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.
Keep It Up
Youth of Today Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Every time you indulge you realize you fall
All that you've learned don't take the wrong turn
If you keep it up you're gonna get burned
KEEP IT UP Go ahead KEEP IT UP KEEP IT UP II hope you don't KEEP IT UP
A position of respect live up to it
You never liked the trend, that's why you quit
You know what is wrong you know that you're strong
KEEP IT UP
The song "Keep It Up" by Youth of Today is a cautionary tale about indulgence and the consequences of making wrong choices. The lyrics suggest that when someone consistently makes the wrong decisions, they will eventually face negative consequences. The opening line "You know it causes more problems you're not happy at all" implies that indulging in unhealthy behaviors only leads to more problems and unhappiness. The next line, "Every time you indulge you realize you fall," further emphasizes the idea that indulging in bad habits only leads to negative consequences.
The song's chorus, "KEEP IT UP Go ahead KEEP IT UP KEEP IT UP II hope you don't KEEP IT UP," serves as a warning to those who are tempted to make poor choices. The lyrics suggest that the person should try to break the cycle of indulgence before it's too late. The line "A position of respect live up to it" hints that the person has a responsibility to themselves and others to make good choices and not succumb to temptation. The song concludes with the line "You knew the whole time that you didn't belong," which suggests that the person had a sense of what was right and wrong, but chose to ignore that inner voice.
Overall, "Keep It Up" is a song about taking responsibility for one's actions and making good choices. It serves as a reminder that indulging in bad habits only leads to unhappiness and negative consequences.
Line by Line Meaning
You know it causes more problems you're not happy at all
Continuing your negative behavior only leads to more problems, and deep down it doesn't make you happy.
Every time you indulge you realize you fall
Each time you give in to your negative urges, you realize that it only causes you to fail.
All that you've learned don't take the wrong turn
You've learned valuable lessons through your experiences, so don't make the mistake of going down the wrong path again.
If you keep it up you're gonna get burned KEEP IT UP
If you continue to engage in negative behavior, it's going to catch up with you and have consequences. Therefore, don't keep doing it.
Go ahead KEEP IT UP KEEP IT UP
This line is sarcastic - it's telling the subject to keep up their negative behavior, even though it will only lead to negative consequences.
I hope you don't KEEP IT UP
The lyrics then express the hope that the subject will not continue with their negative behavior.
A position of respect live up to it
If you have earned a position of respect or trust, make sure you act accordingly in order to continue deserving it.
You never liked the trend, that's why you quit
You recognized that you didn't like the direction you were heading in, which is why you stopped following the trend.
You know what is wrong you know that you're strong
You are aware of what is wrong, but you also acknowledge that you have the strength to make things right.
You knew the whole time that you didn't belong
You have always known that engaging in negative behavior was not right for you and that it didn't suit your personality or values.
KEEP IT UP
This final line is a re-emphasis of the sarcastic tone from earlier, calling for the subject to continue their negative behavior despite the consequences.
Lyrics © KNOW YOUR RIGHTS, Songtrust Ave
Written by: RAY CAPPO, WALTER SCHREIFELS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jean de Domnonée
0:00 Flame Still Burns
1:14 Slow Down
2:40 Choose to Be
4:07 Put it Aside
5:41 Wake Up and Live
6:53 No More
9:06 What Goes Around
10:32 Potential Friends
12:02 Time We'll Remember
13:20 Live Free
14:50 Understand
16:24 Prejudice
17:46 Keep it Up
swissmochaj
This record kicks ass no matter if your'e straight edge or not.
Mike DaVeggie
I was seventeen when I bought this album. I turned forty five a few weeks ago and you know what? This is still fucking awesome.
Henry Only
It's forever! ✊🏴🏴🏴🏴
Milo Hugo
@Decker Raul Instablaster =)
Decker Raul
you all probably dont care at all but does anybody know of a method to get back into an Instagram account?
I stupidly lost the password. I appreciate any help you can give me
zioniststraightedge 🇮🇱
<3
Clayton Wilson
That's right my brother from another mother!
BIZERK
Im not even straight edge but i was with YOT from the start and they changed my life as a human being,giving me courage,strength,pride,self awarness and personal power to navigate through all the bullshit i faced in life back then in the mid 80's to the present and people need to realize that this band was about more than not drinking or doing drugs or casual sex,they were also about growing a pair of balls and giving everyone,everyone,everyone!..the finger
Max Smart
@commbirthat's definitely an accurate insight about the sxe scene as a whole. some the comments in this comment section reflect those judgemental attitudes a bit. Right wing politics exist more in hardcore than in other punk genres too.
Seander Pietersen
Exactly 💯