We Die Young is about gang violence. That was something that was happening in Seattle, something that kinda opened our eyes. It just seemed like things were getting out of hand. Incidents where kids were getting shot, and getting their tennis shoes ripped off their dead bodies. It just seems like these kids are dying at younger and younger ages and getting involved in gang activity.
Layne StaleyOur perception of songs that we've written... the meaning changes from day to day... to whatever stage we're at in our life and careers.
Layne StaleyI started out when I was about 12, playing drums. I started singing when I was about 15.
Layne Staley