Kids in America Vs. Youth of a Nation - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Bootsy Whoosh · 08-27-2002, 04:14 PM

I heard that 80s Kim Wilde song "Kids in America" on the radio the other day, and it got me thinking about POD's more recent "Youth of a Nation".

Both songs seem to profess (by their titles at least) to be a snapshot of teenage life in America in their times. What struck me was how utterly different the songs were both in mood and content. "Kids in America" is largely upbeat and optimistic, whereas "Youth of a Nation" is a very dark and almost hopeless song.

Do you really think life for the youth in America has changed so dramatically since the 80s? Do you think Kim Wilde's song simply presented a sugar-coated view of life in the 80s, as seemed to be a rampant trend back then? Or do think POD's song over-exaggerates problems youth face today?

~*~*~*~*~
For those of you who need a refresher on these songs, here are the lyrics:

Kids in America
Written by Ricky & Marty Wilde

Looking out a dirty old window/Down below the cars in the/City go rushing by/I sit here alone/And I wonder why

Friday night and everyone's moving/I can fell the heat/But it's shooting/Heading down/I search for the beat in this dirty town

Down town the young ones are going
Down town the young ones are growing

Chorus :

We're the kids in America (x 2)
Everybody live for the music-go-round

Bright lights the music gets faster/Look boy, don't check on your watch/Not another glance/I'm not leaving now, honey not a chance

Hot-shot, give me no problems/Much later baby you'll be saying never mind/You know life is cruel, life is never kind

Kind hearts don't make a new story
Kind hearts don't grab any glory

(Chorus)

Come closer, honey that's better/Got to get a brand new experience/Feeling right/Oh don't try to stop baby
Hold me tight

Outside a new day is dawning/Outside Sububia's sprawling everywhere/I don't want to go baby/New York to East California
There's a new wave coming I warn you

(Chorus)

We're the kids/We're the kids/We're the kids in America

~*~*~*~*~
Youth of a Nation

Last day of the rest of my life/I wish I would've known
Cause I didn't kiss my mama goodbye

I didn't tell her that I loved her and how much I care
Or thank my pops for all the talks/And all the wisdom he shared

Unaware, I just did what I always do/Everyday, the same routine
Before I skate off to school

But who knew that this day wasn't like the rest
Instead of taking a test/I took two to the chest

Call me blind, but I didn't see it coming/Everybody was running
But I couldn't hear nothing

Except gun blasts, it happened so fast/I don't really know this kid
Even though I sit by him in class

Maybe this kid was reaching out for love
Or maybe for a moment/He forgot who he was
Or maybe this kid just wanted to be hugged
Whatever it was/I know it's because

[chorus:]
We are, We are, the youth of the nation

Little Suzy, she was only twelve/She was given the world
With every chance to excel

Hang with the boys and hear the stories they tell
She might act kind of proud/But no respect for herself

She finds love in all the wrong places
The same situations/Just different faces

Changed up her pace since her daddy left her
Too bad he never told her/She deserved much better

Johnny boy always played the fool
He broke all the rules/So you would think he was cool

He was never really one of the guys
No matter how hard he tried/Often thought of suicide

It's kind of hard when you ain't got no friends
He put his life to an end/They might remember him then

You cross the line and there's no turning back
Told the world how he felt/With the sound of a gat

[chorus]

Who's to blame for the lives that tragedies claim
No matter what you say/It don't take away the pain

That I feel inside, I'm tired of all the lies
Don't nobody know why/It's the blind leading the blind

I guess that's the way the story goes
Will it ever make sense/Somebody's got to know

There's got to be more to life than this
There's got to be more to everything
I thought exists

[chorus]

~*~*~*~*~

DarleneIllyria · 08-27-2002, 08:19 PM

I could be completely wrong about this because I wasn't a teen in the 80's. I think the teens of the 80's did have a better outlook on things. Crap happened, but it had to get better. I can't let it get to me kind of attitude.

The teens of today have a different attitude. **** happens, and I lost my paddle along the way. I guess I'm going to sink since I can't paddle my way back to paradise.

Maybe the 'Kids of America' song was a bit sugarcoated. I'm not saying it was a complete ease living in the 80's. I'm sure the 80's had its fair share of bad things happening. It seems now that everywhere you turn, you are going to get a slapped by something awful whether it be a close friend committing suicide, or something like the attack on the WTC. Maybe that kind of explains the Youth of the Nation song.

It's kind of cool comparing the songs though. Great topic Bootsy!

TJL · 08-27-2002, 09:18 PM

I remember "Kids Of America" from my youth in the freewheeling eighties.
Great song.
I really don't like the idea of songs defining any generation, but it is a good way to remember the times.

P.O.D. is a little beyond me. Just don't get the new fangled sounds these kids listen to nowadays...

shavelyLBC34 · 08-27-2002, 09:42 PM

this is really pointless and i know it doesnt really answer ur question but i like "kids in america" better because there is a kick ass version of it by catch-22....

Cokies · 08-28-2002, 12:30 AM

Very good topic, since I like both songs, and have listened to them times before.

Well, basically, I relate to "Kids of America". That doesn't mean I don't see or understand the message in "Youth of a Nation". I know disenchanted kids, kids who have commited suicide (you'll have to scour through the archives to find my views on suicide and how kinda weak it is, insane or not), kids who do drugs, kids who live in the dumps.

But, other's depression is definitely not central in my life. I live in a pretty pleasant place, and kids are pretty happy. We have rather petty "problem", most of them described in "Kids in America". Being bored, wanting to go out across the land and start something. Yet, at the same time, the world outside seems so fast, and you're afraid you won't being able to keep up.

That's what I get from "Kids". It's sugarcoated, but so is sorta my life right now. 80s or not, now or then, both songs have relevancy.

BonniesLilCutiePie · 09-08-2002, 12:00 AM

No Secrets is the group that sings Kids In America now.

Faith · 09-08-2002, 03:24 AM

I really don't know what the 80s was like. But I can tell you i think that POD's song youth of a nation, hits the nail on the head, for this generation.

TJL · 09-08-2002, 03:49 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Willow4ever1981
I really don't know what the 80s was like.

Believe me, it's best that you don't know what it was like...

ABlairican Pie · 09-15-2002, 09:51 PM

I like "Youth of a Nation", it really is an effective song. "Kids in America" sounds like some teen cheerleader aerobics tape...

Wait, Lisa Whelchel's album "All Because Of You" sounds like a teen cheerleader aerobics tape.

Like it's a bad thing...

08-27-2002, 04:14 PM	#1
Bootsy Whoosh Storms abrewin'... Senior Member Join Date: May 16, 2001 Location: The Alpha Quadrant, Sector 001 Posts: 2,104	Kids in America Vs. Youth of a Nation I heard that 80s Kim Wilde song "Kids in America" on the radio the other day, and it got me thinking about POD's more recent "Youth of a Nation". Both songs seem to profess (by their titles at least) to be a snapshot of teenage life in America in their times. What struck me was how utterly different the songs were both in mood and content. "Kids in America" is largely upbeat and optimistic, whereas "Youth of a Nation" is a very dark and almost hopeless song. Do you really think life for the youth in America has changed so dramatically since the 80s? Do you think Kim Wilde's song simply presented a sugar-coated view of life in the 80s, as seemed to be a rampant trend back then? Or do think POD's song over-exaggerates problems youth face today? ~~~~~ For those of you who need a refresher on these songs, here are the lyrics: Kids in America Written by Ricky & Marty Wilde Looking out a dirty old window/Down below the cars in the/City go rushing by/I sit here alone/And I wonder why Friday night and everyone's moving/I can fell the heat/But it's shooting/Heading down/I search for the beat in this dirty town Down town the young ones are going Down town the young ones are growing Chorus : We're the kids in America (x 2) Everybody live for the music-go-round Bright lights the music gets faster/Look boy, don't check on your watch/Not another glance/I'm not leaving now, honey not a chance Hot-shot, give me no problems/Much later baby you'll be saying never mind/You know life is cruel, life is never kind Kind hearts don't make a new story Kind hearts don't grab any glory (Chorus) Come closer, honey that's better/Got to get a brand new experience/Feeling right/Oh don't try to stop baby Hold me tight Outside a new day is dawning/Outside Sububia's sprawling everywhere/I don't want to go baby/New York to East California There's a new wave coming I warn you (Chorus) We're the kids/We're the kids/We're the kids in America ~~~~~ Youth of a Nation Last day of the rest of my life/I wish I would've known Cause I didn't kiss my mama goodbye I didn't tell her that I loved her and how much I care Or thank my pops for all the talks/And all the wisdom he shared Unaware, I just did what I always do/Everyday, the same routine Before I skate off to school But who knew that this day wasn't like the rest Instead of taking a test/I took two to the chest Call me blind, but I didn't see it coming/Everybody was running But I couldn't hear nothing Except gun blasts, it happened so fast/I don't really know this kid Even though I sit by him in class Maybe this kid was reaching out for love Or maybe for a moment/He forgot who he was Or maybe this kid just wanted to be hugged Whatever it was/I know it's because [chorus:] We are, We are, the youth of the nation Little Suzy, she was only twelve/She was given the world With every chance to excel Hang with the boys and hear the stories they tell She might act kind of proud/But no respect for herself She finds love in all the wrong places The same situations/Just different faces Changed up her pace since her daddy left her Too bad he never told her/She deserved much better Johnny boy always played the fool He broke all the rules/So you would think he was cool He was never really one of the guys No matter how hard he tried/Often thought of suicide It's kind of hard when you ain't got no friends He put his life to an end/They might remember him then You cross the line and there's no turning back Told the world how he felt/With the sound of a gat [chorus] Who's to blame for the lives that tragedies claim No matter what you say/It don't take away the pain That I feel inside, I'm tired of all the lies Don't nobody know why/It's the blind leading the blind I guess that's the way the story goes Will it ever make sense/Somebody's got to know There's got to be more to life than this There's got to be more to everything I thought exists [chorus] ~~~~~
	__________________ Watch your thoughts; they become your words. Watch your words; they become your actions. Watch your actions; they become your habits. Watch your habits; they become your character. Watch your character for it will become your destiny. - unknown

08-27-2002, 08:19 PM	#2
DarleneIllyria Gone Forum Star Join Date: Oct 15, 2000 Posts: 19,086	Flipping a coin I could be completely wrong about this because I wasn't a teen in the 80's. I think the teens of the 80's did have a better outlook on things. Crap happened, but it had to get better. I can't let it get to me kind of attitude. The teens of today have a different attitude. **** happens, and I lost my paddle along the way. I guess I'm going to sink since I can't paddle my way back to paradise. Maybe the 'Kids of America' song was a bit sugarcoated. I'm not saying it was a complete ease living in the 80's. I'm sure the 80's had its fair share of bad things happening. It seems now that everywhere you turn, you are going to get a slapped by something awful whether it be a close friend committing suicide, or something like the attack on the WTC. Maybe that kind of explains the Youth of the Nation song. It's kind of cool comparing the songs though. Great topic Bootsy!

08-27-2002, 09:18 PM	#3
TJL Suburbanite Extrordinaire Forum Star Join Date: Dec 29, 2001 Location: New Jersey - the cradle of civilization Posts: 16,591	I remember "Kids Of America" from my youth in the freewheeling eighties. Great song. I really don't like the idea of songs defining any generation, but it is a good way to remember the times. P.O.D. is a little beyond me. Just don't get the new fangled sounds these kids listen to nowadays...
	__________________ "I think I'll stroll up to the front to see how the shooting's going..." - Capt. Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce Read my blogs! http://centralparkamisguide.com/ http://dvdcriticscorner.com Visit me on Facebook!http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=641138880 Hey, I do the tweet thing too! http://twitter.com/TomLevier My shop of handmade items! http://www.etsy.com/shop/ColdGarageCreations

08-27-2002, 09:42 PM	#4
shavelyLBC34 The Blood Brothers Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: May 20, 2002 Location: bang...bang...bang...BANG Posts: 3,022	this is really pointless and i know it doesnt really answer ur question but i like "kids in america" better because there is a kick ass version of it by catch-22....
	__________________ My name is Denver Max and I eat heartattacks.

08-28-2002, 12:30 AM	#5
Cokies Head Goonie Senior Member Join Date: Oct 28, 2000 Location: Benicia, CA USA Posts: 1,719	Very good topic, since I like both songs, and have listened to them times before. Well, basically, I relate to "Kids of America". That doesn't mean I don't see or understand the message in "Youth of a Nation". I know disenchanted kids, kids who have commited suicide (you'll have to scour through the archives to find my views on suicide and how kinda weak it is, insane or not), kids who do drugs, kids who live in the dumps. But, other's depression is definitely not central in my life. I live in a pretty pleasant place, and kids are pretty happy. We have rather petty "problem", most of them described in "Kids in America". Being bored, wanting to go out across the land and start something. Yet, at the same time, the world outside seems so fast, and you're afraid you won't being able to keep up. That's what I get from "Kids". It's sugarcoated, but so is sorta my life right now. 80s or not, now or then, both songs have relevancy.
	__________________ "It was just like Saturday Night Fever, except it was a Friday" - Jo Polniaczek

09-08-2002, 12:00 AM	#6
BonniesLilCutiePie Ivy Winthrop Crane Senior Member Join Date: Jul 14, 2002 Location: The Crane Mansion Posts: 1,742	No Secrets is the group that sings Kids In America now.
	__________________ ~ Ivy Winthrop Crane~ http://www.stefaniepassion.com/LifesPassions/TFKim1.jpg

09-08-2002, 03:24 AM	#7
Faith Internet Junkie Forum Fanatic Join Date: Sep 07, 2002 Location: HELL Posts: 9,879	I really don't know what the 80s was like. But I can tell you i think that POD's song youth of a nation, hits the nail on the head, for this generation.

09-15-2002, 09:51 PM	#9
ABlairican Pie Member Forum Superstar Join Date: Dec 12, 2001 Location: Living where cats reign more Supreme than a pizza. Posts: 31,620	re: P.O.D. I like "Youth of a Nation", it really is an effective song. "Kids in America" sounds like some teen cheerleader aerobics tape... Wait, Lisa Whelchel's album "All Because Of You" sounds like a teen cheerleader aerobics tape. Like it's a bad thing...