Youth Brigade can refer to two different punk music groups.

(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.

How Can We Live Like This
Youth Brigade Lyrics

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Don't tell me you're helpless
Nothing makes a difference
Attitudes do change a thing
Their's more to life than living
You live, you die, you wounder why?
Most people will make the time
You dream, you hopes, you just can cope
With the life that you can't understand

I'm sick of all the bitterness
I'm sick of all the hate
Everyone's so disconnected
No one can communicate

How can - how can - how can we live like this?
How can - how can - how can we live like this?

... ... ...

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Youth Brigade's song "How Can We Live Like This" express frustration and disillusionment with the state of the world and society. The opening lines suggest a rejection of apathy and a call to action: "Don't tell me you're helpless / Nothing makes a difference / Attitudes do change a thing." The singer then reflects on the existential questions of life, wondering why we live and die, and acknowledging that many people struggle to make sense of it all.

The second verse highlights the disconnect and lack of communication amongst people, while the chorus repeats the central question of the song: "How can we live like this?" The repetition of this line emphasizes the urgency of the singer's plea, while the open-ended nature of the question invites the listener to consider their own role in making the world a better place.

Overall, "How Can We Live Like This" is a powerful and emotive critique of modern society, calling for a more engaged and empathetic approach to life.

Line by Line Meaning

Don't tell me you're helpless
Don't try to convince me that there's nothing you can do

Nothing makes a difference
I refuse to believe that no action can help improve the situation

Attitudes do change a thing
Changing our attitudes can have a positive impact

Their's more to life than living
Life has a deeper meaning than just existing

You live, you die, you wounder why?
Life is full of uncertainties and questions

Most people will make the time
Most people can find the time to make a difference

You dream, you hopes, you just can cope
We have dreams and hopes but struggle to deal with the reality of life

With the life that you can't understand
At times, life can be difficult to comprehend

I'm sick of all the bitterness
I'm tired of all the animosity and hostility

I'm sick of all the hate
I'm tired of all the negativity and hostility

Everyone's so disconnected
People are becoming increasingly isolated and distant from one another