Seminal Connecticut straight edge hardcore punk band Youth Of Today were pi… Read Full Bio ↴Seminal Connecticut straight edge hardcore punk band Youth Of Today were pivotal in the mid-'80s youth crew scene and are still regarded amongst new and old fans alike as one of the finest hardcore bands to ever exist. The original line up consisted of Ray Cappo (vocals), John Porcelly (guitar), Graham Philips (bass) and Darren Pesce (drums), but the line up changed several times to include musicians such as Craig Setari (bass) and Tom Carroll (drums) of Straight Ahead, Drew Thomas (drums) of Crippled Youth (to later be known as Bold), Mike Judge (drums) who went on to form Judge alongside Porcelly, and Walter Schreifels (bass) of Gorilla Biscuits, with Cappo remaining on vocals throughout.

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.

Take a Stand
Youth of Today Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I see you hide
Do you have pride
Afraid to share what's inside
You've been walked right by
A real nice guy
Overlooked and shoved aside
Can't hear your voice back in the crowd
Move up fornt and shout out loud !

Take a stand !
Take a stand, say what you feel
Be who you want, but be for real!
Voice your opinion,
Don't just sit still
Speak your mind at your free will
Take a stand !
Stand your ground
Don't let the world push you around
Take a stand !

Stand your ground
Don't let the world push you around !

Overall Meaning

In Youth of Today's song "Take a Stand", the band encourages listeners to speak up and be true to themselves. The first stanza talks about the fear of expressing oneself and the consequences of not doing so. The lyrics suggest that by hiding and keeping silent, one risks being overlooked and pushed aside by others. The second stanza urges the listener to claim their voice and take a stand. They are encouraged to speak up and share their thoughts and feelings. The song empowers individuals to speak their minds freely and to stand their ground against the pressures of the world.

Line by Line Meaning

I see you hide
I notice that you conceal yourself

Do you have pride
Do you possess self-respect

Afraid to share what's inside
You're hesitant to express your inner thoughts and feelings

You've been walked right by
People have ignored your existence

A real nice guy
You're genuinely kind-hearted

Overlooked and shoved aside
You've been dismissed and pushed away

Can't hear your voice back in the crowd
Your voice is too quiet and unnoticeable amidst the masses

Move up front and shout out loud !
Get in the forefront and boldly declare your thoughts!

Take a stand !
Don't be passive, take a position!

Take a stand, say what you feel
Make a stance, communicate your emotions

Be who you want, but be for real!
Be authentic in your beliefs and choices