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.
Jackolantern'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 the first verse of the song, the artist talks about his ability to avoid negative traps and instead focus on humor and satire. The use of the metaphor in the second line is significant as it portrays how the singer perceives negative situations as a mere laughing matter, effectively bypassing the negativity that could affect his psyche. The third line speaks of the artist's sexual prowess, and the fourth references their musical ability. The fifth line shows how the artist is comfortable being unique and tapping into his creative abilities by using metaphors. A simile, as used in the song, is used more sparingly, as metaphors tend to be more expressive than similes.
In the second verse, the singer describes himself as traversing the world and remaining dedicated to his artistic talents, even if the time allotted to express himself is short-lived. The third verse talks about the artist's intelligence, cleverness, and willingness to embrace his style, which has earned him accolades. He also talks about enjoying hip-hop music and playing video games and being invested in pop culture. Finally, the song ends with the artist delivering a powerful message, emphasizing the importance of live performance and artistry in elevating one's reputation.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I beat a bad rap when I skip a soul trap
I avoid getting into trouble by escaping situations that may lead to problems.
Just trippin' and laughin' at the crap
I don't take myself too seriously and I find humor in negative situations.
Dap is what I get the best skins that I hit
I receive praise or respect (dap) for the attractive people I date or have relations with (skin).
You know we rock the fuckin' joint and we split
I perform well in concerts and then leave the venue afterwards (split).
Singin' an rhymin's what I'm better for
Creating songs and rhyming is my specialty and where I excel.
When I describe I'm a scribe with a metaphor
When I write lyrics, I use metaphors to describe things in a creative way.
I use a simile lightly 'cause that shit's played
I don't often use similes in my writing since they are overused and unoriginal.
The common way most rhymes are made, ya know
Most songs have basic rhyming structures and can be predictable.
I rock like this I flow like that
I have a unique way of performing and improvising.
But all those comparisons are just that
Despite my unique style, I am aware that comparisons to other artists are inevitable.
Kickin' different styles I'll be right here
I will continue to experiment with different music styles while staying true to myself.
Today, tomorrow, next week and next year
I plan on keep creating music for a long time, constantly evolving and improving.
I always say what I feel and that is a promise
I am honest and transparent in my writing and will continue to be that way.
Nothing in life is above being honest
I value honesty above all else in my personal and professional life.
Sauna is cool compared to being on stage
I enjoy relaxing in a sauna, but performing on stage is much more exciting.
But that's how it's gotta go in the stone age
Although performing on stage can be difficult, it's the way it has always been and always will be.
The fame in my game I name rapture
I refer to the success that comes with my music career as 'rapture'.
Like a polished rock I'll make it shine for sure
I will work to perfect my craft and make my music stand out amongst others.
Word is that I've traveled become unraveled
People have talked about how much I've traveled and how it has affected me emotionally (unraveled).
I been around the world baby gimme an apple
I have traveled extensively and am now asking for something simple and pleasant (an apple).
I'll be your boogie man rather than son-of-sam
I'd rather be known for my music ('boogie man') than for committing heinous crimes ('son-of-sam').
What I am is what I am
I am what I am and will not change to please anyone else.
Though we don't have too long to love a day a night
Life is short and we need to make the best of every moment.
We only love those who love us right back, right
We should focus our love and attention on those who show love and support for us in return.
The kid is smart the kid is clever
I am intelligent, cunning, and resourceful.
Stompin' in jack-o-lantern's weather
I am out and about in chilly weather, possibly during the autumn season ('jack-o-lantern's weather').
Backpack strapped 'cause the world is cold
I always stay prepared and take precautions in case something goes wrong ('the world is cold').
Headphones pumpin' don't ya know
I am listening to music through my headphones to block out distractions and stay focused.
Rocks his hood and plays it mellow
I am calm and collected, taking things slow ('plays it mellow') while wearing my hooded sweatshirt ('rocks his hood').
While maple leaves change into yellow
I am outside enjoying the beautiful scenery of autumn with changing leaves ('maple leaves change into yellow').
And oh shit damn homey at it again
Others may be surprised that I am back again doing what I do best.
Tryin' to beat my high score since the age of ten
I have been constantly pushing myself to achieve greatness and outdo my previous efforts since I was young ('since the age of ten').
See my high score flashes on the back glass
My success and accomplishments are evident and on display ('flashes on the back glass').
I was malcontented Doug in gifted class
I may have been dissatisfied with life or society ('malcontented Doug') while excelling in advanced classes ('gifted class').
Now here's the deal we came to heal we gonna rock it in Rio
My band and I are ready to perform our music and entertain people in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ('we gonna rock it in Rio').
Oh no it's not a joke it's how we feel
Our passion for music is real and not a joke.
Put to test like a Sugar Ray scientist, come on
We are being examined and evaluated like a scientific experiment or boxing match ('Sugar Ray scientist').
I'm always dancin' in my Sunday best
I am always putting my best foot forward and giving my all in every performance.
I'm betting on my bliss and my path is lit' see
I am confident in my abilities and believe that I am on the right path to success ('my path is lit').
The microphone is live and I'm rockin' my body
I am performing live with a microphone and putting my all into the performance, possibly dancing or moving to the music ('rockin' my body').
Smooth like Reggie Miller in an airborne freeze frame
My movements are smooth and impressive like basketball player Reggie Miller in a slow-motion shot ('airborne freeze frame').
Funky like the kung-fu that can put you to shame
My music has a funky and impressive style, like a skilled kung-fu fighter who could make others look bad or incompetent ('put you to shame').
But if you can't kick it live you gonna die
Performing live is essential to success in the music industry; without it, an artist or band may not succeed ('you gonna die').
'Fraid so punk, so quit talkin' junk
It is a harsh reality that performing live is necessary, so don't waste time talking badly or making excuses ('quit talkin' junk').
You need a live show like a ball player needs a dunk
Performing live is as essential to a musician as dunking is to a basketball player; it's a fundamental part of the experience and success.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHAD SEXTON, DOUGLAS MARTINEZ, NICHOLAS HEXUM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind