The soda mentioned in Suicidal Tendencies’ song “Institutionalized” is Pepsi.
Released in 1983 on the band’s self-titled debut album, “Institutionalized” turns a small argument between a teenager and his parents into a frantic portrait of alienation, anger, and being treated as mentally unstable. The request for a Pepsi became the song’s most recognizable detail, even though the lyrics deal more broadly with family conflict and authority.
The song was written by vocalist Mike Muir and bassist Louiche Mayorga, with Muir’s half-spoken, half-shouted delivery helping define the band’s hardcore-punk style. Its combination of punk aggression, metal instrumentation, and dramatic storytelling later made it a landmark of crossover thrash.
A common mix-up is Coke, because the song’s story was reportedly inspired by a child asking his mother for a Coke. Muir changed the drink to Pepsi in the finished song, making Pepsi the answer associated with the recording.