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.
Paradise
311 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If it isn't one thing rest assured that something.
Will come back and pay you for your deed
A shortcut's a self defeating means, if you cannot do it clean.
You'll never reach your reward.
And when the day is done, what you receive is the sum.
Of what you took out, from what you put in.
Shadows what I think and feel is real.
Times in our tribe feel the tribe when we thrive.
We have no fear of death and no fear of life.
[Chorus:]
I can't forget you and our version of paradise.
I can't forget you and our version of paradise.
Everything you do it comes back to you, whatever it may be.
What you did as a devil or did as an angel.
The favor returns itself somehow.
If you take my money I?l buy you a drink and you'll see.
That no one rides for free.
Afraid of what I said then your mind is stricken.
I'm wearing my heart sleeveless and I'm always up for kickin?
This is my favorite city pity everywhere the enemy.
From the beginning serious history
Nothing's ever given to no one. Rides for free.
From the beginning radiant energy's
Music what I need to keep my sanity.
I say we fear no evolution stand up musical revolution.
Follow me now when I say we can never stop in we never give.
Cause this is how we breathe and live.
Some of them whine and some of them bitch.
They cannot do it we never switch.
We do it for ourselves and we do it for you.
If you don't like it well I hope you do.
I've got to be honest.
[Chorus: x2]
The song "Paradise" by 311 is a reflection on the concept of karma and how everything one does in life comes back to them in one way or another. The lyrics suggest that shortcuts and shortcuts that are taken in a self-serving manner are ultimately self-defeating and will prevent one from achieving true success. The band admonishes its listeners to do things cleanly and with honor so that one can reap the rewards they deserve at the end of the day. The song also touches on themes of spirituality and the importance of living life fully without fear.
The chorus of the song speaks to a relationship that the singer cannot forget, one that they consider to be their own version of paradise. This could refer to a past romantic partner or perhaps simply a joyful time in their life that they cannot let go of. The lyrics suggest that this paradise was obtainable but that it was lost or let go of by the singer.
One interesting fact about the song is that it was released as a single in Japan in 1997 but never in the United States. It was included on the band's sixth studio album, "Transistor," which was also released that year. Another fun fact is that the song's music video was directed by the famous skateboarder Tony Hawk. Additionally, the song was recorded at the band's own recording studio in Omaha, Nebraska, called "The Hive."
Line by Line Meaning
Everything you do it comes back to you. Whatever it may be.
Every action has a reaction, good or bad.
If it isn't one thing rest assured that something. Will come back and pay you for your deed
Karma will always find a way to balance things out.
A shortcut's a self defeating means, if you cannot do it clean.
Taking the easy way out will only result in negative consequences.
You'll never reach your reward.
Success only comes with hard work and perseverance.
And when the day is done, what you receive is the sum. Of what you took out, from what you put in.
You will reap what you sow at the end of the day.
Times deep in a dream seem a veiled realm.
Dreams can seem mysterious and surreal.
Shadows what I think and feel is real.
Sometimes our thoughts and emotions can feel overwhelming and profound.
Times in our tribe feel the tribe when we thrive.
Being part of a community can bring a sense of belonging and purpose.
We have no fear of death and no fear of life.
Living fearlessly and embracing life to the fullest.
What you did as a devil or did as an angel. The favor returns itself somehow.
Your actions will come back to you, whether they were good or bad.
If you take my money I?l buy you a drink and you'll see. That no one rides for free.
Everything comes at a cost, and there's always a price to pay.
Afraid of what I said then your mind is stricken.
Speaking your truth can be intimidating for some.
I'm wearing my heart sleeveless and I'm always up for kickin?
Being open and vulnerable can lead to meaningful connections.
This is my favorite city pity everywhere the enemy.
Finding joy and beauty in the midst of chaos and conflict.
From the beginning serious history. Nothing's ever given to no one. Rides for free.
History has taught us that nothing comes easy and there's no such thing as a free ride.
From the beginning radiant energy's. Music what I need to keep my sanity.
Music can be a source of positivity and emotional release.
I say we fear no evolution stand up musical revolution.
Embracing change and using music to inspire progress.
Follow me now when I say we can never stop in we never give.
Perseverance is key to achieving your goals.
Cause this is how we breathe and live.
Music is a fundamental part of our lives.
Some of them whine and some of them bitch.
People will complain and criticize, but it's important to stay focused on your goals.
They cannot do it we never switch.
Stay true to yourself and don't let others dictate your path.
We do it for ourselves and we do it for you.
Music is meant to be shared and enjoyed by all.
If you don't like it well I hope you do.
Even if your music isn't for everyone, it's still important to believe in your art.
I've got to be honest.
Being truthful and genuine is essential to making meaningful connections through music.
[Chorus: x2]
Repeating the central message of the song - the lasting memory of a certain place and time that was perfect.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, O/B/O DistroKid, Songtrust Ave
Written by: AARON CHARLES WILLS, CHAD RONALD SEXTON, DOUGLAS VINCENT MARTINEZ, NICHOLAS LOFTON HEXUM, TIMOTHY JEROME MAHONEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind