I've loved this band since I was 13 years old. I'm now a happily middle-aged punk loving mom. Tonight I'm seeing X with my 21 year old son, who grew up listening to their music. Life is good.
@@robsanz9746 Thanks for reminding me of my earlier comment... I played it just now and can't help marvelling at the fabulousness of the music and the bleakness of its message. "see how we are," indeed.
First time I seen was at magic mountain ~X~ it was I think in 1985 I have the pictures last time I seen him was in Seattle last month. Great show!!!! Have pics ❤ them. Sounded great as usual. with minute men man. Back in the day. This show is the great in Seattle. Billy seem play the trumpet. Of course my happy, but had to go up in the very front of the stage. It was a great show. I especially when you see them when you’re like 16 I need to see you in lotta years later not a lot I mean I’m not old I’m old but not 100.😂 anybody who has a chance to go see X. Go, don’t miss out!!’ OK I’m super tired. I have a making sense. I gotta get happy but to bed. Merry Christmas and I hope you all have a chance to see them.
A GREAT,HONEST ,HEARTFELT PLEA TO HUMANITY... AS CHARLES BUKOWSKI WROTE ""people are just not good to each other , the rich are not good to the rich ,the poor are not good to the poor , i never asked them to be , but i think about it sometimes ,there must be a way we havent tried yet a way to treat each other better!/"
I've been a fan of X for 22 years or so... how did i never hear this song?? i never owned this album - but i really like other songs on this album. how frickin great is it to discover such a great X song in 2008. - awesome.
Youth and Truth. I look in the mirror and that youth disappeared a long time ago, Hearing this song let's me know that truth is still full force in me.......
I could play this song over and over and still enjoy it. This band was outstanding and produced a lot of hit songs but never really made it big? This song will live on forever and goes with any gereration young or old this band & song has class. They were labeled as a punk bank but they were more of an after punk-new wave band. Thank you for your gift to the world.
Going to see these guys on Monday 8-15-16 in Boston/Brighton Music Hall. It will be probably the seventh time seeing them (and the Knitters twice) and they are indeed a treasure. They won't do this song however because this album was made without Billy Zoom...which is an eternal bummer. But big thanks to Tony G.
been an X forever and can't agree more. The Zoom lineup is my favorite butt the albums without him stand on their own. Tony was awesome on Live From the Whiskey,
"She said, his first name is HOMEBOY" "I said, could his last name be TROUBLE..." I'm not sure if such a brilliant lyric has been written, since. Listening to this in 2022, man, if you thought Amerika was fucked in the mid 80s, well, it wasn't gonna get any better. "This bottom rung sure ain't no fun..."
Been a proud fan since the 80s,. Songs of sorrow are good for the soul. Smart that they sneak in some "punk" ideas into tunes with a heartland target audience.
one of the all time great songs,from one of the finest bands ever to come out of LA, love those harmonies. tks for posting, big fan from way - back....
I too have been a fan and this song was actually only premiered on a solo project withJohn Doe. I last saw John at a small club on Fairfax and he was aged but great. Real dude playing real music. Not enough of that these days it seems to me or I am just getting old. WHo knows :-)
Loved this song and the album as well. There was no way that they were going to be the same band after Billy left and was replaced for this album on guitar by Dave Alvin. And let's be honest---John and Exene matured as song writers. I wouldn't want them being informed by the same things at this point as they were when they did "Los Angeles" or "Wild Gift". Is it punk? No,but I don't think they ever thought of themselves as a punk band,they just had that punk "do it yourself" ethic going.
They probably would think, "Fuck you, why don't you give away something of value that you own!" Sure, this song is a cultural treasure. And for that, they should be compensated, not stripped of there intellectual property. Public Domain my ass!
John Doe did an acoustic version of this by himself (not the one with Dave Alvin) that was on the IRS show on MTV in the late 80s. That is to this day the most beautiful acoustic rendition of a song I've heard.
Thats because this was the 80's when most people were too fixated on Michael Jackson, Madona, Sting, Huey Lewis, Phill Collins, Bon Jovi, Kenny logins and THAT whole lot to notice THIS group. They were kind of ahead of their time at THIS point and with THIS particular song & album ( the "Alternative rock" popular explosion being several years ahead ).
For all those bitching about a punk band ballad: This bunch was punk rock BEFORE "punk rock" became for sale at our mommy's favorite shopping mall. Don't like it? Go listen to some Green Day, or better yet, Avril Lavine. ur welcome, "sk8r boi".
They weren't even a punk band, so called, by the time this album came out. It was a different version of X. End stop. There are some hard rocking songs on it, but none are really punk by definition of their earliest albums. But they'd already started maturing and branching out stylistically a few albums back. (The New World, etc.) I don't think they ever easily fit into a punk pigeonhole, anyway. Then there are the other side projects, Knitters, etc. They don't get enough credit for being multifaceted.
@@thiscorrosion900Briggs, you are correct. I have seen X in all their incarnations, including the Knitters. And while X was at the forefront of the early LA punk scene, even then, through John Does writing style, there was a certain Folk element to their music and they were unique to any genre with those one-of-a-kind vocal harmonies. And, indeed, they don't get enough credit. Not by a long mile.
And if they did sell millions then everyone would miss the "good old days", when you could see them at a club instead of a coliseum. Like Fitzgeralds in Houston in 1986, I think it was.
There is something seriously wrong: there are NO proper X videos on CZcams -- they've all been removed due to copyright infringement or whatever. They made some great clips in the 80s for songs like "Motel Room in My Bed" and "Because I Do." It's a crime you can't watch them on CZcams!
I was 14 years old in 1982 when I found punk. I through my metal records in the oven and warped em all. Then had my hair buzzed off to go the spiky route and joined the Decline of Western Civilization. God bless the Ramones, the Pistols and the Clash for stating it all and hail to the reigning godfather- Mr. Ness. SD
this song makes me cry & be ashamed to be an American. I got to where I considered X compared to the first three records sellouts but as I got older, their later period stuff made more sense.
@earlajune Absolutely wrong. This is exactly X (minus Billy Zoom). You need to allow a band to grow or they end up touring for 30 years on their first three records.... oh wait a minute.
I've loved this band since I was 13 years old. I'm now a happily middle-aged punk loving mom. Tonight I'm seeing X with my 21 year old son, who grew up listening to their music. Life is good.
I first saw X when I was 13 and sure enough, my parents took me lol. I’m 32 now and they’re still one of my favorites.
if this isn't one of the greatest American rock songs of all time, I don't know what the fuck is.
That's right.
Amen,brother...AMEN.
@@robsanz9746 Thanks for reminding me of my earlier comment... I played it just now and can't help marvelling at the fabulousness of the music and the bleakness of its message. "see how we are," indeed.
Oh, it's up there with Bruce Springsteen, Dead Moon, or...maybe Pete Seeger?
Incredible song can't wait to see X live again...
First time I seen was at magic mountain ~X~ it was I think in 1985 I have the pictures last time I seen him was in Seattle last month. Great show!!!! Have pics ❤ them. Sounded great as usual. with minute men man. Back in the day. This show is the great in Seattle. Billy seem play the trumpet. Of course my happy, but had to go up in the very front of the stage. It was a great show. I especially when you see them when you’re like 16 I need to see you in lotta years later not a lot I mean I’m not old I’m old but not 100.😂 anybody who has a chance to go see X. Go, don’t miss out!!’ OK I’m super tired. I have a making sense. I gotta get happy but to bed. Merry Christmas and I hope you all have a chance to see them.
X started off as a Great punk band and ended up a Great American Rock n Roll institution.
I quote this song all the time. Truly one of the greatest songs ever written.
indeed.
The anthem of the late 80's..Definitely underrated. John Doe is an amazing talent.
Henry DeBoer xxx
So underrated!!
Exene did a lot of the writing
One of the greatest, most poignant songs of all time! I LOVE this band!!!
Greatest American Rock & Roll band of all time .
We only sing about once in every twenty years ....
i have been in love with Exene Cevenkova since age 10...Blessed Be!
Listening in 2020. Seems even more relevant now. X has been on my life soundtrack for 30 years.
2022 here~!
its 2021 and the lyrics still hold true..
2024.... and truer than ever....
I grew up with X and to see them getting older just reminds me of how old I am ... But damn could they sing!!
one of x's best songs. i always loved john doe and exene cervenca's harmonies.
A GREAT,HONEST ,HEARTFELT PLEA TO HUMANITY... AS CHARLES BUKOWSKI WROTE ""people are just not good to each other , the rich are not good to the rich ,the poor are not good to the poor , i never asked them to be , but i think about it sometimes ,there must be a way we havent tried yet a way to treat each other better!/"
What a fucking GREAT band. They still bring it live, too.
4th of July 💚 is my fave!
Best rock band of the 80s.
I've been a fan of X for 22 years or so... how did i never hear this song?? i never owned this album - but i really like other songs on this album. how frickin great is it to discover such a great X song in 2008. - awesome.
John's voice, it's like buttah! Swoon! Their harmonies are killer! Love this group. Thanks for posting.
Great song. X is probably the greatest L.A. band (after the Doors).
The other great song on my favorite X album
Free agency bohemians. These guys are a National treasure.
Saw them on the 40th anniversary tour ..awesome
Youth and Truth. I look in the mirror and that youth disappeared a long time ago, Hearing this song let's me know that truth is still full force in me.......
I've loved X from my teens. They are so amazing. Icons, Legends. Love them always
Beautiful song!
My favorite song from this band. I relate to the free swing lyrics and the harmony vocals. Punk won't die.
X in grown up mode. Unbeatable
20 years on, one wonders what the lyrics of this song would be today...one of the greatest American bands EVER...
37 years on.... can't think of anything that's changed
I could play this song over and over and still enjoy it. This band was outstanding and produced a lot of hit songs but never really made it big? This song will live on forever and goes with any gereration young or old this band & song has class. They were labeled as a punk bank but they were more of an after punk-new wave band. Thank you for your gift to the world.
Going to see these guys on Monday 8-15-16 in Boston/Brighton Music Hall. It will be probably the seventh time seeing them (and the Knitters twice) and they are indeed a treasure. They won't do this song however because this album was made without Billy Zoom...which is an eternal bummer. But big thanks to Tony G.
been an X forever and can't agree more. The Zoom lineup is my favorite butt the albums without him stand on their own. Tony was awesome on Live From the Whiskey,
"She said, his first name is HOMEBOY" "I said, could his last name be TROUBLE..." I'm not sure if such a brilliant lyric has been written, since. Listening to this in 2022, man, if you thought Amerika was fucked in the mid 80s, well, it wasn't gonna get any better. "This bottom rung sure ain't no fun..."
Been a proud fan since the 80s,. Songs of sorrow are good for the soul. Smart that they sneak in some "punk" ideas into tunes with a heartland target audience.
Breaks my heart.
Once in ever about 20 years
I think Norm Peterson was singing this when he was painting Rebecca Howe's office on Cheers. I read that George Wendt was a fan of punk rock too.
X were part of the original LA punk movement. They were not an "after-punk new wave band."
They formed in 1977
my little local band covers this great song. The highlight of the set for me.
Exene was hot in this video. Wow! I love X and this song, but this also reminds me a lot of Lone Justice.
Probably the best I've ever seen her
one of my favourite song! X were great,i miss this band.
John Doe is The Man.
one of the all time great songs,from one of the finest bands ever to come out of LA, love those harmonies. tks for posting, big fan from way - back....
A lot of people in this thread need to listen to the message this song is telling, I don't care who is singing it.
I too have been a fan and this song was actually only premiered on a solo project withJohn Doe.
I last saw John at a small club on Fairfax and he was aged but great. Real dude playing real music. Not enough of that these days it seems to me or I am just getting old.
WHo knows :-)
This was part of the cowpunk era. NICE
True. Very true.
Love this song.
I love this song!
Such a great song. Sad it got removed from streaming platforms
after heard this for too long thanks!
Still makes me cry. ❤✝️🕉
"see how we are" indeed
i met john doe a couple weeks ago at live oak music festival
I saw them in Houston, June 3rd. I agree with you 100%.
THANKS FOR POSTING!!!!!!
I miss you Kitty.
You know all the secrets, stargirl.
Where's Billy Zoom and where's DJ Bonebrake? Haha. Love this song though.
X é muito bom
"Hey Man what's in for me" ?!?
How this song isn't some anthem today is a complex question. Seems like those 70's-style protest songs DID get passed on with relevancy.
And they were definitely an excitement band. They could play both sides everyone should listen to See How We Are and hear the diversity.
The hate for this album just makes me love it more!
Yes great Lp and top tune !
the best we are going to get .. x
Loved this song and the album as well. There was no way that they were going to be the same band after Billy left and was replaced for this album on guitar by Dave Alvin. And let's be honest---John and Exene matured as song writers. I wouldn't want them being informed by the same things at this point as they were when they did "Los Angeles" or "Wild Gift". Is it punk? No,but I don't think they ever thought of themselves as a punk band,they just had that punk "do it yourself" ethic going.
This song is an historical artifact and deserves to be in the public domain. What do you think John and Exene?
They probably would think, "Fuck you, why don't you give away something of value that you own!" Sure, this song is a cultural treasure. And for that, they should be compensated, not stripped of there intellectual property. Public Domain my ass!
I use to watch X play in Hollywood in 1979 and loved em but this song makes em sound like a band playing in church.
John Doe did an acoustic version of this by himself (not the one with Dave Alvin) that was on the IRS show on MTV in the late 80s. That is to this day the most beautiful acoustic rendition of a song I've heard.
Thats because this was the 80's when most people were too fixated on Michael Jackson, Madona, Sting, Huey Lewis, Phill Collins, Bon Jovi, Kenny logins and THAT whole lot to notice THIS group. They were kind of ahead of their time at THIS point and with THIS particular song & album ( the "Alternative rock" popular explosion being several years ahead ).
I wish there a verison of "You" from the same album. Maybe, my favourite song ever.
Amo gli X !!!
How cute was Exene in this video?? I know she'd hate this but hummana hummana hummana!!!!
Allot of the earlier new wave acts ( Talking Heads, Devo, Blondie ) had punk backgrounds. The two movements were related.
This awsome video deserves the AUDIO!!!!!
One of my favorite bands... And one of my favorite songs from this band... Does anyone knows where I could find accurate tabs or chords about it ?
Swan Song for our Country, maybe?
More true all the time...
wow...such a long time ago...
DAMN IT! I was hopen to hear this since I"ve not heard it in maybe 20 years. FUCKn shit man~
i have only one question. explain to me why this isn't the greatest song ever written?
❤❤❤
For all those bitching about a punk band ballad: This bunch was punk rock BEFORE "punk rock" became for sale at our mommy's favorite shopping mall. Don't like it? Go listen to some Green Day, or better yet, Avril Lavine. ur welcome, "sk8r boi".
They weren't even a punk band, so called, by the time this album came out. It was a different version of X. End stop. There are some hard rocking songs on it, but none are really punk by definition of their earliest albums. But they'd already started maturing and
branching out stylistically a few albums back. (The New World, etc.) I don't think they ever easily fit into a punk pigeonhole, anyway.
Then there are the other side projects, Knitters, etc. They don't get enough credit for being multifaceted.
@@thiscorrosion900Briggs, you are correct. I have seen X in all their incarnations, including the Knitters. And while X was at the forefront of the early LA punk scene, even then, through John Does writing style, there was a certain Folk element to their music and they were unique to any genre with those one-of-a-kind vocal harmonies. And, indeed, they don't get enough credit. Not by a long mile.
And if they did sell millions then everyone would miss the "good old days", when you could see them at a club instead of a coliseum. Like Fitzgeralds in Houston in 1986, I think it was.
"That Gerry Lee!!!!"
happy vets day! see how they are!
Like George Orwell,I wonder what they'd say if this was written currently.
Once in every 20 years, hemmm.
Timeless and amazing, insightful and profound. Next time you point a finger at someone else go look in the mirror...
@waltruether Its good to see that ignorance does consume those that think they the everything.
There is something seriously wrong: there are NO proper X videos on CZcams -- they've all been removed due to copyright infringement or whatever. They made some great clips in the 80s for songs like "Motel Room in My Bed" and "Because I Do." It's a crime you can't watch them on CZcams!
Feel the same....Replacements never really got their due either
Is that the girl from the song Artificial Light?
@billk754 hahaha!! xx Ahhh i needed a good laugh today thank youuuuuu ....*sigh*......im serious
Sounds more like John Mellencamp than "Wild Gift" or " More Fun In the New World".
where's billy?
I was 14 years old in 1982 when I found punk. I through my metal records in the oven and warped em all. Then had my hair buzzed off to go the spiky route and joined the Decline of Western Civilization. God bless the Ramones, the Pistols and the Clash for stating it all and hail to the reigning godfather- Mr. Ness. SD
this song makes me cry & be ashamed to be an American. I got to where I considered X compared to the first three records sellouts but as I got older, their later period stuff made more sense.
@earlajune Absolutely wrong. This is exactly X (minus Billy Zoom). You need to allow a band to grow or they end up touring for 30 years on their first three records.... oh wait a minute.
Home Boy? Isn't that a gang name?
If you're stupid enough to ask that you're probably stupid enough to have voted for Trumpenfuhrer.
Not necessarily. It's a street nickname meaning "friend"