The Sons of James Decry The “Truths” of Society’s Expectations of What it Means to Be A Successful Person

I get this song so much. Not only as a punk who has never quiet fit into the idea and conceptions of what the world has put upon me. My high school band was the Slaves to Society. But I’m also now a parent, a former teacher and a PhD student studying social studies and social justice, so I know how much I’ve striven to avoid making my students or my kids believe that their only path to success is path college, job, marriage, kids, house, etc.

In the wake of too many students graduating with horrific debt because they were told to follow the rules and go to school and all would work out, this song rings true to the time and captures the moment.

But I digress. I haven’t even gotten to the band or the song. The Songs of James are rad ass melodic skate punks from Florida that could easily be rocking a Vans Warp Tour or playing besides Pennywise or or more hardcore,yet melodic bands like Strike Anywhere. The song laments how kids are always told the truth of what you need to do in order to be a success when in reality, that version of success often leaves people feeling hollow inside and devoid of any connection to what really matters to them.

“Then one day you wake up older realizing all they told ya

Was nothing more than a bunch of shit.

You see the world through different eyes

Noticed that you’re wasting time living a life you don’t want to live”

The combination of the powerful riffs and thrashtastic drums with the melodies and harmonies of the vocals allows you to be angry but also feel empowered and uplifted. I can see any number of older types at home doing chores with their family and then they hear this song, and decide to go do some gnarly tricks at the skate park.

Definitely give this shit a listen. That’s one rule you should definitely follow.

Also everyone should tell Jake and Havoc Underground that these dudes should play Florida Underground Fest next year!!

You can also check it out on their Spotify or my own punk playlist filled with banger!

Check out their socials too: Facebook Bandcamp Instagram

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