What’s a song that changed your life?

A song didn’t change my life. An entire style of music did. Punk rock.

Punk wasn’t just music. It was an attitude, a middle finger to expectations, and a reminder that I didn’t have to follow everybody else’s rules. It was loud, raw, unapologetic, and completely uninterested in seeking anyone’s approval.

Growing up, punk gave me something I didn’t know I was looking for. Independence. Individuality. Skepticism. The freedom to question authority, challenge the establishment, and think for myself. You didn’t need permission, expensive equipment, a record deal, or anybody’s approval. Pick up a guitar, plug it in, and make some noise.

Bands like Pennywise, The Misfits, The Lillingtons, and countless others became part of the soundtrack. The music was great, but the attitude mattered just as much.

Punk taught me that fitting in wasn’t a requirement. That being different wasn’t a problem. That corporate polish, manufactured personalities, and following the crowd weren’t exactly things worth aspiring to.

I’m older now, but the attitude never really left. I still question things. I still distrust the polished version of everything. I still prefer independent thought over being told what to think.

Punk rock didn’t just change the music I listened to. It helped shape how I see the world.

The hair got shorter. The records got older. The attitude stayed the same.