Positive Youth (It's Not Just For Kids Anymore)

(Time passes. New faces come, old faces often feel obligated to "give up" or "grow up." Despite it's ups and downs, the hardcore / punk scene continues to fuel me with more positive than negative energy. Being involved in it makes me feel like it's perpetually summer time and I'm still 17. I wouldn't trade this feeling for the world. Though not written for or about him, this song is dedicated to the memory of Jas Toomer for staying young, staying positive and staying active until the very end. If we had a couple thousand Jas Toomers in the scenes of the world we'd never have to worry about burnout anymore. But Jas was one of a kind and will be missed by all that knew him).

I hear your criticisms
the scene's not what it used to be
but how soon you forget
that the scene's just what you make of it
you're never too old
this is a lifestyle not a career
we will create
as much as we destroy
so fuck their defeatist air
bitter words and vacant stares

burnt out, fed up

stabbed in the back

like the chorus to

a thousand straight edge anthems

Who's to blame

for your stage right exit

the scene doesn't need to be a tragedy

it just needs some new

some new fucking casting

Positive Youth (It's Not Just For Kids Anymore)

Positive Youth (It's Not Just For Kids Anymore)

Positive Youth! Positive Youth! Youth!

together - young and old

rejecting all that we've been told

respect the elders - respect the youth

together we may find new truths