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.
Jack-O-Lantern's Weather
311 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just trippin' and laughin' at the crap
Dap is what I get the best skins that I hit
You know we rock the fuckin' joint and we split
Singin' an rhymin's what I'm better for
When I describe I'm a scribe with a metaphor
I use a simile lightly 'cause that shit's played
The common way most rhymes are made, ya know
But all those comparisons are just that
Kickin' different styles I'll be right here
Today, tomorrow, next week and next year
I always say what I feel and that is a promise
Nothing in life is above being honest
Sauna is cool compared to being on stage
But that's how it's gotta go in the stone age
The fame in my game I name rapture
Like a polished rock I'll make it shine for sure
Word is that I've traveled become unraveled
I been around the world baby gimme an apple
I'll be your boogie man rather than son-of-sam
What I am is what I am
Though we don't have too long to love a day a night
We only love those who love us right back, right
The kid is smart the kid is clever
Stompin' in jack-o-lantern's weather
Backpack strapped 'cause the world is cold
Headphones pumpin' don't ya know
The kid is smart the kid is clever
Stompin' in jack-o-latern's weather
Rocks his hood and plays it mellow
While maple leaves change into yellow
And oh shit damn homey at it again
Tryin' to beat my high score since the age of ten
See my high score flashes on the back glass
I was malcontented Doug in gifted class
Now here's the deal we came to heal we gonna rock it in Rio
Oh no it's not a joke it's how we feel
Put to test like a Sugar Ray scientist, come on
I'm always dancin' in my Sunday best
I'm betting on my bliss and my path is lit' see
The microphone is live and I'm rockin' my body
Smooth like Reggie Miller in an airborne freeze frame
Funky like the kung-fu that can put you to shame
The kid is smart the kid is clever
Stompin' in jack-o-lantern's weather
Backpack strapped 'cause the world is cold
Headphones pumpin' don't ya know
The kid is smart the kid is clever
Stompin' in jack-o-latern's weather
Rocks his hood and plays it mellow
While maple leaves change into yellow
I'm like hey (hey), wait a minute
Give a check one two then I'm ready to begin it
With a boom boom bap coming outta your trunkies
Give a fat shout out to the Phunk Junkeez
Stricken like a cancer taken chances
But I love to see the girl windin' like the belly dancer
Standin' up front with a tight stomach showin
Me on stage singin, flowin
We just kickin' it live we just kickin' it live
'Cause if you can't kick it live you gonna die
'Fraid so punk, so quit talkin' junk
You need a live show like a ball player needs a dunk
In "Jackolanterns Weather," 311's Nick Hexum describes his passion for creating music and using his lyrics to express his innermost thoughts and feelings. He boasts about his ability to "beat a bad rap" and avoid falling into the trap of using clichéd phrases and comparisons in his rhymes. Instead, he prefers to use metaphors sparingly and focus on "singing and rhyming" in a way that is uniquely his own.
Hexum also touches on the fleeting nature of fame and love, noting that "nothing in life is above being honest." He tells the story of a smart and clever kid who navigates through the world with a backpack and headphones, enjoying the changing of the seasons and the beauty of nature. He makes references to pop culture (Sugar Ray and Reggie Miller), and finishes the song with a plea for authenticity and live music performances.
Overall, "Jackolanterns Weather" is about celebrating one's uniqueness and staying true to oneself. It encourages others to do the same, and to embrace the beauty of the world around them.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I beat a bad rap when I skip a soul trap
I avoid being judged unfairly when I'm able to navigate out of a difficult situation
Just trippin' and laughin' at the crap
I'm able to find humor in stressful situations and not take things too seriously
Dap is what I get the best skins that I hit
I receive respect and recognition for my success with women
You know we rock the fuckin' joint and we split
We perform well on stage and leave a lasting impression on the audience
Singin' an rhymin's what I'm better for
I excel at writing and performing music with lyrics
When I describe I'm a scribe with a metaphor
I use artistic language to convey meaning and emotionally connect with my listeners
I use a simile lightly 'cause that shit's played
I avoid using tired or overused language in my music
The common way most rhymes are made, ya know
Many artists rely on cliches or common expressions in their music
I rock like this I flow like that
I have a versatile style and can adapt to different beats and moods
But all those comparisons are just that
My use of metaphors and similes is not meant to be taken literally
Kickin' different styles I'll be right here
I will continue to experiment with various musical styles and remain active in the industry
Today, tomorrow, next week and next year
My commitment to music is long-term and ongoing
I always say what I feel and that is a promise
I strive to be authentic and truthful in my music and life
Nothing in life is above being honest
Being truthful and transparent is a non-negotiable value for me
Sauna is cool compared to being on stage
Performing in front of an audience is an adrenaline rush and incomparable to any other experience
But that's how it's gotta go in the stone age
The music industry can be cutthroat and requires a lot of dedication and hard work
The fame in my game I name rapture
I thrive on attention and recognition for my music
Like a polished rock I'll make it shine for sure
I have confidence in my abilities to succeed and make a name for myself
Word is that I've traveled become unraveled
People have heard about my touring experiences and how they have affected me emotionally
I been around the world baby gimme an apple
I have been fortunate to travel the world and experience new cultures
I'll be your boogie man rather than son-of-sam
I'd rather be remembered for my danceable, fun music than for committing heinous crimes like Son of Sam
What I am is what I am
I am proud of who I am and stay true to myself
Though we don't have too long to love a day a night
Life is short and we should cherish the time we have with the people we love
We only love those who love us right back, right
It's important to surround ourselves with people who love and support us in return
The kid is smart the kid is clever
I'm intelligent and resourceful
Stompin' in jack-o-lantern's weather
I'm braving the cold and enjoying the autumn weather
Backpack strapped 'cause the world is cold
I'm prepared for the challenges and uncertainties of life
Headphones pumpin' don't ya know
I'm listening to music and staying focused on my goals
Rocks his hood and plays it mellow
I dress casually and stay laid-back
While maple leaves change into yellow
I'm appreciating the beauty of nature and the changing seasons
And oh shit damn homey at it again
Here I am, back at it once again
Tryin' to beat my high score since the age of ten
I have a competitive streak and have been striving for success since I was young
See my high score flashes on the back glass
My accomplishments are visible and something to be proud of
I was malcontented Doug in gifted class
I felt dissatisfied and out of place in school despite being gifted
Now here's the deal we came to heal we gonna rock it in Rio
I'm ready to perform and entertain audiences worldwide
Oh no it's not a joke it's how we feel
I am serious and passionate about my music and career
Put to test like a Sugar Ray scientist, come on
I am committed to perfecting my craft and treating it like a science
I'm always dancin' in my Sunday best
I am always ready and eager to perform my best
I'm betting on my bliss and my path is lit' see
I am confident that following my passion and staying true to myself will lead me to success
The microphone is live and I'm rockin' my body
I am energized by performing and giving it my all
Smooth like Reggie Miller in an airborne freeze frame
I have a smooth and fluid style of performing
Funky like the kung-fu that can put you to shame
I have a unique and impressive style that distinguishes me from other artists
I'm like hey (hey), wait a minute
I'm calling attention and asking people to listen to what I have to say
Give a check one two then I'm ready to begin it
I'm testing my microphone and getting ready to perform
With a boom boom bap coming outta your trunkies
I have a wild and energetic style that is sure to get people dancing
Give a fat shout out to the Phunk Junkeez
I'm acknowledging and showing appreciation for other artists
Stricken like a cancer taken chances
I have faced challenges and taken risks in my life and career
But I love to see the girl windin' like the belly dancer
I enjoy entertaining and captivating audiences with my music
Standin' up front with a tight stomach showin
I am confident and poised when performing on stage
Me on stage singin, flowin
I'm in my element when performing and expressing myself through music
We just kickin' it live we just kickin' it live
We are putting on an energetic and lively performance
'Cause if you can't kick it live you gonna die
A successful live performance is crucial for an artist's success and longevity
'Fraid so punk, so quit talkin' junk
It's time to focus on delivering a great live show rather than talking about it
You need a live show like a ball player needs a dunk
A live show is a defining and powerful moment for an artist, comparable to a basketball player's slam dunk
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
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