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.
From Chaos
311 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
From chaos comes clarity, I tell ya
What you appear to be, you ought to know
Glycerin tears don't fool me, I tell ya
Delusions plaguing everybody
Makin' that hybrid music back in '90, now it's on ya
I hear we we're the model for the band you front, we spawned ya
We're shakin' the white boys in New York, black girls in California
We come through hip-hop, drum-n-bass, and dance hall rhythms
You want our beats and lyrics, you want to get them
Watchin' you sink into the depths of opportunism
Missing the point, music's about love not pessimism
I'm SA, moving supreme and on my team
I rock the mic with a sweet lean
And you know that, stated as a fact
The only DJ MC gettin' down like that
Metaphorically we are the chief of police, you're rock n roll
And we're positive you stole more than just the radio
Now it's 2, 1, and we are back in control
The jammies are coming, people succumbing 'cause we got the soul
Everyone tends to forget upon reentry
Orbiting space quantum saints we're the only
Beginning from a planet so naturally
Gifted in the heart lies our technology
It's only right, right
Entering in a space of pure delight, light
Next contestant on this jam is, tight
Feels spontaneous you'll improvise, vise
From chaos comes clarity, I tell ya
What you appear to be, you ought to know
Glycerin tears don't fool me, I tell ya
Delusions plaguing everybody
[Chorus]
Don't even try it, you don't want to disrespect me
If dealing with punks was school, I'd have a Harvard degree
You can't make me hate you no matter how punk you act
No matter what you do, I don't react
I'm a perfect example of not giving a fuck
About the catty rude people that just suck
What do you know all of the sudden, uhh, I usurp you
Look it up in the dictionary to find out what I do
I go back to the style I came from
It's not something you can fake, son
You're a con man who's run is done
You lead a world wide web of deception
Everyone tends to forget upon reentry
Orbiting space quantum saints, we're the only
Beginning from a planet so naturally
Gifted in the heart lies our technology
It's only right, right
Entering in a space of pure delight, light
Next contestant on this jam is, tight
Feels spontaneous you'll improvise, vise
[Chorus]
The lyrics of 311's song "From Chaos" reflect the band's frustration with the music industry and the commodification of music. The chorus "From chaos comes clarity" suggests that although the music industry may be chaotic and confusing, the band itself has clarity in their purpose and message. The lyrics also point out the delusions and opportunism that plague not just the industry, but society in general.
The second verse references the band's early days in the 90s when they were making "hybrid music" that mixed hip-hop, drum-n-bass, and dance hall rhythms. The band references the difficulty of "coming original" and warns against opportunism, suggesting that true music is about love rather than pessimism.
The third verse is directed towards those who have disrespected the band or tried to steal their style. The lyrics suggest that the band is above petty conflicts and "catty rude people."
Overall, the lyrics of "From Chaos" demonstrate the band's commitment to their message and their frustration with an industry that often prioritizes profit over art.
Line by Line Meaning
From chaos comes clarity, I tell ya
Sometimes when things seem chaotic, it can lead to a clearer understanding of the situation.
What you appear to be, you ought to know
Don't try to be someone you're not, be true to yourself and know who you are.
Glycerin tears don't fool me, I tell ya
False emotions and tears won't deceive me or make me believe something that isn't true.
Delusions plaguing everybody
Many people suffer from false beliefs or delusions that can affect their lives.
Makin' that hybrid music back in '90, now it's on ya
311 created a new style of music back in the 90s that other bands are now emulating.
I hear we were the model for the band you front, we spawned ya
311 influenced and inspired other bands who are now imitating their style.
Finding it hard to come original, we warned ya
It's difficult to create something truly original, and 311 warned others about the challenge.
We're shakin' the white boys in New York, black girls in California
311's music is crossing cultural boundaries and appealing to a diverse fan base.
We come through hip-hop, drum-n-bass, and dance hall rhythms
311's music incorporates various genres like hip-hop, drum-n-bass, and dance hall rhythms.
You want our beats and lyrics, you want to get them
Other musicians are inspired by 311's style and want to incorporate it into their own music.
Watchin' you sink into the depths of opportunism
Some musicians are only interested in making money or exploiting opportunities for success without staying true to their art or ideals.
Missing the point, music's about love not pessimism
Some musicians forget that music is about spreading love and positivity, not negativity.
I'm SA, moving supreme and on my team
SA is confident and at the top of his game, with a strong team around him.
I rock the mic with a sweet lean
SA has a unique style and rhythm when he performs on the microphone.
And you know that, stated as a fact
SA is confident in his abilities and knows that he's a talented performer.
The only DJ MC gettin' down like that
SA is the only DJ MC who has a style like his and can get down with such energy and passion.
Metaphorically we are the chief of police, you're rock n roll
311 is in a position of authority when it comes to their style and music, while others are more rebellious or chaotic like rock n roll.
And we're positive you stole more than just the radio
Some musicians have stolen more than just ideas or styles from 311, they may have also taken credit or recognition for other things.
Now it's 2, 1, and we are back in control
311 has taken back control and is at the top of their game again.
The jammies are coming, people succumbing 'cause we got the soul
311's music is so powerful and infused with soul that it is captivating and people are drawn to it.
Everyone tends to forget upon reentry
People often forget things when they re-enter a situation or environment.
Orbiting space quantum saints we're the only
311 has a unique and otherworldly style that sets them apart from other musicians.
Beginning from a planet so naturally
311's music comes from a natural and authentic place, not just a manufactured sound.
Gifted in the heart lies our technology
311's music comes from their hearts and emotions, not just technical skill or technology.
It's only right, right
It's only natural and fitting for things to unfold in this way.
Entering in a space of pure delight, light
When experiencing something truly enjoyable and pleasant, it can feel like entering into a bright space of happiness and lightness.
Next contestant on this jam is, tight
The next musician performing will be excellent or impressive.
Feels spontaneous you'll improvise, vise
The performance will feel spontaneous and improvised, adding to the excitement and energy of the event.
Don't even try it, you don't want to disrespect me
Don't even attempt to disrespect 311 because it won't end well for you.
If dealing with punks was school, I'd have a Harvard degree
SA is experienced in dealing with difficult or disrespectful people and would have a degree in it if it were a subject.
You can't make me hate you no matter how punk you act
No matter how rude or disrespectful someone acts, they can't provoke hate or anger in SA.
No matter what you do, I don't react
SA is unfazed by negative or harmful actions from others, and doesn't respond with the same energy.
I'm a perfect example of not giving a fuck
SA doesn't care about others' negative opinions or actions, and takes care of himself regardless of their influence.
About the catty rude people that just suck
SA doesn't waste his time or energy on negative people who act catty or rude.
What do you know all of the sudden, uhh, I usurp you
SA can take control or power over someone else unexpectedly or suddenly in a situation.
Look it up in the dictionary to find out what I do
If you don't understand or know what SA is capable of, look it up in the dictionary to find out.
I go back to the style I came from
SA doesn't deviate from his original style or values, and stays true to his roots.
It's not something you can fake, son
SA's style and authenticity can't be faked, it's something natural and genuine about him.
You're a con man who's run is done
The person SA is referencing is a con man who has run out of tricks or deceptions.
You lead a world wide web of deception
This person has created a web of lies and deceit that has spread across the world, impacting many people.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DOUGLAS MARTINEZ, NICHOLAS HEXUM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind