So, there have probably been a few thousand hardcore songs written about "respect" and "unity". It would be safe to say that the actions of most individuals who toss those words around stand in rather stunning juxtaposition to the actual definitions. You might be able to win fear with your fists, but respect... not so much; and what is unity but another synonym for group-think ideology? If you're an avid show-goer, you've seen a lot bands who claim to do it for the music, for the message, for the community, for their ideals, and (hilariously enough) for the kids. The aforementioned claims are incorrect. They do it for themselves. We all do. Don't ever let someone tell you that playing this music is some sort of selfless act, or service. Anything positive is an accidental byproduct of a myopic and selfish form of expression.

However, there is something to be said for a genre of music, community, or whatever-you-call-it that accepts so many viewpoints, and allows so many different people to indulge in such expression. No one came into punk rock looking for more rules to follow. Take whatever you want away, and be sure to leave what ever you wish to contribute.

That being said, Heads Held High is band from Cleveland, Ohio. And, judging by the two previous paragraphs, they think that their shit doesn't stink.

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