(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.
We're In !
Youth Brigade Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The Youth Brigade's song "We're In" speaks about the evolution of the punk rock scene and how the old punks are being replaced by the younger generation. The first part of the chorus "I should have known our time had come and gone, just move aside and let the young punks ride in" implies that it is time for the older punks to step aside and let the younger generation take over the scene. The singer seems to have accepted that their time is up and the new wave of punk is taking over.
The verse "complete capitulation, we had our day, is there anything left to say" suggests that the old punks had their time in the spotlight, but now they must leave the scene to the new ones. Moreover, the phrase "old punks don't die they just cash in" indicates that the older punks have the option to retire and go commercial, rather than sticking to their punk roots.
The second verse discusses the commercialization of punk rock. The line "selling out our souls for platinum green" emphasizes the fact that punk bands are willing to compromise their beliefs for commercial success. The phrase "radio friendly and marketability" implies that punk bands have chosen to go mainstream to appeal to a larger crowd. The old language of punk is gone, and now punk has become popular and acceptable. The phrase "punk was finally in," suggests that it is no longer a niche subculture but has permeated the mainstream.
The last verse speaks of the singer's personal experience with the scene. The line "I try to hang out, but I tire faster now" hints that the singer is getting older and cannot keep up with the younger generation's energy. However, the singer still believes in punk rock, calling it a "disease" but acknowledges that they cannot keep fighting on the streets. Hence, the support they find is by "smoozing" backstage.
Overall, the song portrays how punk rock has changed, how commercialization has driven certain artists away from their roots, and how the younger generation is taking over the scene's direction.
Line by Line Meaning
I should have known our time had come and gone
I should have been aware that we were no longer relevant or in demand.
just move aside and let the young punks ride in
We should make way for the younger generation of punks to take our place.
complete capitulation, we had our day
We must fully surrender to the fact that our era has ended.
is there anything left to say
There is nothing more to be said or done by us.
old punks don't die they just cash in
Previous punk rockers don't fade away, they compromise their values for monetary gain.
I should have seen the videos on the screen
I should have recognized the signs of the punk scene being commercialized through music videos on television.
selling out our souls for platinum green
Selling our artistic integrity for financial gain and mainstream acceptance.
radio friendly and marketability the new language of the scene
The music industry has begun to dictate what is popular in punk music, prioritizing radio play and marketability over authenticity.
punk was finally in said rolling stone and spin
Even popular music publications like Rolling Stone and Spin recognized the commercialization of punk music.
old punks don't die, they just cash in.
Reinforcement that previous punk rockers choose financial gain over staying true to their principles.
I must admit I don't go in the pit like I used to anymore
Acknowledgement that the aging process has decreased my ability to participate in the energetic crowd during punk shows.
stealing the bands beer to share out on the floor
A reminiscence of youthful rebellion and disregard for authority at punk shows.
I try to hang out, but I tire faster now
Despite attempts to enjoy punk shows and socialize in the scene, physical limitations of aging affect my endurance.
yes I still believe I have that punk disease
Even though time has passed and circumstances have changed, I still hold onto the punk ideals and spirit.
but fighting in the streets is so hard on the feet
Direct action and physical confrontation, while a component of punk protest, has become physically taxing on aging and tired feet.
I find my support greater smoozing backstage.
Instead of physically participating in the punk scene, my support and involvement now mainly comes from socializing and networking backstage at shows.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Wow... I loved this album. Haven't heard this in eons. Thanks for uploading.
Eric Logan
"Fighting in the streets is so hard on my feet"❤
Wtf edo
This song is amazing !
Macsi Sanhueza
Lyrics:
I should have known our time had come and gone just move aside and let the young punks ride in complete capitulation, we had our day is there anything left to say. old punks don't die they just cash in i should have seen the videos on the screen selling out our souls for platinum green radio friendly and marketability the new language of the scene punk was finally in said rolling stone and spin old punks don't die, they just cash in. i must admit i don't go in the pit like i used to anymore stealing the bands beer to share out on the floor i try to hang out, but i tire faster now yes i still believe i have that punk disease but fighting in the streets is so hard on the feet i find my support greater smoozing backstage.
senjorgane
amazing song!
Cne48
Yes I still believe I have that punk disease TOP BAND!
Roland Deschain
This song goes out to all the 'old' punks who didn't sell out, instead they went to work on your car, or change your oil, or in a MACHINE SHOP. THIS SONG GOES OUT TO CHRIS ZOMBIE KING HEARTLY, an OLD PUNK WHO WILL NEVER GROW OLD AGAIN, AND DAVID WHERLIE WHO KNEW WHEN IN WAS A GOOD TIME TO GET OUT OF THE GAME. You are still my idols, and the men I really want to be like one day. At 41, call me old and you'll go home to mommy with a fucking rupture. :*
Mr.Freerobux
Old
moLeOnPoT
Thank you so much!!! Love this Song
DUGZYBONEZ1
Dam old times last time I seen stern was in Melrose .ca. in a record shop like 8 years ago but love how the old punk grew from all walks of life from a few bands to full on invasion of the punkrock