(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.
Breakdown
Youth Brigade Lyrics
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The lyrics to Youth Brigade's song "Breakdown" speak to the frustration and confusion that comes with trying to understand the messed-up things that people do. The singer acknowledges that he can't just pretend like these actions are okay and look the other way, but at the same time he realizes that he'll never truly understand what motivates someone else to behave in a certain way. This ignorance is only compounded by the fact that so many people just talk shit without actually trying to get to the root of the problem.
Despite these feelings of helplessness, the singer acknowledges that he needs to break down and confront the reality of the situation. He wants to rewrite history and change the lines that have been drawn, but he recognizes that it's not an easy task. The greatest mystery is why humanity hasn't destroyed itself yet, and the singer knows that he'll never fully comprehend the answer. Nevertheless, he remains hopeful that people will eventually embrace the fact that time is running out and start making meaningful changes in the way we interact with each other.
Overall, "Breakdown" is a song about feeling lost and powerless in the face of complex societal problems. The lyrics are a call to action, urging listeners to break down and confront the underlying issues rather than simply turning a blind eye.
Line by Line Meaning
i don't understand the fucked up shit we do
I am unable to comprehend the terrible things that we, as humans, are capable of doing.
and i won't pretend that it's ok and look the other way
I won't pretend that everything is alright and ignore the problems at hand.
i'll never know i'll never know what it means to be you
I will never truly understand what you go through and the struggles you face.
so many talkin shit will we ever get a clue
Many people are constantly complaining without taking action or attempting to find solutions.
i want to breakdown but don't know if i can
I feel emotionally exhausted and overwhelmed, but I am uncertain if I am able to cope with it all.
i need to break down but don't know if i can
I feel an overwhelming need to release my emotions, but I am uncertain if I am able to do so.
try to re-write history the lines got drawn long ago
We attempt to modify our past actions to make ourselves feel better, but the consequences of our past cannot be erased.
the greatest mystery why have we not destroyed ourselves
It is perplexing that as a society we have not self-destructed through our own actions.
never know i'll never know can't crawl inside your mind
There is no way for me to fully comprehend your thoughts and emotions.
will we ever embrace the thought we have so little time
Will we ever realize and accept that our time on Earth is limited and make the most of it?
Contributed by Nora F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.