(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.
Believe In Something
Youth Brigade Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The song "Believe In Something" by Youth Brigade speaks about our need to build a framework of belief around ourselves as we navigate our lives. The opening lines about going for a walk to think and needing a drink to talk suggests that the singer is seeking a space and a sounding board to process what he/she has been witnessing. The song then moves on to explore the notion of fighting for justice, highlighting the fact that the fight comes at a price, and yet the end goal doesn't always feel just. The singer seems to question the purpose of our lives as we fight for freedom, yet end up fighting against one another. There is a sense of disillusionment and emptiness as we continue to scream for freedom, without much idea of what we're fighting for.
The song then goes on to acknowledge the people around us, who are intelligent and tough, and yet seem to be struggling to find their own voice. The lyrics are a call to action to believe in something, but the song is also aware of how difficult it can be to do so in a world that is constantly trying to tell us what to believe in. The singer acknowledges that it's up to each individual to find their own way, but believes that it's important to believe in something in order to find peace of mind.
Overall, the song speaks to a deep sense of restlessness and disillusionment with the world around us, and the need to find something to hold onto. It is a call to action, but also acknowledges the difficulty of the journey.
Line by Line Meaning
I went out walking just had to think
I needed to clear my head and contemplate
all day spent talking really need a drink
I spent the whole day talking to others and I need a drink to unwind
we have the luxury of fighting in our seats
We have the privilege of engaging in political debates without facing physical harm
a price for any justice the whole notion stinks
The idea that justice can only be achieved through money is problematic and unfair
what the hell are we doing with our lives
We need to question our purpose and direction in life
screaming for freedom while fighting with all sides
We are advocating for freedom while simultaneously engaging in conflicts with opposing parties
say there's a reason justify the lies
We try to rationalize and justify deceitful actions
but I think we're empty inside
However, we are lacking in genuine passion and belief (for what we claim to fight for)
should I believe in you believe in me
Do we blindly follow others or trust our own instincts?
believe in god, country and the family
Are we patriotic and religious?
believe in greed the corporate state
Do we believe in the pursuit of wealth and power within a capitalist system?
belive that power and money means strength
Do we equate success with financial and authoritative power?
believe in love and the birds and the bees
Do we value the simplicity and beauty of nature and meaningful relationships?
believe in peace honour and harmony
Do we prioritize non-violent conflict resolution and unity?
believe that we should live and let live
Do we support others' individual freedom and autonomy?
It's up to you just believe in something.
Ultimately, it is our personal choice as to what we believe in.
I want to think you believe in you
I hope that you have confidence and faith in yourself
I believe in me will it set you free
I have self-belief, but will that inspire you to find your own liberation?
someone's always telling you what to believe in
We are constantly being influenced and pressured by external sources to adopt certain beliefs
and I don't think you should have to fear
However, we should not feel afraid to challenge and form our own beliefs
pay any money or sacrifice years to find some peace of mind
We should not have to pay or sacrifice excessively to reach a state of contentment with our beliefs
to find a way to believe in something
Ultimately, our goal should be to find and believe in something that brings us inner peace and purpose
Lyrics Ā© O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@adorad2359
This song meant a lot to me when I was a teenager, might mean even more to me during Coronavirus
@mr.t6142
I never grow tired of this classic song, the brothers originally from Canada, forever and ever!!!
@jordanxrola
Im glad I have this gem to listen to and keep to myself. A fair amount of my friends would scratch their heads if you asked who youth brigade was
@tracklizard4018
introduce them you fucking hipster
@Itsaboutdamtime
The best song by one of the most underrated bands. This music is beautiful
@owenconenna7532
Punk has so many sounds and messages, angry, desperate, sad, and then we have youth brigade. Goofy sounding optimistic shit, and I think that's so fucking beautiful
@mr.t6142
I remember 1997 in San Diego at some small Podunk venue I was on stage with Shawn singing this song and some club security officers grabbing me and taking me off the stage because Slam Dancing and singing along with the music was not allowed! Good Times, eh? š Shawn was like let the kid go, he can sing with us!
@kapta1nkhron1c94
14 years of life I've been listening to this Youth Brigade shreds
@ultimate0death
I'm not even a "punk" by definition, but this shit brings me back, and some of the lyrics are great. The music is timeless. I've been angry lately and YB helps prevent my fists from going through the drywall in my apartment. I love this fucking band goddamnit. LIKE
@xSaBBaTHxx
This reminds of high school, walking down the halls blasting this song on my iPod nano.