Sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll had a large impact on the late 20th century. It was common for celebrities, politicians and the general public to abuse substances and fall victim to addiction. One subculture saw the problem to this lifestyle early on, and decided to set their path in a different direction. They labeled themselves as “Straight Edge” and originated within the punk scene.
The punk wave initially appeared in the 1970s and was quickly affiliated with angry teenagers who turned to music to express their frustrations. Drugs and alcohol were common in punk clubs, causing fights, addiction and even death. Some peers noticed the problem this was causing, and disliked the point of view. For years punk was known for yelling about the world’s problems, but never doing anything about them. Things started to change in 1981.
A band by the name of “Minor Threat” released their debut 7-inch EP and track four changed everything. The song “Straight Edge” depicts how a sober brain has the “edge” on one that’s under the influence. Here’s the second verse from the song:
I’m a person just like you,
But I’ve got better things to do,
Than sit around and smoke dope,
‘Cause I know I can cope,
Laugh at the thought of eating ‘ludes,
Laugh at the thought of sniffing glue,
Always gonna keep in touch,
Never want to use a crutch.
Ian MacKaye, the singer and songwriter for Minor Threat, had no intentions of starting such a movement. He simply wrote this song as his own viewpoint, not to set rules for the community.
From 1981 to 1985, the punk scene exploded with like-minded people who wanted to keep control of their mental fortitude. This was a voluntary change and “claiming edge” was a term used for people who converted to this lifestyle. Straight Edge meant no illegal drugs, no alcohol and no nicotine. Some straight edge people even went to the extreme and removed caffeine and prescription drugs from their lives. Being mentally conscious led many punks to animal activism, resulting in many vegans and vegetarians within the community as well.
With the new era of punks, they wanted to separate themselves from the rest. A common symbol for someone who has claimed edge is that of an “X” or “sXe.” The branding led many to believe this symbol was gang related. Later in 1988, a straight edge band named “Chain of Strength” released a EP called “True Till Death.” This resulted in becoming a common motto and words to live by within the community.
Today, the lifestyle is alive and thriving. Addiction is still a problem everywhere in our society and numerous straight edge bands are popping up all across the globe. Spreading the message in a form of catchy, positive and loud music, straight edge captured the eyes of many celebrities. Former pro wrestler CM Punk, rapper and producer Tyler the Creator and even Metallica frontman James Hetfield has claimed to be “reborn straight edge.”
Even though the music sounds angry, the message is positive. There’s a little more to the tune than what first comes across and that’s what I love about music. In a world full of substances, it’s vital to have a voice that says “you don’t need it.” This column isn’t trying to get you to stop drinking, or stop smoking, or go vegan, but hopefully it does encourage you to seek a way to tap into the natural dopamine tank.
Ryan Cowitz is a producer for 102.1 CJCY and 105.3 ROCK in Medicine Hat.
