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.

Youth of Today
Youth of Today Lyrics

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The kids will make it happen
We're starting a new way
People
In the world today
Physically strong
Morally straight
Positive youth
We"re the youth of today

Never fight each other
Use our heads before our fists
Then we'll kick down all the barriers
Of hate and prejudice
Live fast die young was just a fad,
For a bunch of losers
Who didn"t take care.
I'm gonna live my life,
Breath every breath,

Look towards the future
And move straight ahead.

Overall Meaning

The song Youth of Today by the band Youth of Today is a powerful anthem that speaks to the youth of today. The lyrics urge young people to take charge of their lives and make positive changes in the world. The message is clear: the kids will make it happen. The song is a call to action, a rallying cry for the youth to stand up and be counted. The lyrics speak to physical strength and moral integrity, as well as the importance of using one's head before resorting to violence. The band acknowledges that living fast and dying young was once seen as fashionable, but instead encourages young people to look towards the future and move forward with positivity and purpose.

The song is an empowering reminder to young people that they have the power to change the world around them. It challenges them to live up to their potential and not be influenced by negative peer pressure or societal norms. The message of unity and working together to overcome hate and prejudice is particularly relevant in today's polarized political climate. The song encourages young people to live their lives to the fullest, to breathe every breath, and to move straight ahead towards a better future.

Line by Line Meaning

The kids will make it happen
The younger generations will bring about change and progress.

We're starting a new way
We are initiating a new approach to life.

People
Human beings in general.

In the world today
In the current state of the world.

Physically strong
Having physical strength and fitness.

Morally straight
Having upright moral values.

Positive youth
Optimistic younger people.

We're the youth of today
We are the younger generation living in the present time.

Never fight each other
Do not engage in violent conflict with one another.

Use our heads before our fists
Use logic and reason instead of physical violence.

Then we'll kick down all the barriers
We will overcome all obstacles and challenges.