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.

Modest Proposal
Youth Brigade Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I don't know them they don't know me life is fucked reality can we maintain this paranoid hope or shall we just go on and cope I hate you hate but we don't know why I fight you fight blood is on the floor I hurt you hurt someone's gonna die please I'd like to make a modest proposal now examine the sorry state will the world just fluctuate or will a hand too carelessly strike and make real our horrors and our fright we push they push and it's judgement day we hide they hide but who can run away we save they save to carry on the race please I must make a modest propsal now listen to me and you should see that no one can survive this limited nuclear war jive we must stop this madness before it stops us please I'm making a passionate plea this is my modest proposal

Overall Meaning

The song "Modest Proposal" by Youth Brigade seems to be a commentary on the current state of the world, with a focus on the possibility of nuclear war. The opening lines "I don't know them they don't know me life is fucked reality" suggest a sense of confusion and frustration with the world. The lyrics then move on to a discussion of fighting and hatred, and the inevitability of death and destruction. The chorus features the singer making a "modest proposal" for the world, calling for an end to nuclear war and a move towards peace.

Throughout the song, there seems to be a sense of urgency and desperation. The lyrics are dark and confrontational, and the singer seems to be pleading with the listener to take action before it's too late. The final lines, "please I'm making a passionate plea this is my modest proposal" drive home the message that the singer is trying to convey, and seem to suggest that there is still hope if we act now.

Line by Line Meaning

I don't know them they don't know me life is fucked reality can we maintain this paranoid hope or shall we just go on and cope
The singer is acknowledging the chaos and uncertainty of life and questioning whether we can continue to hope and cope with it.

I hate you hate but we don't know why I fight you fight blood is on the floor I hurt you hurt someone's gonna die
The singer is pointing out the pointless violence and hatred that exists in the world and suggesting that it will only lead to death and destruction.

please I'd like to make a modest proposal now examine the sorry state will the world just fluctuate or will a hand too carelessly strike and make real our horrors and our fright
The singer is proposing a solution to the chaos and questioning whether the world will continue to swing between extremes or if a catastrophic event will force us to face our fears.

we push they push and it's judgement day we hide they hide but who can run away we save they save to carry on the race
The artist is commenting on the competitive nature of society and how it often leads to conflict and a sense of impending doom. They also suggest that we all work together to survive and progress.

please I must make a modest proposal now listen to me and you should see that no one can survive this limited nuclear war jive we must stop this madness before it stops us
The artist is urging listeners to heed their proposal to avoid a catastrophic nuclear war that would result in the destruction of all humanity.

please I'm making a passionate plea this is my modest proposal
The singer emphasizes their urgency and passion for their proposal, which they believe is a necessary step towards avoiding disaster and building a better future.

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS