But does it really make a difference if we get it?
This song critiques the idea that people can be divided as simply as those fighting against the system and those aiding it. It attacks the black and white ideas about people’s allegiances that were brought about the pack mentality of 80s Hardcore scene, and challenges the idea that you can define people by labels as simple as “consumer” or “revolutionary,” claiming that one can not “really fucking get it” (it being an understanding of a human being) from such elementary terms.
The theme of coming to appreciate all people simply because they are people is common in many folk-punk songs, and it shows a trend of rebellion against Punk itself. Folk-Punk groups renounce the simple divisions of “classical” Punk, and push for a change in the attitude of Punks in regard to non-punks. One song that encourages this change is “People” by a Andrew Jackson Jihad , and the song goes,
“People are people regardless of creed,
These lyrics challenge the idea that one’s beliefs define one’s person, and it also argues against the racist and misogynistic nature of the 80s scene.
Once again, we see Punk rebelling against itself (the ultimate example of the rebellious attitudes that are so vital to it).
The ideology of punk, underneath the layers of angst, grunge, and vulgarity is truly beautiful. In its deepest heart, Punk is about hope, human beings coming together to create a community, to cause a change, to be a part of something bigger, to do better than those who came before, and to fight or convert any who dare to stand in the way.