311 mix rock, rap, reggae and funk into their own unique sound. After years of consistent touring, 311 have developed a reputation as one of the hardest working, most influential and most entertaining live bands in the U.S.
311 have released ten studio albums, one live album, one greatest hits album and three dvd's - and have sold over 8.5 million albums in the U.S. Seven of their albums have reached the Top 10 on Billboard's Top 200 Sales Chart...and 9 of their singles have reached the Top 10 on Billboard's Alternative Rock Radio Chart (including the #1 singles Down, Love Song & Don't Tread On Me. Along with Amber, All Mixed Up, Come Original, Creatures For Awhile, Hey You, and Sunset in July).
311’s newest album, Universal Pulse, released in Summer 2011, was produced by Bob Rock, mixed by Chad Sexton and debuted at #7 on Billboard’s Top 200 Album Chart.
The band's celebratory live shows & incessant touring schedule have earned them a massive grassroots following nationwide. Since its inception in 2004, 311’s annual summer headlining amphitheatre run, Unity Tour, has become one of the largest modern rock concerts of the summer. Support acts on previous Unity Tours have included Sublime with Rome, The Offspring, Snoop Dogg, The Roots, Papa Roach, The Wailers, O.A.R., Matisyahu, and Ziggy Marley. Unity Tour 2012 will feature support from Slightly Stoopid.
311 BIO/HIGHLIGHTS:
* 311 was formed in 1990 in Omaha, Nebraska by vocalist/guitarist Nick Hexum, vocalist/dj SA Martinez, lead guitarist Tim Mahoney, drummer Chad Sexton and bassist P-Nut. The band now resides in Los Angeles.
* 311 has sold over 8.5 million units in the U.S.
* 311 has had 8 albums reach the Top 10 on Billboard’s U.S. Top 200 Sales Chart
* 311 has had 9 singles reach the Top 10 on Billboard’s U.S. Alternative Chart (including the #1 singles “Down”, “Love Song” & “Don’t Tread On Me” along with “Amber”, “All Mixed Up”, “Come Original”, “Creatures (For a While)”, “Hey You” and "Sunset in July")
* 311’s new album, Universal Pulse, debuted at #7 in July 2011 and was produced by Bob Rock (Metallica, Bon Jovi, Motley Crue, Aerosmith).
* 311’s new album, due summer of 2011, was produced by Bob Rock (Metallica, Bon Jovi, Motley Crue, Aerosmith).
* 311’s sound is a unique hybrid of rock, reggae, hip-hop & funk. A balance of hard rocking anthems and melodic reggae grooves - with an underlying message of unity & positivity.
* After years of incessant touring, 311 has developed a reputation as one of the most influential & most entertaining live bands in the U.S.
* With their celebratory live shows, 311 has earned a massive grassroots following. For the past nine years, 311 has headlined their summer “Unity Tour” in ampitheatres across the U.S.- drawing crowds of 10,000 to 18,000 people in Atlanta, Boston, DC, New Jersey, Los Angeles, St. Louis, West Palm, Charlotte, VA Beach, Denver, etc. The tour is consistently one of the largest modern rock concerts of the summer in the U.S.
* Past 311 tours have included an impressive array of opening acts. Bands such as No Doubt, Korn & Incubus all supported 311 on U.S. tours before they became headliners.
* Support acts on 311’s Unity Tour have included :
Sublime With Rome, The Offspring, Snoop Dogg, The Roots, Papa Roach, The Wailers, O.A.R., Matisyahu and Ziggy Marley.
* 311 has always stayed true to their own approach and their underlying message of unity and positivity. That message still rings true for them today…in their lyrics and at their celebratory live shows. Singer Nick Hexum typically ends each show with the words, “Stay Positive and Love Your Life.”
• Every other year on March 11th (“3-11 Day”), 311 holds a special concert event that attracts thousands of 311 fans from around the world. The show includes an extended setlist (5 hours / 60+ songs) and state of the art production. Last year the band sold-out the Mandalay Bay Arena and tickets were sold to fans in all 50 U.S. states and 13 different countries. 311 fans traveled from around the globe to meet each other and to celebrate 311 Day together.
Damn
311 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm making dope rhymes, that's what I do
Like a mad man, you know it's bad man
I slam a good goddamn
Well I've been burned so goddamn badly
I could just sit and sing the blues
But instead I'll make a fist, yeah
Take my advice, yeah
You'll pay the price
Make it funky like this...
Good god.....Damn
I drop a syllable like "yo"
What else is dissin' me
Huh, it's pissin me off
Rock me baby, WHAT!?
You don't mean that crap
But what the hell, if it sells
Damn, you're a sham
No thank you ma'am, BITCH!!
Oh, I've been burnt badly
I could just sit and sing the blues
But instead I'll make a fist, yeah
And make my own good news
Take my advice
You'll pay the price
Make it funky like this!!!
Good goddamn, tell you what, alles klar
And the nightmare of publicity begins
This is the time to find who are your true friends
I drain my brain, to be original
Build character, aboriginal
American music is what I grew into
To my detractors Fuck you!!!!
I say we fear no evolution
Stand up, musical revolution
Follow me because we can never stop
And we'll never give
Cause this is how, we breath and live
And some of them whine
And some of them bitch
They cannot do it, we'll never switch
We do it for ourselves, we do it for you
If you don't like it well, I hope you do
In the opening lines of "Damn," 311 vocalist Nick Hexum addresses the listener directly and announces his intention to "make dope rhymes" like a "mad man." He then drops the song's title in a defiant shout. The lyrics suggest that Hexum has been through some tough times but refuses to wallow in self-pity or despair. Instead, he chooses to channel his frustration into making his own "good news" with a high-energy, fist-pumping chorus. The verses of the song are full of witty wordplay and clever rhymes, as Hexum takes aim at his detractors and anyone who stands in the way of his creative vision.
The last verse of "Damn" takes on a more introspective tone as Hexum reflects on the challenges of fame and the pressures of the music industry. He vows to stay true to himself and his music, no matter what anyone else thinks. The song ends with a rallying cry for musical revolution and a defiant challenge to anyone who would try to stand in the way of 311's artistic vision.
Line by Line Meaning
Word up, I'm talking to you
I am addressing you directly
I'm making dope rhymes, that's what I do
My purpose is to create impressive lyrics
Like a mad man, you know it's bad man
I am producing exceptional work
I slam a good goddamn
I do not care about the consequences of my actions
Well I've been burned so goddamn badly
I have been deeply injured
I could just sit and sing the blues
I could dwell on my pain
But instead I'll make a fist, yeah
Instead, I will fight back
And make my own good news
By creating positive results for myself
Take my advice, yeah
Listen to me
You'll pay the price
You will experience negative consequences
Make it funky like this...
Create something impressive
Good god.....Damn
What an impressive result
I drop a syllable like "yo"
I casually leave out parts of words
What else is dissin' me
What other negative comments are there about me
Huh, it's pissin me off
It is irritating me
Rock me baby, WHAT!?
I am surprised by this comment
You don't mean that crap
That comment is insincere
But what the hell, if it sells
However, if it is popular, it does not matter
Damn, you're a sham
You are a fake
No thank you ma'am, BITCH!!
I do not accept that behavior
And the nightmare of publicity begins
Dealing with the consequences of fame is challenging
This is the time to find who are your true friends
It is important to determine who is sincere during difficult times
I drain my brain, to be original
I use all of my creativity to come up with unique content
Build character, aboriginal
Developing a unique identity is important
American music is what I grew into
I was influenced by the music of my country
To my detractors Fuck you!!!!
I do not care about the opinions of those who criticize me
I say we fear no evolution
I believe we should embrace progress
Stand up, musical revolution
We should make a change in the music industry
Follow me because we can never stop
Join me in pursuing our goals
And we'll never give
We will not surrender
Cause this is how, we breath and live
This is the essence of our existence
And some of them whine
Some people complain
And some of them bitch
Some people are negative
They cannot do it, we'll never switch
They cannot achieve what we can
We do it for ourselves, we do it for you
We make music for our own enjoyment and for our fans' enjoyment
If you don't like it well, I hope you do
I am unbothered by those who do not appreciate our music
Contributed by Cooper E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Iтร ﻝυรт Ӎє ɮєiиg Ŧяαиk
Been following 311 since 1993, and although their sound has slightly changed, their vibe is just as pure as it was on the Music album, and this song shows just how their vibe still makes the hair on your neck stand up.
Andy
The one theme that's always been the same with 311 is using key changes to drastically change directions of songs... keeps them interesting
Ben Salem
This is their 30th anniversary of awesomeness
springer 90
Good God Damn!
des9206
This reminds me so much of old Red Hot Chili Peppers
Chris Fullerton
Take my advice… you’ll pay the price
david peterson
before "Music". old school indeed.
MCE1911
Well this is older so Paradise has lyrics from this song
Mort Fantôme
i think it was their first song
NVIDIAguy343
They've used entire parts of songs in other songs. haha