Youth Of Today split in 1990 after releasing two studio albums and two 7" EPs, but have since reformed several times for reunion shows. Frontman Ray Cappo went on to form Hare Krishna bands Shelter (with Porcelly on guitar) and Better Than A Thousand, and would later cause controversy in the straight edge scene after being seen drinking a glass of wine in Italy while on tour.
Envy
Youth of Today Lyrics
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we'll bite and fight with our might until we win in the end
I've got one up one you you've got one up on me
overlooking each other's worthy qualities
I'm sorry it's got a hold of me
and I pray I can't shake free
I'll damage my pride, it'll hurt me
so tangled up in ENVY
low blows anything goes at each others expense
We're choosing up teams we're picking up sides
we try to nudge and we won't budge an inch for our pride
I'm sorry it's got a hold of me
and I pray I can't shake free
I'll damage my pride, it'll hurt me
so tangled up in ENVY
Conceit false prestige
same old story hunt for glory
will I ever see humility and will it ever manifest in me
and when the damage's gone, no one won
and that's our idea of fun
Enough
"Envy" by Youth of Today explores the theme of envy and how it can drive a wedge between even the closest of friends. The lyrics focus on the constant competition and criticism between friends who overlook each other's worthy qualities. Instead, they focus on trying to one-up each other in a battle for pride and glory. The use of phrases such as "Constant competition and criticism between friends" and "We're choosing up teams we're picking up sides" highlights the toxic nature of this behavior and how it can lead to resentment and conflict.
The chorus is particularly powerful, as it captures the overwhelming feeling of being consumed by envy. The line "I'm sorry it's got a hold of me and I pray I can't shake free" is a poignant admission of defeat, as the singer is aware of the destructive nature of their envy but feels powerless to overcome it. The use of the phrase "so tangled up in ENVY" evokes a sense of being trapped or ensnared by this emotion, which only serves to amplify its negative effects.
The song also touches on the idea of false pride and the hunt for glory. The lyrics suggest that this constant need for recognition and validation blinds us to the importance of humility and the worth of those around us. The line "Conceit false prestige, same old story hunt for glory" highlights the hollowness of this pursuit and the potential for it to cause more harm than good.
Overall, "Envy" is a powerful exploration of the dangers of envy and how it can damage our relationships with others. The song urges us all to strive for humility and to recognize the worth and value of those around us.
Line by Line Meaning
Constant competition and criticism between friends
We constantly compete and criticize each other as friends.
we'll bite and fight with our might until we win in the end
We will fight tooth and nail until we come out on top.
I've got one up one you you've got one up on me
We are constantly trying to one-up each other.
overlooking each other's worthy qualities
We fail to recognize each other's positive attributes.
I'm sorry it's got a hold of me
I am sorry that envy has taken control of me.
and I pray I can't shake free
I hope that I am not permanently affected by envy.
I'll damage my pride, it'll hurt me
Envy will damage my self-esteem and hurt me in the process.
so tangled up in ENVY
I am deeply entwined in the grips of envy.
I lash out at you you strike back at a chance
We attack each other and retaliate when given the opportunity.
low blows anything goes at each others expense
We resort to personal attacks and anything goes when it comes to hurting each other.
We're choosing up teams we're picking up sides
We have divided ourselves and are choosing sides.
we try to nudge and we won't budge an inch for our pride
We are stubborn and refuse to let go of our pride.
Conceit false prestige
We have a false sense of importance.
same old story hunt for glory
We are constantly searching for recognition and praise.
will I ever see humility and will it ever manifest in me
I wonder if I will ever be humble and embody that characteristic.
and when the damage's gone, no one won
In the end, no one truly benefits and everyone is left damaged.
and that's our idea of fun
Unfortunately, we find this destructive behavior entertaining.
Lyrics © KNOW YOUR RIGHTS, Songtrust Ave
Written by: RAY CAPPO, JOHN PORCELLY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind