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.
Guns
311 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We're natural wonders
Night falls when we leave all you feel is the hunger
Sunrises of people all shapes and sizes
Dig on the decade and realize it's funky
No matter this rude boy still got that swagger
My ears have heard all these crews but we're badder
Interracial, special, positive beings
It's getting hectic the metrics the body electric
Everybody in worn out blue jeans or tacky dresses
This is the city we've reached we've come to
Go unrecognized on the corner or make moves
All the lights are red all the poets are dead
A familiar nightmare appears in my head
Times are a changin' myself I'm rearrangin'
Dream eight-thousand-five-twelve all blazin'
Born to act out, paranoid with a gat
Born to act out, think you know where it's at
Born to act out, but you're lookin' like a sissie
Born to act out, guns are for pussies
Born to act out, paranoid with a gat
Born to act out, think you know where it's at
Born to act out, but you're lookin' like a sissie
Born to act out, guns are for pussies
I'm not from Philly but some say I'm a blunt
That's just the way I am and no I'm not going to front
And yes I took a trip to find out about the ways of big city
Seedy bars and drugs that make you feel shitty
Pretty older women in skirts, conversation frisky
Stinking cigarettes and plenty of bourbon whiskey
Sad classical music on the jukebox of doom
Hollywood Blvd. barfly frolic room
Tomb of lost souls some beyond salvage
Some just having fun opening the steam valvage
I was one becoming the other hellbent to discover
Had to pull up the reigns or else smother
Take it brother all the way and then you're scared
Don't want to be unprepared
You're getting paranoid, and then guns are shared
You guys think you're hard
But you're in fear of getting harmed
I fear no man and I am unarmed
Born to act out, paranoid with a gat
Born to act out, think you know where it's at
Born to act out, but you're lookin' like a sissie
Born to act out, guns are for pussies
Born to act out, paranoid with a gat
Born to act out, think you know where it's at
Born to act out, but you're lookin' like a sissie
Born to act out, guns are for pussies
Come on
The song "Guns" by 311 is a commentary on the culture of violence and paranoia that permeates American society. The lyrics suggest that the obsession with firearms is a sign of insecurity and weakness, rather than strength. The opening lines refer to Australia, a country with strict gun laws and low rates of gun violence, as a "natural wonder". This is contrasted with the sense of danger and fear that pervades the streets of America, symbolized by the hunger that is felt when night falls. The lyrics paint a picture of a city that is both glamorous and gritty, with people of all shapes and sizes.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "born to act out", suggesting that people are drawn to violence as a means of asserting their masculinity or power, but that this is ultimately a futile and cowardly gesture. The use of the word "sissie" in the chorus is a deliberate subversion of traditional gender roles, suggesting that being tough and macho is not the same thing as being brave or strong. The second verse of the song describes a trip to a seedy bar in a big city, where the singer encounters a range of characters who are all searching for something in their own way. The classical music on the jukebox is a nod to the idea that violence has always been a part of human history, and that it is not something that can be easily eradicated.
Overall, "Guns" is a thought-provoking song that challenges the prevailing cultural narrative around guns and violence in America. The lyrics suggest that there is a deeper psychological issue at play, and that people who feel the need to carry weapons are often motivated by fear and insecurity. The song also highlights the need for a more positive and inclusive vision of masculinity, one that is not based solely on physical strength or aggression.
Line by Line Meaning
Here comes the thunder down under
We are a powerful force to be reckoned with
We're natural wonders
Our strength and talent is innate
Night falls when we leave all you feel is the hunger
Our presence leaves an insatiable desire
Sunrises of people all shapes and sizes
We embrace diversity in all forms
Dig on the decade and realize it's funky
Appreciate the unique style and era we represent
No matter this rude boy still got that swagger
Despite negativity or setbacks, we maintain confidence and style
My ears have heard all these crews but we're badder
We surpass other groups in talent and skill
Interracial, special, positive beings
We are a diverse and uplifting group
I am I be a cool awakening
We bring a refreshing energy and perspective to the scene
It's getting hectic the metrics the body electric
The energy and excitement is growing stronger
Everybody in worn out blue jeans or tacky dresses
We stand out as unique and stylish
This is the city we've reached we've come to
We have achieved success and belong in this city
Go unrecognized on the corner or make moves
We have the power to blend in or stand out as we choose
All the lights are red all the poets are dead
The city is bleak and uninspiring
A familiar nightmare appears in my head
We are haunted by the negative aspects of this city
Times are a changin' myself I'm rearrangin'
We are adapting and evolving with the times
Dream eight-thousand-five-twelve all blazin'
We have ambitious goals and dreams for our future
Born to act out, paranoid with a gat
Some people are predisposed to violence and fear
Born to act out, think you know where it's at
These individuals may believe they have power or authority
Born to act out, but you're lookin' like a sissie
However, their actions may be viewed as cowardly or weak
Born to act out, guns are for pussies
Violence and weaponry do not equate to true strength or courage
I'm not from Philly but some say I'm a blunt
I may not be from this area, but I am a unique and distinct individual
That's just the way I am and no I'm not going to front
I am honest and genuine, not trying to pretend to be someone else
And yes I took a trip to find out about the ways of big city
I have explored and learned from the urban environment
Seedy bars and drugs that make you feel shitty
However, there are negative and dangerous aspects of big city life
Pretty older women in skirts, conversation frisky
There are also unique and intriguing aspects to big city culture
Stinking cigarettes and plenty of bourbon whiskey
But these are often accompanied by unhealthy habits and vices
Sad classical music on the jukebox of doom
There can be a sense of hopelessness and despair in the city
Hollywood Blvd. barfly frolic room
But there is also a sense of excitement and energy in certain areas
Tomb of lost souls some beyond salvage
There are many people who are lost or struggling in this environment
Some just having fun opening the steam valvage
Others are able to enjoy themselves and let off steam in the city
I was one becoming the other hellbent to discover
I have experienced both the positive and negative aspects of city life
Had to pull up the reigns or else smother
But I recognized the need to slow down and take control
Take it brother all the way and then you're scared
Some people may act tough, but eventually fear will catch up to them
Don't want to be unprepared
It is important to be aware and ready for potential danger
You're getting paranoid, and then guns are shared
Fear and paranoia can lead to dangerous and violent behavior
You guys think you're hard
Those who rely on violence may believe they are tough or strong
But you're in fear of getting harmed
However, this fear reveals their true weakness
I fear no man and I am unarmed
True strength and bravery does not require weapons or violence
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHAD SEXTON, DOUGLAS MARTINEZ, NICHOLAS HEXUM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jamesritchie276
Exactly, the more exposure one has to guns the more likely one is to be shot. Having a gun in your home means your 8x more likely to needlessly die from a gunshot wound. It’s common sense, and it’s exactly what the data bears out.
I’m a Marine Corps veteran and assault weapons have no place outside the hands of properly trained Marines and soldiers who know how to safely and “effectively” operate these weapons.
If you want to murder as many people as possible, you need a weapon that can fire as many high-velocity rounds from as far a distance as possible in a very short period of time.
A bump stock conversion helps in many cases (see Las Vegas mass shooting).
Mass shootings have skyrocketed since Bush (who got his dad to get him out of serving in Vietnam yet sent thousands of my generation to die in totally pointless war) allowed the Assault Weapons ban to lapse in 2004.
Massacres have been rising at a near exponential rate since the lapse. Thousands of children have been killed since just because of this hypocritical, anti-American, Republican callousness.
Uneducated, illiterate, redneck, civilian LARPer’s open-carrying, semi-automatics end up killing way more people than they intend to help.
Only 1 in 20 people actually successfully deploy a firearm to stop an armed suspect during a crime.
Far more people die from accidentally shooting themselves or their own children in their own home. But hey, none of these people know how to interpret statistics. Nor do they care about the facts.
Grow a pair and side with Democracy.
Republicans are stripping rights from women, endangering their lives, allowing every untrained asshole to carry lethal weapons openly, stripping voting rights from minorities, young people and the poor to ensure unpopular Republican polices stay in place, so they can hurt even more working class people.
Fascist Florida Governer Ron DeSantis is offering a $3000 dollar bonus to teach his bastardized version of American History, Texas Republicans are changing the word slavery to “involuntary relocation” because it hurts white people’s feelings.
Most recently, over 40 Republican Senators voted to block healthcare access to dying veterans by blocking the PACT act.
I repeat, the Republican Party just voted to block healthcare to war veterans currently dying from lung disease and extremely rare cancers due to burn pit exposure, just like they voted to block healthcare to the thousands of firefighters, police, paramedics and rescue workers that have died from and developed cancer from toxic fumes exposure while they were saving Americans at “ground-zero” on 9/11.
Republicans are the biggest bunch of pussies and hypocrites. I can’t believe I ever bought into their bullshit. Real Patriots need to wake the fuck up.
I’m an independent but you need to Vote Blue every time. Democrats have always fought for veterans and working class Americans. This MAGA bullshit is over. Trump’s a draft-dodging, racist pussy who insults our dead war heroes.
Veterans, Children, and our neighbors and loved ones are dying needlessly because of preventable gun violence. All of this because of an intentional misreading, and misleading of the 2nd Amendment by the gun lobby and the NRA.
Semper Fi🇺🇸 and Slavs Ukraini🇺🇦!
@IHavAnAkimbonr
@J G Your point being..? The Jews were then left unable to defend themselves. I think you know the rest of the story...
In 1929, the Soviet Union established gun control: From 1929 to 1953, about 20 million dissidents, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.
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In 1911, Turkey established gun control: From 1915 to 1917, 1.5 million Armenians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated
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Germany established gun control in 1938: From 1939 to 1945, ~13 million Jews and others who were unable to defend themselves were rounded up and exterminated.
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China established gun control in 1935: From 1948 to 1952, 20 million political dissidents, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.
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Guatemala established gun control in 1964: From 1964 to 1981, 100,000 Mayan Indians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.
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Uganda established gun control in 1970: From 1971 to 1979, 300,000 Christians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.
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Cambodia established gun control in 1956: From 1975 to 1977, one million educated people, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.
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56 million defenseless people were rounded up and exterminated in the 20th Century because of gun control.
@paulguseman6004
I dont think people realize how swinging this album was.
@H4RSHN0IS3
Every single damn song on this album is a 10/10. My favorite album of all time.
@Darqology
311 and especially this album was wayyyyyy ahead of their time.
@jonnylawless6797
Every track on this album was fire.
@dovobis
It was their peak album. I couldn't stop listening to it.
@tommytompkins420
My fav 311 song... this whole album was awesome
@jonathandiamond6801
Says volumes
@ladysnake8449
The older I get, the more I appreciate this Nostalgia. Never take the 90s out of a 90s kid.😎
@squid6374
one of my fav albums 🤘
@BowBeforeJOW
I just randomly type "guns are for pussies" to see if it was a slogan in an action movie or something, and it turns out to be a 311 song? Life is good.