Studying Rock's Clean, Mean Movement

2 sociologists dive headlong into the mosh pit of the Straight Edge phenomenon

The song is short — 45 seconds — but far from sweet. The guitar is sneering and caustic; the drums like repeated blows to the head. The singer alternately shouts and mumbles, making it difficult to decipher more than a couple of words.

A crutch? The living dead? What did he say?

Recorded in 1981 by Minor Threat, a Washington, D.C., punk band, the song gave a name

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