The lead track off the ‘Mats’ 1982 EP, “Kids Don’t Follow” is Paul Westerberg’s response (of sorts) to U2’s “I Will Follow,” with its chorus that says
If you walk away, walk away
I walk away, walk away
I will follow.
Westerberg had seen U2 play at Sam’s (later known as the famous First Avenue) in...
"Hello, this is the Minneapolis police, the party is over
(Hey, fuck you, man!)
If you all just grab your stuff and leave there won't be any hassle
The party's been closed, it's... the party is over with
Grab your stuff and go and nobody goes to jail."
1, 2, 3, 4!
The kids won't listen
To what you're sayin'
The kids ain't wondering
The kids ain't praying
Mo says he's worried
He says talk away
He says, "yeah, I've been cured"
I need some attention
No house of detention
I'd love some attention
Won't start again, oh!
Kids don't need that, kids don't want that
Kids don't need nothing of the kind
Kids don't follow what you're doin'
In my face, out my ear
Kids won't follow what you're sayin'
We can't hear
You can't stop looting
You can't stop smoking
The kids ain't wondering
Can't stop choking
Kids won't stand still
Kids won't shut up
Kids won't do it, you talk to 'em now
Kids don't follow what you're doin'
In my face, out my ear
Kids won't follow what you're saying
We can't hear
Kids won't follow what you're saying
In my face, out my ear
Kids don't follow what you're sayin'
We can't hear
What you say
Not tomorrow
Not today!
Kids Don’t Follow was written by Chris Mars & Tommy Stinson & Bob Stinson & Paul Westerberg.
Kids Don’t Follow was produced by The Replacements & Peter Jesperson & Steve Fjelstad.
The Replacements released Kids Don’t Follow on Thu Jun 24 1982.