My mother, like a lot of other mothers back in the ’80s and ’90s, thought that punk music was a bunch of senseless noise that encouraged rebellion and bad behavior.

 

While certain groups like the Sex Pistols were all about rebellion and giving the middle finger to the powers that be, if our mothers would have dug a little deeper, they would have found some pretty empowering and motivational lyrics.

Sure there were the senseless and nonsensical songs, like “Bitchin’ Camaro” by The Dead Milkmen, but sprinkled in all that humor, nonsense, chaos, and rebellion, were gems of wisdom, strength, and survival. More than enough to craft a punk rock primer of how to live your best life ever.

The following song lyrics are the best sampling of kick-your-ass music – the perfect punk rock motivation and guide to living a no fear and no excuses life!

 

 

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Punk Rock Motivation!

 

Believe in miracles ’cause I’m one.
I have been blessed with the power to survive.
After all these years I’m still alive.

“I Believe in Miracles” – The Ramones

 

We are born with a chance
Rise above! We’re gonna rise above!
I am gonna have my chance
Rise above! We’re gonna rise above!

“Rise Above” – Black Flag

 

I’ve been beat up, I’ve been thrown
Out but I’m not down, I’m not down
I’ve been shown up, but I’ve grown up
And I’m not down, I’m not down

“I’m Not Down” – The Clash

 

Anger is an energy

“Rise” – PiL

 

Yeah I’m through with sleeping on the
Sidewalk – no more beating my brains
With the liquor and drugs
With the liquor and drugs
Well I am just a modern guy
Of course I’ve had it in the ear before
‘Cause of a lust for life

“Lust for Life” – Iggy Pop

 

The world could be such a better place
Who needs that garbage- It’s all such a waste
Don’t need the drugs- don’t need the booze
Abuse that stuff you’ll only loose
A big derision make it right
It’s a battle- win the fight
Everything’s gonna be all right

“I’m Alive” – Circle Jerks

 

Somewhere the dirt is washed down with the rain
Somewhere there’s happiness instead of pain
Somewhere satisfaction has no name
Somewhere I can be the same

“Somewhere” – Husker Du

 

Life goes by so fast
You only want to do what you think is right.
Close your eyes and then it’s past;
Story of my life

“Story of My Life” – Social Distortion

 

It’s Not The Way We Look
It’s Not Our Stance Our Style Our Hair
Forget Those Stupid Barriers
Take Down That Flag You Wear
Just People Living On
With Different Hearts And Different Minds
If We Live In The Same World
Why Can’t We Stand In The Same Line

“Walk Together, Rock Together” – 7 Seconds

 

Get yourself a break from self-rejection
Try some introspection
And you just might find
It’s not so bad and anyway

“Low Self Opinion” – Rollins Band

 

For tomorrow, we generate the courage today.
Is your will about to quake and melt?
Let me help, let me help.
Psychopathic Brutality (Stop it.)
Rejuvenate more integrity.
Universal all live as one,
Edification first, then we can have some fun.

“Let Me Help” – Bad Brains

 

I’m down in the daytime out of sight
Comin’ in from dreamland I’m on fire
I can see it’s all been here before
Dream a dream that lies right at your door

“Mote” – Sonic Youth

 

Let me be who I am
And let me kick out the jams

“Kick Out The Jams” – MC5

 

Ever get the feeling you can’t go on
Just remember whose side it is that you’re on
You’ve got friends with you till the end
If you’re ever in a tough situation
We’ll be there with no hesitation
Brotherhood’s our rule we cannot bend

“Bro Hymn” – Pennywise

 

When you need something to fall back on
Good Friends let you fall on them
I can count my friends on one hand

“My Friends” – NOFX

 

I’ve got to think about my own life
The world is not our facility
We have a responsibility
To use our abilities to keep this place alive
Right here right now
Do it. Now. Do it.

“Burning Too” – Fugazi

 

Have a punk rock motivation song to add into this list? Please comment the song and lyrics in the comments section!