I definitely don't read this song as anticommunist or anti-anarchist--just jaded. I'm only in my 20s but I can imagine it must really suck to have all these plans and ideas as a kid, and decades later...the revolution never came. Sometimes the most you can do is just do volunteer work to strengthen your community, and try to help people cope with the horrendous system as-is.
I had huge plans as a kid to stand up to corporate greed and not fall victim to the system the designed now that I'm in my very early adulthood (I'm 20) I realize that it's a pointless effort to try and fight the system because even if you win when you die its just going to go right back the way it was and no-one is going to remember what you fought for so you might as well make the best of a bad situation and try to help others who might be experiencing the pain and anger you felt in you're youth
When this song came out there was still a lot of active revolt going on in the U.S. There's always gonna be hypocrites in every scene or movement, and snitches, and folks who make things horrible. And not being an anarchist anymore is one thing, but because things didn't pan out quickly, and just giving up is, well, why we're at where we're at now.
But ... Arent that (too) a revolution ? 🤔 Abit a small one, but still something.. No, we may not topple the World leaders, least not today.. But look around you, every small thing brings you one step closer. Call it Utopia if you like, but changes come, to those who believe. I'm in mid 30es and I still believe a Better World Indeed is possible ..
@@mickeydrago9401 when you can buy a small island in cash lol I wouldn't have a issue with majior corporations if they would help people with their money or funnel it back into the company but it seems like they line their own pockets with company cash while barely allowing the base line workers to make enough to survive
maybe she likes it. maybe that's why against me were never as good as on reinventing axl rose again. and maybe laura isn't that much of a punk anymore.
Theyre not. Theor song "baby im an anarchist" was phenominal. But they released this song during the mccain obama election to try to sway people away from leftist politics towards supporting a liberal who dod MORE than Bush in Iraq. I stopped following these guys after this song. Because they sold out left anarchism in favor of liberalist capitalism. They went on to endorse liberal politician after liberal politician. I went on to volunteer for the left leaning kurdish revolution in Rojava. These folks are sellouts. One moment of potential discomfort in the form of a ballot was enough to make them abandon their beliefs.
It's very easy to misinterpret this song as being anti-anarchy yet nostalgic of times when the songwriter was for it, but if you look it up, you'll find that the song's actually directed towards punks who joined the movement just to be edgy. I figured I'd put that out there.
Inspiration for the music video from Laura's life- I went to the same high school as Laura- I'm not surprised this happened at all in Naples, Florida. "An arrest at age 14 crystallized her aversion to authority: having gone to the beach on Independence Day 1995 to watch fireworks, "I walked up on the boardwalk, and a cop was like 'Hey, get off the boardwalk; you're blocking the flow of traffic'. So I turned around and got off, and he came up to me again and was like, 'Get off the boardwalk.' And I was like 'I'm off the boardwalk.'"[7] Grace claims to have then been slammed into a police car, thrown face-first to the pavement, jumped on, hogtied, carried "like a suitcase", put in a holding cell, not allowed to call her mom at that time,[17] charged with resisting arrest and battery, placed under house arrest for the summer, and required to do 180 hours of community service, all because "I was a dirty, grubby little punk kid with black spiky hair who hadn't washed his pants in a year."[7][10][13] Grace's mother hired an attorney, whom she could ill afford, who took the case to court and lost. Grace was charged as an adult and ultimately convicted of both felonies.[17] Grace later said the experience "changed my life. [It] politicized me."[18] "I have an inherent trust of mankind. I think authority and government base their power on violence. I refuse to recognize anyone's power over me."[7]" -Wiki article.
Im fron Naples (found this song on a playlist, never knew about these guys). city of naples cops(the ones the only patrol near the beach and wealthy parts of the city as opposed to the rest of naples) are some brutal bastards. Alot of people i know have had some weird run ins with those units specifically.
I was a teenage anarchist, looking for a revolution. I had the style, I had the ambition. I read all the authors, I knew the right slogans. There was no war but the class war. I was ready to set the world on fire. I was a teenage anarchist, looking for a revolution. Do you remember when you were young and you wanted to set the world on fire? I was a teenage anarchist, but the politics were too convenient. In the depths of their humanity all I saw was bloodless ideology. And with freedom as the doctrine, guess who was the new authority? I was a teenage anarchist, but the politics were too convenient. Do you remember when you were young and you wanted to set the world on fire? I was a teenage anarchist, but then the scene got too rigid. It was a mob mentality, they set their rifle sights on me. Narrow visions of autonomy, you want me to surrender my identity. I was a teenage anarchist, the revolution was a lie. Do you remember when you were young and you wanted to set the world on fire? I was a teenage anarchist.
You know, something like this happened to the lead singer, Laura. When she was a teenager, according to her mom, she was arrested on the beach, hogtied, and battered by the police. Laura wasn't even allowed to call her mom, so her mom had no idea where she was. Laura's mom took this to court and unfortunately, they lost.
I'm 34 and more of an Anarchist than I was 14. The philosophy was something that made sense as a teenager and to figure out *why* it made sense it took 20 years of heartbreak, love, angst and loss. Anarchism at 14 is a jacket. Anarchism at 34 is a better future for my son. What the story of this song is to me is being right for the wrong reasons.
True. its simply the truth. A lot of things are jackets until you realize what is really important in life. If you getting older you become more wiser and you finally know whats worth to fighting for and what's not.
Dude I got more in to the Idea of a Democratic socialist as I became 36 but I was a teenage Anarchist. I still feel like you are thinking for yourself and am happy for you. Love you Bro
I was a teenage anarchist. Now I'm rising through my union, because sometimes setting the world on fire means the slow burn of becoming the rust upon the gears and dismantling the cogs from the inside
Bernie Macker they are authoritarian, the just replaced the government with an other armed force. Real anarchists wouldn’t force people to do anything. As an anarchist you don’t use violence because that just using authority on a smaller scale. For a shot time it was a real anarchy, then it was taken over by again just not by the gouvernement/police
odessa 14 you are right. But antifa isn’t anarchy if you look at what they are doing they are more fascist then anything. Also communism is literally an authoritarian ideology. Using the left right system most used in America: communism is authoritarian left and anarchism is the opposite on the left.
Left Side Libertarian Ha! An anarchist wouldn't sell their music to shills in suits. That's what AM! did years ago. Traded loyal fans for piles of money. Me, I'm staying in the basement, and out of the mainstream. Pre New Wave, all the way.
"Do you remember when you were young and you wanted to set the world on fire?" Yes, I remember and the older I grow the more the revolution becomes a necessity to me! Dear Laura Jane Grace, I hope you will stick to our movement though sure it sometimes seems hard to not lose your hopes and dreams. So no, the revolution is no lie but it's you and me and everyone of us who share these dreams and hopes to fight together for these hopes and dreams to become reality.
That dude slings off his backpack, running up to tackle, and I'm thinkin', "You go, man. Help that kid. Fight the power, dude." I'm 32 and maybe I'm _still_ a teenage anarchist. Maybe we all still are, just a little bit.
Against me! : "Don't you remember when you were young and you wanted to set the world on fire?" F.U.N. : "Tonight we are young, so let's set the world on fire" ...I don't know, I just found that interesting.
If you want a real connection: Rise Against - Architects . This says he used to want to set the world on fire and Rise Against! asks why he stopped believing.
+TOTAL FREEDOM When you understand people on the other hand, you understand that the difference between anarchy and what we've always had in most places really just is the imperialist tendency to lay claim to every last, god-forsaken place on earth (and the universe if at all feasible in the future). You'll not liberate the sheep who do not want to be liberated and it's their fair right to flock together under their rulers, chosen or otherwise tolerated.
I'm a 44 year old anarchist, and I was a teenage anarchist, but this 44 year old anarchist is not the 'set the world on fire' anarchist I was as a teenage anarchist. 🏴☠️
@@guerrillapress77 yeah a lot of people think anarchism is all about violence mayhem and chaos. but then when they find out there are many forms of anarchy (not an-caps of corse) and they are predicated on the idea harmony, problem solving, equality and community those people realize they are anarchists and always have been internally. and in fact i feel like anarchy and other communistic ideals are the default "world view" of all humanity and the other stuff (fascism, capitalism, monarchy, feudalism) has to be taught or people have to be tricked in one way or another into following them.
We're still here but we're looking for others too I'm 14 but age doesn't matter to believe in what you believe. Damn I just wish we could make it happen. But truth is we don't really show ourselves that much, I don't know why. In history my teacher started talking about anarchy and trying to convince the class that it was a horrible thing and was all destruction... I got so mad. :// Keep fighting
What would you say, being 24 now? I don't even know if you'll even see this but I'm 17 and have been questioning a lot of things lately. Are you still an anarchist?
This actually happened to her in Naples Florida! We all use to hang out down at the beach at night and always caught shit due to bullshit to be honest. One night cops went down there and beat the breaks off a few people, believe she got the worst. Just remember hearing in the next day through people we all hung out with so. Life imitates art and vise versa! It did suck growing up in Naples Florida
Ronald Dillinger well the labor movement during the early part of the 20th century and was mad up of socialists of many different stripes (including anarchists like Emma Goldmann) did win most of the workers' rights we have today (and some that have been eroded since).
Kyle Meyer Anarchy is an idealist game. Can each state in the USA have rightful say in each city. Its a massive upbringing. These are my ideals as a kid. I use to believe that we could do this. As I grow I can't help but to accept the facts in my head. Democracy is still a sham to the unelected beucrates, and lobbist with money. No one had ever accept this. Democracy is great. Anarchy-scydaclism( however it's spelt) would be better. Each man his voice. Each representative their say. Echo along the United States. This is not possible. This will not sustain the masses. I can't do for you as can do to me. What does the populous have to offer except their lives. Their are a lot of variables. My young self would say fuck yeah. While the adult me became conservative over time. Libral ideas are a kids game, but humans age. This can work on small scales. Forming a union of anarchists into one sovereign nation is luscious. Maybe one day when rest happens. until then my youth still holds the symbol in high regards.
niikolai768 No, I was saying the opposite of that. In order for Anarchism to grow, it needs to be ordered into some sort of institutions. Revolutionary unions work in that respect, and I'm very optimistic of their practical ability to spread anarchy.
Imperialist Au I've just said the same thing - Anarchism is not some obscure idea of total freedom, it includes institutions like unions and worker cooperatives. You just can't achieve a classless society without those institutions.
I used to listen to this when I was a teenager. Little did I know I'd find what I was looking for. My country is bleeding and the government is killing the students like dogs on the street. Unarmed students protesting for equal job opportunities have been met with gunfire and tear gas. Hundreds of lives have been lost and thousands have been arrested unlawfully. We will not back down. No government can silence us. All eyes on Bangladesh. It's raining here. It's the rain of revolution. All eyes on the students. Stand with us! 🇧🇩🇧🇩🇧🇩🇧🇩🇧🇩🇧🇩🇧🇩
I used to listen to this when I was a teenager. Little did I know I'd find what I was looking for. My country is bleeding and the government is killing the students like dogs on the street. Unarmed students protesting for equal job opportunities have been met with gunfire and tear gas. Hundreds of lives have been lost and thousands have been arrested unlawfully. We will not back down. No government can silence us. All eyes on Bangladesh. It's raining here. It's the rain of revolution. All eyes on the students. Stand with us! 🇧🇩🇧🇩🇧🇩🇧🇩🇧🇩🇧🇩🇧🇩
Just wanted to thank this band. I was pretty ignorant to trans issues, and didn't care to change. The other week I thought "what happened to that band I used to listen too" thought I was seeing a different band, untill I found you came out as trans. I went down a rabbit hole of videos on your journey. And as a result I have acknowledged I was an asshole about trans issues, and have actively been making the effort to change. Little things like using your preferred pro-noun, but I'm becoming less ignorant day by day because of you!
As I teenage anarchist, I can tell you that anarchy isn't about chaos. It's about the destruction of a broken system. It's about community support. Violence erupts from kids (like the one in said video) who think its simply about doing what ever you like. It's about not needing a government because as a community you can support yourselves. Theres no need for a government at that point. But no ones ready for that conversation, especially those who believe it's a fad. Its care and community support, not chaos, but people are greedy, and think we need someone with the power. People dont want community support unless it benefits them, but that's not how it works. You give and you get. People are selfish and unwilling to learn. That's why anarchy hasnt worked, and wont work, by nature humans are shitty people, but they are the ones who choose not to learn. It could work, we could work and learn against our shittyness, but because of stigma, they /wont/
as greed and selfishness exists in human nature-so does collaboration and selflessness, so there really shouldn’t be an excuse as to why anarchy wouldn’t work, the only reason it hasn’t worked is due to the grasp capitalism has on the entire world, feeding greed into the minds of many and keeping it that way. Sure, it’s an improvement to feudalism but humans are constantly changing, just as how we moved on from castles, we can move from an era of selfish corporatism to an era of collaboration.
This comment section proves, just like my friends, you don't get the song! " ... autonomy, they wanted me to surrender my identity" I agree with nothing this band has done in the past 10 years but thank you y'all for being the most honest punk band to ever play!!!! I love y'all!!!!
[Verse 1] I was a teenage anarchist, looking for a revolution I had the style, I had the ambition I read all the authors, I knew the right slogans There was no war but the class war I was ready to set the world on fire I was a teenage anarchist, looking for a revolution [Chorus] Do you remember when you were young and you wanted to set the world on fire? [Verse 2] I was a teenage anarchist, but the politics were too convenient In the depths of their humanity all I saw was bloodless ideology And with freedom as the doctrine, guess who was the new authority? I was a teenage anarchist, but the politics were too convenient [Chorus] [Verse 3] I was a teenage anarchist, but then the scene got too rigid It was a mob mentality, they set their rifle sights on me Narrow visions of autonomy, you want me to surrender my identity I was a teenage anarchist, the revolution was a lie [Chorus] [Outro] I was a teenage anarchist
Even if some grand revolution doesn’t happen, there’s still hope in seeing anarchists still try to do good. There’s communities like the Zapatistas Sure, but even those in smaller groups try to do something, like look at Ukraine, some are fighting, some are starting charities drives to help the people. It’s not always about bottle smashing but cooperation to strive for something better even if helps a few people at a time.
thats the point yea. At least how i interpret the song. It's easy to be an anarchist when you're a young privileged kid. When you have time. Then at some point, it gets serious, and its not just a game anymore. Anarchy became a reality and you realize that people live and die here.
More of a rebuke than a tribute tho. I prefer Rise Against as a band, but I think this song's sentiment is more worth hearing by the fan base. & Rise Against's "Six Ways 'Till Sunday" too
Tom Gabel pictured in the video running from the police was the driving force and founder of the band Against Me! Now Laura Jane Grace is the driving force of the band! She has courage coming out as a transgender woman! I know because I’m a transgender woman too❤️
Fun Fact: Rise Against made kinda response to this song in thier track Architechts from Endgame "And don't you remember when we were young And we wanted to set the world on fire? 'Cause I still am, and I still do"
This song makes me sooo fucking nostalgic! I used to listen to it all the time in 7th grade when I was pissed off at everything and wanted to burn down everything and everyone around me. Tbh it kind of means more to me now just because of that. I mean now I'm listening to His Hero Is Gone and Choking Victim, but back then I though this was the punkest shit ever!
@@slaytronic you never said anything about "no need for you to turn everything into an argument" this is the first time you're making that point, yet you say it was your point the entire time. but I do suppose you're correct in stating that a lot of people on the internet don't really care enough to put up actual arguments and resort to name-calling
I remember when I wanted to set the world on fire. I fucking hated everything the governments of the world and what they stood for. Listening to rise against in my room, dreaming of standing up and fighting back, doing whatever I could to piss off authority figures. So yeah, I guess I was a teenage anarchist. This song brings back many memories.
When this video came out a couple years ago, I thought it was a bit over the top and angsty. Now, I kind of think I remember. There was a teen in me I'm willing to admit to. The one that wanted crazy thing to happen. I remember.
There is a symbolic message here about how as a teenager the "anarchism" we believed in has faded away in our adult lives and we realize that the "anarchism" we once believed in was a lie and this is a reminiscent look back on when we were young.
People seem to be confused about the message of the song, now I don't know what the message is either, but I'm guessing based on the lyrics, it's not that she gives up on being an anarchist, she just doesn't want it to be so violent, scared of the mob mentality vibe that she was involved with as a teenager, but hey what do I know the only people who know what it really means are Against Me!
I think the one thing I like about poetry, novels, and lyrics is that there's plenty of room for interpretation. When asked about meanings, some artists will be straight-forward and tell you what they meant. Some will tell you, but they might throw in the disclaimer that their intention doesn't always matter because it comes down to how the audience relates. Just to jump into the lyrics debate and throw in my English analysis-based opinion, I don't see a lot of what other users are seeing. It's not anti-anarchy. It's not even necessarily pro-anarchy in terms of the subculture. The song is speaking about Laura Jane Grace's experiences with anarchy in her teenage years as being nothing more than a fashion trend with no real political motive behind it. It's like buying into a system and then realizing that the anti-establishment system is, in itself, built into the system. It's advertised as being against consumerism, but, really, it's just buying right back into it. The clothes create a consistent image. Music choice. All of that. The first verse emphasizes that ideology...the speaker bought into the movement entirely--the fashion, the slogans, the politics. These were all parts of "anarchy," but anarchy is far more than just fashion and trends. Chorus refrain...same past tense...a reflection of the idealism once again, but the speaker is looking for that same desire once possessed. The idealism starts to fall apart. There's all this talk of freedom and such, but there's really no desire to act on it, and, even in this freedom, there's still these people claiming leadership and fashion and such. Is it really freedom then? It still comes down to politics and buying into the system under a false banner of objection. Finally, it's the speaker coming to terms with the idea of anarchy not being as advertised. It's still very much a movement, but theres not the freedom that was promised. It's almost like the scientologists...buying in, being a part of the movement, and then deciding it's not for you. Once you want out and start getting a bit critical, the people you used to associate with now are against you. The speaker wants to actually do something and not just speak about it. And then...a bit more reflection...emphasis on the past tense, looking for that passion.
my guess, and this comes from both my own experiences along with the lyrics she wrote (especially the second and third verse), is that sometimes people will raise a flag or shout a cause they know people will agree with, a revolution, just to get people to join with them, and that sometimes when the revolution is over or even before then they show their true colors and that the whole cause has been a lie. people will pretend to be for the people in order to gain power.
I'm pretty sure the song is trying to depict a person disillusioned with the anarchist movement for one reason or another, which makes them compromise on their values. From my understanding the song is trying to elucidate what can lead to that disillusionment in many people, but it's not in support of separating yourself from anarchism.
In fact, when I see the world today, I don't understands how you can't be anarchist, fight for our freedom is just the thing we have to do nowadays. When you see all thoses politics who makes war for money, oil and superiority, you know there is somthing wrong. And the victims are not only the militaries anymore but also a lot of civils, the actuality say it to us every day. The problem is the government but he has a lot of big friends known as the Church, the education and the police, they raised us in a life of competition, submission and manipulation but we need solidarity, revolt and thinking by ourselves. I try to stay far from these but I can't lead a revolution by myself, they divides us, I don't know a lot of anarchists. They lets the people thinks that he needs government, but it's not true, we don't need the government, the government needs us. I dream of a world without frontier, without countries where anybody can say he is proud to be human and where everybody is united, where the problems of the persons who needs help will concern everybody. I don't even know why I'm writing this, just want to know there is others persons who think like me, that the hope is not lost yet. So yeah, I am a teenage anarchist and I want to set the world on fire and I hope I will not change when I'll be older, I hope this world will change. And I just want to say: "Fuck the government, fuck the Church, fuck the police, fuck the heartless, fuck the person who lives only for money and love to all the others!!!"
Hahaha what an idiot thinking anarchy is the way to go, look at the Iraq, no one rules. Look at Libya , bunch of terrorist factions fighting eachother for control of country. If there was anarchy, what would stop people from enslaving and controlling you? Kinda how the government controls you right now. See, we already live in anarchy. There will always be a group who is superior and want to control people for special interest. Grow up, that's life.
Manuel C Anarchy ≠ Perpetual warzone. If you really want to know what Anarchy looks like, look at the confederation of autonomous communities in Kurdistan, or in Chiapas, mexico.
Uh last time I checked the Kurds were pro democracy and wanted autonomy. As for Chiapas mexico, there is no such thing as anarchy. I know about mexico, in Chiapas people aren't allowed to do as they please, there is still a central power that rules over them. You think Mexico City is just gonna let them do as they please? Once you grow up, you'll understand what and why anarchy will never work, you just have to mature and anarchy will mean something different to you than it does right now
Manuel C Thank you for your painfully patronizing tone, but you are the one here who is mistaken. Democracy + Autonomy = Anarchism. If you are going by the incorrect definition of Anarchy, which means chaos, then you are of course going to believe that. However, Anarchy means "without rulers" not "without rules", and this is exactly what the Kurds are aiming for. When I said Chiapas, I was specifically pointing at Zapatista army of Liberation, whose areas run by a horizontal, autonomous federation of communities. If your oh-so-mature mind can't wrap itself around the ACTUAL definition of Anarchy, then replace the word Anarchism with Libertarian socialism, Communalism, or a society free from institutionalized coercion.
now continue your journey young one. you shall get closer and closer to punk in its purest form the further you go, but this is a great place to start.
At 22, living in a third world, overly misogynistic, homophobic, far right, super conservative and just backwards thinking country... I can relate 100% to the jaded and tired lyrics of the song... You can be as idealistic as you want, at the end of the day you're still human and we all have a breaking point where idealism becomes cynicism
+Marcel Chamorro You cannot leave out Jeff Rosenstock and everything he's done to bring the community together - also Joyce Manor and Smith Street Band are absolutely killer.
+TitoSilvey I'm gonna look up Joyce Manor, but fuck yes The Smith Street Band are beyond amazing! I'm travelling about 100 miles on my own to see them this July since I don't know anybidy who has heard of them hahaha
reading comments I'am impressed by how many people did not understand the not realistic but symbolic text of the video, and how many growing up, think they got wise but they just got worse.
"Dooooooo you remember when you were young and you wanted to set the world on fire?" I never stopped feeling that way & my style keeps getting better & I keep reading & re-reading & re-re-reading the books & finding new books like Just Mercy. #AgainstMe
The two guys who run in,that's what we need more of in this world.
Only make it two thousand.
Seems like the mainstream media likes to paint folks like that as "looters and rioters"
Buwahahaha.
Listen to the lyrics.
"The revolution was a lie!"
@dylan foley
Anarchists used to be cool.
Now they all rage on behalf of the machine.
@dylan foley
You dont know me.
Dont assume.
I still want to set the world on fire
That One Meme That's the idea. The song is about whether or not those in the whole punk rock scene still remember what it's all about.
it's a shame the politics were too convenient
yea me too
me too..
same
Moral of the story: when being chased by the police, don't run in slow motion.
lol. but if you're white, you might not be pepper sprayed to death.
That's how I got caught....I back this statement.
If only I'd seen it earlier
0
Or into groups of officers with open arms and batons
@@jenniferorozco3004 😂😂😂
I definitely don't read this song as anticommunist or anti-anarchist--just jaded. I'm only in my 20s but I can imagine it must really suck to have all these plans and ideas as a kid, and decades later...the revolution never came. Sometimes the most you can do is just do volunteer work to strengthen your community, and try to help people cope with the horrendous system as-is.
I had huge plans as a kid to stand up to corporate greed and not fall victim to the system the designed now that I'm in my very early adulthood (I'm 20) I realize that it's a pointless effort to try and fight the system because even if you win when you die its just going to go right back the way it was and no-one is going to remember what you fought for so you might as well make the best of a bad situation and try to help others who might be experiencing the pain and anger you felt in you're youth
When this song came out there was still a lot of active revolt going on in the U.S.
There's always gonna be hypocrites in every scene or movement, and snitches, and folks who make things horrible.
And not being an anarchist anymore is one thing, but because things didn't pan out quickly, and just giving up is, well, why we're at where we're at now.
But ...
Arent that (too) a revolution ?
🤔
Abit a small one, but still something..
No, we may not topple the World leaders, least not today..
But look around you, every small thing brings you one step closer.
Call it Utopia if you like, but changes come, to those who believe.
I'm in mid 30es and I still believe a Better World Indeed is possible ..
@@jamesprice2163
Corporate greed?
Where do you draw the line?
When is Rich too Rich?
@@mickeydrago9401 when you can buy a small island in cash lol I wouldn't have a issue with majior corporations if they would help people with their money or funnel it back into the company but it seems like they line their own pockets with company cash while barely allowing the base line workers to make enough to survive
1:30 gives me chills.
Something about punk camaraderie is very romantic.
+Evin Paauwe this is some comercial sounding over produced 'punk' innit
+Cam Dude yeah i'm sure the over producing majorslet their artists do whatever they want......fool
***** If Laura didn't like what they were doing she wouldn't stay with this major.
maybe she likes it. maybe that's why against me were never as good as on reinventing axl rose again. and maybe laura isn't that much of a punk anymore.
+punxdead this song is about exactly that, an elitist mindset in the punk community. Punk is whatever you want it to be. Punks changed, it isn't dead.
im a teenage anarchist who just found this band today its pretty fucking good
同志你好
Incredible band
I love them so much. When I heard Dysphoria Blues it changed my life
Get ready for an amazing experience.
Theyre not.
Theor song "baby im an anarchist" was phenominal. But they released this song during the mccain obama election to try to sway people away from leftist politics towards supporting a liberal who dod MORE than Bush in Iraq.
I stopped following these guys after this song. Because they sold out left anarchism in favor of liberalist capitalism.
They went on to endorse liberal politician after liberal politician.
I went on to volunteer for the left leaning kurdish revolution in Rojava.
These folks are sellouts. One moment of potential discomfort in the form of a ballot was enough to make them abandon their beliefs.
I remember the first time I heard this song. Filled me with fire and energy. Now I realize that I'm mortal and growing old. Stay young at heart punks
Accurate, turned 32 this year, feels like my body is failing me, plans didn't pan out, I miss the possibility of freedom and burning it all down.
It's very easy to misinterpret this song as being anti-anarchy yet nostalgic of times when the songwriter was for it, but if you look it up, you'll find that the song's actually directed towards punks who joined the movement just to be edgy. I figured I'd put that out there.
www.songfacts.com/blog/interviews/tom_gabel_of_against_me_/ says otherwise
Bran SoLow lol
Sheogorath Daedric Princess of Douchebaggery very cool. never really knew too much of the background on this song.
It is about a movement eating its own through tests of purity. As they almost all do.
Anti lifestylism
Inspiration for the music video from Laura's life- I went to the same high school as Laura- I'm not surprised this happened at all in Naples, Florida. "An arrest at age 14 crystallized her aversion to authority: having gone to the beach on Independence Day 1995 to watch fireworks, "I walked up on the boardwalk, and a cop was like 'Hey, get off the boardwalk; you're blocking the flow of traffic'. So I turned around and got off, and he came up to me again and was like, 'Get off the boardwalk.' And I was like 'I'm off the boardwalk.'"[7] Grace claims to have then been slammed into a police car, thrown face-first to the pavement, jumped on, hogtied, carried "like a suitcase", put in a holding cell, not allowed to call her mom at that time,[17] charged with resisting arrest and battery, placed under house arrest for the summer, and required to do 180 hours of community service, all because "I was a dirty, grubby little punk kid with black spiky hair who hadn't washed his pants in a year."[7][10][13] Grace's mother hired an attorney, whom she could ill afford, who took the case to court and lost. Grace was charged as an adult and ultimately convicted of both felonies.[17] Grace later said the experience "changed my life. [It] politicized me."[18] "I have an inherent trust of mankind. I think authority and government base their power on violence. I refuse to recognize anyone's power over me."[7]" -Wiki article.
It's wild that they charged her as an adult AT 14
I went there, too. You’re full of shit.
It was Tom when it happened. Definitely wasn’t slamming a ‘her’ around.
@@oliveoil2579 It's Florida.
Im fron Naples (found this song on a playlist, never knew about these guys). city of naples cops(the ones the only patrol near the beach and wealthy parts of the city as opposed to the rest of naples) are some brutal bastards. Alot of people i know have had some weird run ins with those units specifically.
Laura's voice is perfect for her style of music. And she is a hero for accepting herself in a society that does not.
👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
She is my hero.
She's the one I do accept. She wasnt looking for attention. It was her calling..
I love her music.
@@CHILLY-BISM
She would tell you to go fuck yourself. You're not partially accepting, you're mostly bigoted. Fuck off.
Laura is so cool
I was a teenage anarchist, looking for a revolution.
I had the style, I had the ambition.
I read all the authors, I knew the right slogans.
There was no war but the class war.
I was ready to set the world on fire.
I was a teenage anarchist, looking for a revolution.
Do you remember when you were young and you wanted to set the world on fire?
I was a teenage anarchist, but the politics were too convenient.
In the depths of their humanity all I saw was bloodless ideology.
And with freedom as the doctrine, guess who was the new authority?
I was a teenage anarchist, but the politics were too convenient.
Do you remember when you were young and you wanted to set the world on fire?
I was a teenage anarchist, but then the scene got too rigid.
It was a mob mentality, they set their rifle sights on me.
Narrow visions of autonomy, you want me to surrender my identity.
I was a teenage anarchist, the revolution was a lie.
Do you remember when you were young and you wanted to set the world on fire?
I was a teenage anarchist.
wow.. great stuff!
Punk rock to the end. calling out anarchy for being conformist. respect. love these guys.
Me, 5 years ago, here in this comment. and today I see how rebellious I was at that time, I miss my revolutionary time
@@Gab.2 I miss my time too
You know, something like this happened to the lead singer, Laura.
When she was a teenager, according to her mom, she was arrested on the beach, hogtied, and battered by the police. Laura wasn't even allowed to call her mom, so her mom had no idea where she was. Laura's mom took this to court and unfortunately, they lost.
Apollo Elm she said in an interview that that situation inspired the song
C Beare really? I shouldve guessed.
Apollo Elm Who the fuck is laura?
AvatarThomlia She's the lead singer of Against Me!
Apollo Elm The lead singer of against me is a dude. i think.
I'm 34 and more of an Anarchist than I was 14. The philosophy was something that made sense as a teenager and to figure out *why* it made sense it took 20 years of heartbreak, love, angst and loss. Anarchism at 14 is a jacket. Anarchism at 34 is a better future for my son.
What the story of this song is to me is being right for the wrong reasons.
Great words! I think so too
Wow. Beautifully said
True. its simply the truth. A lot of things are jackets until you realize what is really important in life. If you getting older you become more wiser and you finally know whats worth to fighting for and what's not.
Dude I got more in to the Idea of a Democratic socialist as I became 36 but I was a teenage Anarchist. I still feel like you are thinking for yourself and am happy for you. Love you Bro
This doesn’t get the respect it deserves, love to you for sure.
This reminds me of skating on long summer days without a care in the world!
Hell yeah dude! Thank god it is summer now! :D
acousticreate dude I know what your talking about the good old days ;(
acousticreate ,. you are so right!
Damn I think I might go for a ride right now.
You mean you didn't prefer to be part of a team sport and a collective? ;)
I always get chills whenever the 2 guys run into the cops... And that smile at the end Is so bittersweet
I was a teenage anarchist. Now I'm rising through my union, because sometimes setting the world on fire means the slow burn of becoming the rust upon the gears and dismantling the cogs from the inside
Everyone want to be the TNT but sometimes you need to be the fuse.
don't you remember when we were young?
How we wanted to set the world on fire
Because I still am and I still do
You’ve got the lyrics wrong, you morbid dickhead.
@@stanknugget it's from a rise against song, you morbid dickhead.
Pat the bunny for me
Make no mistake! We're not afraid!
(10 years late but hey)
I cried the first time I heard Rise Against’s response to this song’s chorus. It’s call “Architects” I STILL AM, AND I STILL DO!!!!!
The music video captures some emotion that sits deep in my core. Anyone, let me you if you experience the same thing.
Jacob Cashman got beaten up by cops so many times that i have stoped counting. Greetings from Germany
Still relevant, now more than ever
Jun 1st 2020 at the time of the Floyd riots.
These are not socialist, nor anarchist protests. Look at what happend to your zone.
@@sliver357 what are they then?
@odessa 14 ok boomer
Bernie Macker they are authoritarian, the just replaced the government with an other armed force. Real anarchists wouldn’t force people to do anything. As an anarchist you don’t use violence because that just using authority on a smaller scale. For a shot time it was a real anarchy, then it was taken over by again just not by the gouvernement/police
odessa 14 you are right. But antifa isn’t anarchy if you look at what they are doing they are more fascist then anything. Also communism is literally an authoritarian ideology. Using the left right system most used in America: communism is authoritarian left and anarchism is the opposite on the left.
"Do you remember when you were young and you wanted to set the world on fire?"
- Against Me!
"I still am, and I still do." - Rise Against.
Yeah that's completely wrong.
The guy who wrote this song still actually identifies as an anarchist.
Left Side Libertarian The *woman who wrote this song.
PyroK8
huh. I didnt know she was transgender.
Left Side Libertarian Ha! An anarchist wouldn't sell their music to shills in suits. That's what AM! did years ago. Traded loyal fans for piles of money.
Me, I'm staying in the basement, and out of the mainstream. Pre New Wave, all the way.
lauras voice is so amazing i get chills every time
Tom
@@mickeydrago9401 Who?
@@mickeydrago9401 shut up
@@sidj6957
Why
@@mickeydrago9401 because you are a transphobic piece of shit. and we dont do transphobia here
"Do you remember when you were young and you wanted to set the world on fire?" Yes, I remember and the older I grow the more the revolution becomes a necessity to me! Dear Laura Jane Grace, I hope you will stick to our movement though sure it sometimes seems hard to not lose your hopes and dreams. So no, the revolution is no lie but it's you and me and everyone of us who share these dreams and hopes to fight together for these hopes and dreams to become reality.
the song is criticizing those who get into anarchism for the edginess.
@@basedman1443 i wouldn't necessarily say criticizing. but it is definitely speaking to the jaded ex-anarchists, figuratively calling them home.
I'm 28 this year, and I still want to set the world on fire.
That dude slings off his backpack, running up to tackle, and I'm thinkin', "You go, man. Help that kid. Fight the power, dude."
I'm 32 and maybe I'm _still_ a teenage anarchist. Maybe we all still are, just a little bit.
Against me! : "Don't you remember when you were young and you wanted to set the world on fire?"
F.U.N. : "Tonight we are young, so let's set the world on fire"
...I don't know, I just found that interesting.
It's called a trope
You’re so fucking stupid.
If you want a real connection: Rise Against - Architects . This says he used to want to set the world on fire and Rise Against! asks why he stopped believing.
I' m turning forty today and still am Anarchist. ACAB!
+TOTAL FREEDOM When you understand people on the other hand, you understand that the difference between anarchy and what we've always had in most places really just is the imperialist tendency to lay claim to every last, god-forsaken place on earth (and the universe if at all feasible in the future). You'll not liberate the sheep who do not want to be liberated and it's their fair right to flock together under their rulers, chosen or otherwise tolerated.
+Chris Brown Anarcho-Capitalist or Anarcho-communist?
+Dennis Geoffroy Anarcho-capitalist is an oxymoron.
+ETHAN BRADBERRY I love you too, Ethan! can I ask you what your definition of anarchism is then?
Dennis Geoffroy Anarchism is no hierarchy. Capitalism is inherently hierarchical.
This song hits differently at 53, having been a young punk in the late 80’s. Damn, I feel old. 🖤
Laura's smile at the end is adorable and I want to die thanks for coming to my ted talk
Tom's smile
No, Laura’s....
His name is Tom
she transitioned,her name is laura respect her pronouns for fuck sake
Class on Bread not respecting someone’s pronouns? not very punk or you
In my mid 20s and have tears from thinking how true this is
Did I sellout or did I buy in, fellas?!
You're doing your best.
9 years later and the comment section is still coping with 'the revolution was a lie' god bless you Laura
i was not a teenage anarchist but i am now a 36 year old anarchist
I'm a 44 year old anarchist, and I was a teenage anarchist, but this 44 year old anarchist is not the 'set the world on fire' anarchist I was as a teenage anarchist. 🏴☠️
@@guerrillapress77 yeah a lot of people think anarchism is all about violence mayhem and chaos. but then when they find out there are many forms of anarchy (not an-caps of corse) and they are predicated on the idea harmony, problem solving, equality and community those people realize they are anarchists and always have been internally. and in fact i feel like anarchy and other communistic ideals are the default "world view" of all humanity and the other stuff (fascism, capitalism, monarchy, feudalism) has to be taught or people have to be tricked in one way or another into following them.
More freedom is gunna lead up to less freedom for you.
@@BoogalooBoy what does that even mean?
@@TomisaLami ruclips.net/video/uKjVBsqX7LU/видео.html
We're still here but we're looking for others too I'm 14 but age doesn't matter to believe in what you believe. Damn I just wish we could make it happen. But truth is we don't really show ourselves that much, I don't know why. In history my teacher started talking about anarchy and trying to convince the class that it was a horrible thing and was all destruction... I got so mad. :// Keep fighting
What would you say, being 24 now? I don't even know if you'll even see this but I'm 17 and have been questioning a lot of things lately. Are you still an anarchist?
@@xxspacekidxx8235 I'm 33 and I wasn't a teenage anarchist, but became one as I got older.
This actually happened to her in Naples Florida! We all use to hang out down at the beach at night and always caught shit due to bullshit to be honest. One night cops went down there and beat the breaks off a few people, believe she got the worst. Just remember hearing in the next day through people we all hung out with so. Life imitates art and vise versa! It did suck growing up in Naples Florida
I was there. You’re fucking lying, shitlips.
i am 45 Years Old and i am Still Fucking Angry !!!
Motor7Mike well you better stop because America is not going to change
Christian Parks Im not smashing anything, im just waking you up from your delusional dream
Christian Parks you said it yourself, we been here centuries. So let me ask you something, have you people accomplished something?
Ronald Dillinger well the labor movement during the early part of the 20th century and was mad up of socialists of many different stripes (including anarchists like Emma Goldmann) did win most of the workers' rights we have today (and some that have been eroded since).
Kyle Meyer Anarchy is an idealist game. Can each state in the USA have rightful say in each city. Its a massive upbringing. These are my ideals as a kid. I use to believe that we could do this. As I grow I can't help but to accept the facts in my head. Democracy is still a sham to the unelected beucrates, and lobbist with money. No one had ever accept this. Democracy is great. Anarchy-scydaclism( however it's spelt) would be better. Each man his voice. Each representative their say. Echo along the United States. This is not possible. This will not sustain the masses. I can't do for you as can do to me. What does the populous have to offer except their lives. Their are a lot of variables. My young self would say fuck yeah. While the adult me became conservative over time. Libral ideas are a kids game, but humans age. This can work on small scales. Forming a union of anarchists into one sovereign nation is luscious. Maybe one day when rest happens. until then my youth still holds the symbol in high regards.
Do you remember when you were young and you wanted to set the world on fire?
I still am, and I still do
+Panos Allen Psychis Are you out there on the front lines or at home keeping score?
+Panos Allen Psychis i do and am aswell.
+Panos Allen Psychis I don;t wanna set the entire world on fire...only ISIS...
Actually, I was ten when I had an unhealthy obsession with fire...
...I still do...
i just love how emotional and angry and energizing her voice is. really makes me want to set the world on fire tbh.
Saw Against me! Last night live and they played this, it was absolutely incredible
in 2014 this vid would be shorter as the cop would just shoot the kid in first min he runs away.
*she
Terraqueous Onkos
*it
Daniel Firestarter hey fuck you
Jared Miller im not sure whether she's had surgery yet but i know she's on hormone replacement and its a matter of gender not sex
Jared Miller Mind your own business, Jared Miller.
14 years later this song still slaps so hard!
the best thing about discovering a band that has been around awhile,is that they have a ton of music to dive into....
Correct!
I used to be a teenage anarchist.... Now I'm grown-up syndicalist
I'm an Anarcho-Syndicalist partly because, despite my dislike for Authority, I feel their needs to be Anarchist institutions for there to be order.
Imperialist Au Well, than you are just a normal anarchist, unless you think that anarchism is some kind of obscure and utopian idea of total freedom
niikolai768
No, I was saying the opposite of that. In order for Anarchism to grow, it needs to be ordered into some sort of institutions. Revolutionary unions work in that respect, and I'm very optimistic of their practical ability to spread anarchy.
Imperialist Au I've just said the same thing - Anarchism is not some obscure idea of total freedom, it includes institutions like unions and worker cooperatives. You just can't achieve a classless society without those institutions.
niikolai768
But it is markedly different to Individual Anarchism, which stresses the will of the Individual over the will of the community (or union).
So who’s still listening to this in 2024?
I just saw Laura Jane Grace last night and she performed this and quite a few Against Me songs
Aku
Yo
I used to listen to this when I was a teenager. Little did I know I'd find what I was looking for. My country is bleeding and the government is killing the students like dogs on the street. Unarmed students protesting for equal job opportunities have been met with gunfire and tear gas. Hundreds of lives have been lost and thousands have been arrested unlawfully. We will not back down. No government can silence us. All eyes on Bangladesh. It's raining here. It's the rain of revolution. All eyes on the students. Stand with us! 🇧🇩🇧🇩🇧🇩🇧🇩🇧🇩🇧🇩🇧🇩
I used to listen to this when I was a teenager. Little did I know I'd find what I was looking for. My country is bleeding and the government is killing the students like dogs on the street. Unarmed students protesting for equal job opportunities have been met with gunfire and tear gas. Hundreds of lives have been lost and thousands have been arrested unlawfully. We will not back down. No government can silence us. All eyes on Bangladesh. It's raining here. It's the rain of revolution. All eyes on the students. Stand with us! 🇧🇩🇧🇩🇧🇩🇧🇩🇧🇩🇧🇩🇧🇩
Just wanted to thank this band. I was pretty ignorant to trans issues, and didn't care to change. The other week I thought "what happened to that band I used to listen too" thought I was seeing a different band, untill I found you came out as trans. I went down a rabbit hole of videos on your journey. And as a result I have acknowledged I was an asshole about trans issues, and have actively been making the effort to change. Little things like using your preferred pro-noun, but I'm becoming less ignorant day by day because of you!
You piece of shit.
As a trans person I wish you good luck on this! Takes a lot of effort to change and I'm happy that the music and band could help you out with it!
I love how that it empowers people to just...... be themselves. Much love AM!!!!
Damn, this song always takes me back, back to the age when nothing mattered..
years and years later and i still vibe to this
New wave was my favorite album but man was this a banger as well. So good!
The older I get the more Anarchist I become. Ⓐ
Word :)
You should try listening to pat the bunny then
same
Anarchy Would never work! 0% chance of success
Mike Whipkey what do you know mate?
Wow!!! The singer has an amazing voice!!!!
As I teenage anarchist, I can tell you that anarchy isn't about chaos. It's about the destruction of a broken system. It's about community support. Violence erupts from kids (like the one in said video) who think its simply about doing what ever you like. It's about not needing a government because as a community you can support yourselves. Theres no need for a government at that point. But no ones ready for that conversation, especially those who believe it's a fad. Its care and community support, not chaos, but people are greedy, and think we need someone with the power. People dont want community support unless it benefits them, but that's not how it works. You give and you get. People are selfish and unwilling to learn. That's why anarchy hasnt worked, and wont work, by nature humans are shitty people, but they are the ones who choose not to learn. It could work, we could work and learn against our shittyness, but because of stigma, they /wont/
So what you are saying is that the utopia is one genocide away?
as greed and selfishness exists in human nature-so does collaboration and selflessness, so there really shouldn’t be an excuse as to why anarchy wouldn’t work, the only reason it hasn’t worked is due to the grasp capitalism has on the entire world, feeding greed into the minds of many and keeping it that way. Sure, it’s an improvement to feudalism but humans are constantly changing, just as how we moved on from castles, we can move from an era of selfish corporatism to an era of collaboration.
@@anarchoskatelab two years have passed and I think that was the point I was trying to portray without knowing the words for it. But I agree 1000%
i agree but fuck that chaos anyway
This comment section proves, just like my friends, you don't get the song!
" ... autonomy, they wanted me to surrender my identity"
I agree with nothing this band has done in the past 10 years but thank you y'all for being the most honest punk band to ever play!!!! I love y'all!!!!
[Verse 1]
I was a teenage anarchist, looking for a revolution
I had the style, I had the ambition
I read all the authors, I knew the right slogans
There was no war but the class war
I was ready to set the world on fire
I was a teenage anarchist, looking for a revolution
[Chorus]
Do you remember when you were young and you wanted to set the world on fire?
[Verse 2]
I was a teenage anarchist, but the politics were too convenient
In the depths of their humanity all I saw was bloodless ideology
And with freedom as the doctrine, guess who was the new authority?
I was a teenage anarchist, but the politics were too convenient
[Chorus]
[Verse 3]
I was a teenage anarchist, but then the scene got too rigid
It was a mob mentality, they set their rifle sights on me
Narrow visions of autonomy, you want me to surrender my identity
I was a teenage anarchist, the revolution was a lie
[Chorus]
[Outro]
I was a teenage anarchist
And then scene got too legit*
It’s 2019 and the world is on fire. YAY.
it's 2020 and it's only getting worse lol
Even if some grand revolution doesn’t happen, there’s still hope in seeing anarchists still try to do good. There’s communities like the Zapatistas Sure, but even those in smaller groups try to do something, like look at Ukraine, some are fighting, some are starting charities drives to help the people. It’s not always about bottle smashing but cooperation to strive for something better even if helps a few people at a time.
Keep crushing life! Hope everyone is doing great you music helped me out a lot growing up.
This song is playing on my headphones as we clash with the cops 2020 what a time to be alive.
Goof ball
I love this video. The kid's grin in the cop car at the end is the cherry on the cake. The revolution was a lie?
That was just straight up police brutality right there
well it's the reality
potatolord 163 What the fuck dude
pretty sure thats the point of the video.
@@horseshoulder well it's not lol
thats the point yea. At least how i interpret the song. It's easy to be an anarchist when you're a young privileged kid. When you have time. Then at some point, it gets serious, and its not just a game anymore. Anarchy became a reality and you realize that people live and die here.
17 when I was first rocking this out. I look back now and smile. Funny how life changes you.
i think rise against pays tribute to this in "architects"
Same! A friend told me about that!
More of a rebuke than a tribute tho.
I prefer Rise Against as a band, but I think this song's sentiment is more worth hearing by the fan base. & Rise Against's "Six Ways 'Till Sunday" too
Their riffs sound very RA in this song. Even the vocals are channeling McIlrath.
I was a teenage anarchist....now I'm an anarchist.
Tom Gabel pictured in the video running from the police was the driving force and founder of the band Against Me! Now Laura Jane Grace is the driving force of the band! She has courage coming out as a transgender woman! I know because I’m a transgender woman too❤️
I saw them play this live last night. Best song of their set, along with 333.
Fun Fact: Rise Against made kinda response to this song in thier track Architechts from Endgame
"And don't you remember when we were young
And we wanted to set the world on fire?
'Cause I still am, and I still do"
As much as I wanna set the on fire,I realize now being older that I was only hurting humanity and i was a dick
Use me as an "I'm still an anarchist" button.
Earn it.
@@davidmcfarland3341What?
I am a teenage anarchist. But apart from some of these people, I actually care about the revolution.
😄😄
LOL.
Wake me up when the fighting begins 😴
What is a revolution?
Then you've missed the entire point of the song
The world may be better off on fire.
Thank you for the music Laura.
This song makes me sooo fucking nostalgic! I used to listen to it all the time in 7th grade when I was pissed off at everything and wanted to burn down everything and everyone around me. Tbh it kind of means more to me now just because of that. I mean now I'm listening to His Hero Is Gone and Choking Victim, but back then I though this was the punkest shit ever!
Fuck off, sonny.
Can some people here please just STOP calling Laura "he"? She's a woman, her name isn't "Tom", for god's sake.
@@casperfliptx You should probably change your username, as discrimination has no fucking place in punk
@@slaytronic But that's not what the other commenter was saying, they said that Laura is a man, which is untrue
@@slaytronic you never said anything about "no need for you to turn everything into an argument" this is the first time you're making that point, yet you say it was your point the entire time. but I do suppose you're correct in stating that a lot of people on the internet don't really care enough to put up actual arguments and resort to name-calling
@@slaytronic I never manipulated what you said, I only pointed out a flaw in your argument
@@slaytronic Just to be clear here, mate. This looks like you're running away because somebody out argued you. Which they did. Bye.
I remember when I wanted to set the world on fire. I fucking hated everything the governments of the world and what they stood for. Listening to rise against in my room, dreaming of standing up and fighting back, doing whatever I could to piss off authority figures. So yeah, I guess I was a teenage anarchist. This song brings back many memories.
When I was in high school, this song used to wake me up every morning. I really wanted to set the world on fire (still)
I love her voice. It's so punk
Corey Mack her
His
@outlawed outlander: her you transphobic pos
Outlawed Outlander her.
@@mayo1984 chill he probably just didn't know
Fuck I forgot how good these guys (and girl) are!!! can't wait to see them open in March!
Same! So excited. March is so far away, I'm dying waiting!!
GREENDAYalltheWAY077 I'm seeing them in march too! I can't wait!
bluekyokitty right! but not as far away as from the day it was announced! 2 months is a better wait than 5 and it only gets closer XD
Danny Stevenson awesome! where at?
GREENDAYalltheWAY077 the lower level in Duluth GA
When this video came out a couple years ago, I thought it was a bit over the top and angsty.
Now, I kind of think I remember. There was a teen in me I'm willing to admit to. The one that wanted crazy thing to happen.
I remember.
you guys are the next step of making rock not boring
If you see something, don't just say something, DO SOMETHING!
There is a symbolic message here about how as a teenager the "anarchism" we believed in has faded away in our adult lives and we realize that the "anarchism" we once believed in was a lie and this is a reminiscent look back on when we were young.
Now you're onto something.
People seem to be confused about the message of the song, now I don't know what the message is either, but I'm guessing based on the lyrics, it's not that she gives up on being an anarchist, she just doesn't want it to be so violent, scared of the mob mentality vibe that she was involved with as a teenager, but hey what do I know the only people who know what it really means are Against Me!
I think the one thing I like about poetry, novels, and lyrics is that there's plenty of room for interpretation. When asked about meanings, some artists will be straight-forward and tell you what they meant. Some will tell you, but they might throw in the disclaimer that their intention doesn't always matter because it comes down to how the audience relates.
Just to jump into the lyrics debate and throw in my English analysis-based opinion, I don't see a lot of what other users are seeing. It's not anti-anarchy. It's not even necessarily pro-anarchy in terms of the subculture. The song is speaking about Laura Jane Grace's experiences with anarchy in her teenage years as being nothing more than a fashion trend with no real political motive behind it. It's like buying into a system and then realizing that the anti-establishment system is, in itself, built into the system. It's advertised as being against consumerism, but, really, it's just buying right back into it. The clothes create a consistent image. Music choice. All of that.
The first verse emphasizes that ideology...the speaker bought into the movement entirely--the fashion, the slogans, the politics. These were all parts of "anarchy," but anarchy is far more than just fashion and trends.
Chorus refrain...same past tense...a reflection of the idealism once again, but the speaker is looking for that same desire once possessed.
The idealism starts to fall apart. There's all this talk of freedom and such, but there's really no desire to act on it, and, even in this freedom, there's still these people claiming leadership and fashion and such. Is it really freedom then? It still comes down to politics and buying into the system under a false banner of objection.
Finally, it's the speaker coming to terms with the idea of anarchy not being as advertised. It's still very much a movement, but theres not the freedom that was promised. It's almost like the scientologists...buying in, being a part of the movement, and then deciding it's not for you. Once you want out and start getting a bit critical, the people you used to associate with now are against you. The speaker wants to actually do something and not just speak about it.
And then...a bit more reflection...emphasis on the past tense, looking for that passion.
my guess, and this comes from both my own experiences along with the lyrics she wrote (especially the second and third verse), is that sometimes people will raise a flag or shout a cause they know people will agree with, a revolution, just to get people to join with them, and that sometimes when the revolution is over or even before then they show their true colors and that the whole cause has been a lie. people will pretend to be for the people in order to gain power.
I'm pretty sure the song is trying to depict a person disillusioned with the anarchist movement for one reason or another, which makes them compromise on their values. From my understanding the song is trying to elucidate what can lead to that disillusionment in many people, but it's not in support of separating yourself from anarchism.
You don’t know shit about shit, you stupid fuck.
yeah youre right 😔
What a bump in the road of top notch Against Me! songs.
In fact, when I see the world today, I don't understands how you can't be anarchist, fight for our freedom is just the thing we have to do nowadays. When you see all thoses politics who makes war for money, oil and superiority, you know there is somthing wrong. And the victims are not only the militaries anymore but also a lot of civils, the actuality say it to us every day.
The problem is the government but he has a lot of big friends known as the Church, the education and the police, they raised us in a life of competition, submission and manipulation but we need solidarity, revolt and thinking by ourselves. I try to stay far from these but I can't lead a revolution by myself, they divides us, I don't know a lot of anarchists. They lets the people thinks that he needs government, but it's not true, we don't need the government, the government needs us.
I dream of a world without frontier, without countries where anybody can say he is proud to be human and where everybody is united, where the problems of the persons who needs help will concern everybody. I don't even know why I'm writing this, just want to know there is others persons who think like me, that the hope is not lost yet.
So yeah, I am a teenage anarchist and I want to set the world on fire and I hope I will not change when I'll be older, I hope this world will change. And I just want to say: "Fuck the government, fuck the Church, fuck the police, fuck the heartless, fuck the person who lives only for money and love to all the others!!!"
I'm with you man. The government needs a rebuild. REVOLUTION IS OUR NAME!
Hahaha what an idiot thinking anarchy is the way to go, look at the Iraq, no one rules. Look at Libya , bunch of terrorist factions fighting eachother for control of country. If there was anarchy, what would stop people from enslaving and controlling you? Kinda how the government controls you right now. See, we already live in anarchy. There will always be a group who is superior and want to control people for special interest. Grow up, that's life.
Manuel C
Anarchy ≠ Perpetual warzone. If you really want to know what Anarchy looks like, look at the confederation of autonomous communities in Kurdistan, or in Chiapas, mexico.
Uh last time I checked the Kurds were pro democracy and wanted autonomy. As for Chiapas mexico, there is no such thing as anarchy. I know about mexico, in Chiapas people aren't allowed to do as they please, there is still a central power that rules over them. You think Mexico City is just gonna let them do as they please? Once you grow up, you'll understand what and why anarchy will never work, you just have to mature and anarchy will mean something different to you than it does right now
Manuel C Thank you for your painfully patronizing tone, but you are the one here who is mistaken.
Democracy + Autonomy = Anarchism. If you are going by the incorrect definition of Anarchy, which means chaos, then you are of course going to believe that. However, Anarchy means "without rulers" not "without rules", and this is exactly what the Kurds are aiming for. When I said Chiapas, I was specifically pointing at Zapatista army of Liberation, whose areas run by a horizontal, autonomous federation of communities.
If your oh-so-mature mind can't wrap itself around the ACTUAL definition of Anarchy, then replace the word Anarchism with Libertarian socialism, Communalism, or a society free from institutionalized coercion.
I was a teenage anarchist. And now I’m a 40 something who just wants to have the mortgage paid off… 😂
The revolution was - indeed - a lie…
in 2016, he woulda been shot at about 0:04
unfortunately... I wish we could trust the cops... it's hard to know which ones aren't out for blood...
He's white tho
if he was black he would have been shot at like 00:01
only if he's black lol
Is that not Laura? I swore it was.
seen than play this yesterday at the green day concert in London! they are awesome live!!
Is this punk rock? If so, I'm loving it!
now continue your journey young one. you shall get closer and closer to punk in its purest form the further you go, but this is a great place to start.
Let it flow through you, feel it, embrace it, and in time, use it!
The reason for your question is that these guys can actually SING. A lot of punk bands can't.
yes, probably the most real and great genre of music ever. dont listen to that auto tuned pop bullshit, this is real music right here
@@fangsabre Recomendations?
How the hell is this a decade old
meu pais vive esse momento.....pq o Brasil é do povo!
This song, and the clip, are amazing. I just subscribed.
Who’s here in 2020? Resist.
Resist against what, mein Fräulein?
@@nasekiller gegen das System natürlich xD
@@Sam-qp4sk das system wiedersetzt sich gerade selbst
@@lehideridefalt5027 Das ist wahr
2021
I wish everyine, who is here in 2020, much luck, and healt😊 and that you don't get infected by Covid 19
2010 "Yeah! Run man! Run!"
2020 "he mustve done something."
when you were young and wanted to set the world on fire.....best line ever in a rock song
At 22, living in a third world, overly misogynistic, homophobic, far right, super conservative and just backwards thinking country... I can relate 100% to the jaded and tired lyrics of the song... You can be as idealistic as you want, at the end of the day you're still human and we all have a breaking point where idealism becomes cynicism
Literally one of the best songs I’ve ever heard
Bands like Against Me, The Gaslight Anthem, MIxtapes, and The Menzingers are the one and only future of punk.
Dude check out Andrew Jackson Jihad, they're really really good also
Look up The Jasons and No Funeral!
+Marcel Chamorro You cannot leave out Jeff Rosenstock and everything he's done to bring the community together - also Joyce Manor and Smith Street Band are absolutely killer.
+TitoSilvey I'm gonna look up Joyce Manor, but fuck yes The Smith Street Band are beyond amazing! I'm travelling about 100 miles on my own to see them this July since I don't know anybidy who has heard of them hahaha
Anti-Flag ?
2020 -- i want to set it on fire more than ever.
2010> do you remember when you were young and wanted to set the world in fire
2020> i do now
Legends thursday podcast!!!!
ahahahahah word up !
reading comments I'am impressed by how many people did not understand the not realistic but symbolic text of the video, and how many growing up, think they got wise but they just got worse.
"Dooooooo you remember when you were young and you wanted to set the world on fire?" I never stopped feeling that way & my style keeps getting better & I keep reading & re-reading & re-re-reading the books & finding new books like Just Mercy.
#AgainstMe