you when you're feeling down
Really funny like a clown
Everything is relative when you're lying on the floor
Who's the enemy?
What are you fighting for?
Just an empty fight?
Struggle just to understand
Stand up, be counted, be a man
All you ever wanted is someone to give a shit
War is one of apathy
Fight to make a life that's free
Free to think & love & see all that is and that shall be
Who's the enemy?
What are you fighting for?
Is all your life
Just an empty fight
All right then
We'll fight them
Foe or friend
Phone is ringing off the hook
Neighbours give me dirty looks
I'm blasting all my punk rock records
On a hot summer's day
You swear you'd never be like them
Settle down and then give in
Do you sometimes wonder
What is now and what might have been?
All right then
We'll fight then
Foe or friend
Drink a toast for those that died
Remember well the pain we hide
Sure it's easy to give in
But where's your sense of pride?
If you have time to have regrets
Certainly you can have respect
For those that struggle ceaselessly
In this endless civil war
You wonder now of what I speak
Of joys and sorrows and havoc wreaked
As if the task of living life was the greatest of all fights
Hateful souls find fights the best
But most of us seek happiness
Struggle all your life to find and leave your love defined
Who's the enemy?
What are you fighting for?
Is all your life
Just an empty fight?
The lyrics to Youth Brigade's song "Alright Then" are a poignant expression of the complexities of fighting for a cause, and the toll that the battle can take on an individual. The opening lines, "Please don't stop me if you've heard this one before, Just another battle fought in a never-ending war," set the tone for the rest of the song. It highlights the disillusionment of the singer and their tiredness of going through the same motions in life while fighting a never-ending war. The song then goes on to ask some tough questions: Who is the real enemy? What are you fighting for? These questions speak to the underlying need to question the validity of the battle that is being fought.
The song then becomes more personal, as the singer struggles to find meaning and support in their life. They want someone to care, to understand the weight of their fight. However, this plea for support is juxtaposed with the reality of war, where apathy seems to reign. It is a reflective song that dives into the depth of the human experience, exploring the balance between the tough realities of a fight and the need for love and support.
Line by Line Meaning
Please don't stop me if you've heard this one before
I'm going to tell you something that you may have heard before, but I need to say it anyway.
Just another battle fought in a never ending war
The struggle I'm going through is one that many others have experienced and will continue to experience.
Kick you when you're feeling down
People will take advantage of you when you're vulnerable.
Really funny like a clown
Others may find it amusing to see you suffer.
Everything is relative when you're lying on the floor
When you're at your lowest point, everything else seems insignificant.
Who's the enemy?
Who or what is causing your hardships?
What are you fighting for?
Are the things you're fighting for truly worth it?
Is all your life
Has your entire existence been consumed by this fight?
Just an empty fight?
Is this a battle that is ultimately fruitless and meaningless?
Struggle just to understand
It can be difficult to make sense of what you're going through.
Stand up, be counted, be a man
It's important to take a stand for what you believe in and to fight for what is right.
All you ever wanted is someone to give a shit
All you really need is for someone to care about you and your struggles.
War is one of apathy
In times of war, many people become indifferent and uncaring towards others.
Fight to make a life that's free
It's worthwhile to fight for a life where you can be free and make your own choices.
Free to think & love & see all that is and that shall be
When you have freedom, you can fully experience life and all it has to offer.
All right then
Okay, let's do this.
We'll fight them
Let's stand up to our enemies and fight for what we believe in.
Foe or friend
It doesn't matter if our opponents are our enemies or our friends.
Phone is ringing off the hook
I'm receiving a lot of calls, probably from people who disagree with me.
Neighbours give me dirty looks
People in my community disapprove of what I'm doing.
I'm blasting all my punk rock records
I'm expressing my rebellious spirit and desire for change through my music.
On a hot summer's day
It's especially important to stay energized and motivated when the weather is hot and oppressive.
You swear you'd never be like them
You promised yourself that you would never become complacent or give in to societal pressures.
Settle down and then give in
Eventually, you may find that it's easier to conform to societal norms and expectations.
Do you sometimes wonder
Have you ever reflected on the choices you've made and the life you're leading?
What is now and what might have been?
Have you missed out on opportunities or experiences by taking the path you're currently on?
Drink a toast for those that died
Let's remember and honor those who have passed away in the fight for freedom and justice.
Remember well the pain we hide
We often carry hidden pain and trauma from our struggles and hardships.
Sure it's easy to give in
It can be tempting to abandon our fight and give up when things get difficult.
But where's your sense of pride?
However, giving up can also cause a loss of self-respect and dignity.
If you have time to have regrets
If you have the luxury of reflecting on past mistakes, you still have the ability to make changes and improve.
Certainly you can have respect
Respect yourself and others who are fighting their own battles.
For those that struggle ceaselessly
Acknowledge and support those who are tirelessly fighting for what they believe in.
In this endless civil war
It often feels like we're in a never-ending struggle for change and equality.
You wonder now of what I speak
Perhaps you're confused about what I'm saying, but I urge you to consider these ideas.
Of joys and sorrows and havoc wreaked
Life is full of both good and bad experiences, and the fight for change can cause chaos.
As if the task of living life was the greatest of all fights
It often feels that simply living life is a constant battle that requires strength and resilience.
Hateful souls find fights the best
Some people thrive on conflict and enjoy fighting with others.
But most of us seek happiness
However, most people just want to live happy and fulfilling lives.
Struggle all your life to find and leave your love defined
Despite the hardships and struggles we face, it's important to find love and leave a positive impact on the world.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CHRISTOPHER DAVIS, NATALIE STEWART
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind