Rancid has had two lineup changes since its inception, with Tim Armstrong and Matt Freeman being continuous members. Their current lineup consists of Armstrong on guitar and vocals, Freeman on bass and vocals, Lars Frederiksen on guitar and vocals, and Branden Steineckert on drums. The band was formed by Armstrong, Freeman, and former drummer Brett Reed, who left the band in 2006 and was replaced by Steineckert. This lineup recorded their first album, with Frederiksen joining the band on their subsequent tour.
To date, Rancid has released ten studio albums, one split album, one compilation, two extended plays, and a series of live online-only albums, and has been featured on a number of compilation albums. The band has sold over four million records worldwide, making it one of the most successful punk rock groups of all time. The band rose to fame in 1994 with its second studio album, Let's Go, featuring the single "Salvation". In the following year, Rancid released its highly successful album ...And Out Come the Wolves, which produced its best-known songs "Roots Radicals", "Ruby Soho", and "Time Bomb", and was certified gold and platinum by the RIAA, selling over one million copies in the United States alone. Its next six albums – Life Won't Wait (1998), Rancid (2000), Indestructible (2003), Let the Dominoes Fall (2009), ...Honor Is All We Know (2014) and Trouble Maker (2017) – were also critically acclaimed, though not as commercially successful as ...And Out Come the Wolves. The band released their tenth album, Tomorrow Never Comes, in June 2023.
Studio albums
Rancid (1993)
Let's Go (1994)
...And Out Come the Wolves (1995)
Life Won't Wait (1998)
Rancid (also known as "Rancid 2000" or "Rancid 5") (2000)
Indestructible (2003)
Let the Dominoes Fall (2009)
...Honor Is All We Know (2014)
Trouble Maker (2017)
Tomorrow Never Comes (2023)
Ghost of a Chance
Rancid Lyrics
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Locked in for a lifetime
Well, you're one lousy step from not makin' it
You only got a ghost of a chance, my brother
You only got a ghost of a chance
Well, maybe someday we'll get a new start
You never grow too old to dream
You only got a ghost of a chance, my brother
You only got a ghost of a chance
Well, follow your instincts always
Don't ever doubt yourself
When the odds are small, don't let 'em stop ya
'Cause we only got a ghost of a chance, my brother
We only got a ghost of a chance
We only got a ghost of a chance, my brother
We only got a ghost of a chance
In the lyrics of "Ghost of a Chance" by Rancid, the band addresses themes of confinement, hope, determination, and making the most out of limited opportunities. The opening lines suggest a sense of being trapped within walls that are just high enough to keep the subject confined indefinitely. This metaphorical imprisonment could refer to feeling stuck in a certain situation or mindset, unable to break free. The idea of being "locked in for a lifetime" creates a sense of despair and hopelessness, emphasizing the difficulty of escaping one's circumstances.
The lyrics then shift to acknowledge the precariousness of the subject's situation, describing them as being "one lousy step from not making it." This line conveys a sense of vulnerability and the fragility of their chances for success. Despite these challenges, there is a glimmer of hope offered in the repeated assertion that the subject "only got a ghost of a chance." This phrase suggests that while the odds may be stacked against them, there is still a faint possibility of success or redemption if they seize the opportunity.
The mention of a potential "new start" and the encouragement to never grow too old to dream inject a note of optimism into the narrative. This speaks to the resilience of the human spirit and the capacity for hope even in the face of adversity. The suggestion to save the sermon for Sunday implies a rejection of empty platitudes or false promises, indicating a preference for actions over words. The notion that they will return one day hints at a determination to overcome obstacles and make a comeback despite the odds.
The concluding lines of the song emphasize the importance of following one's instincts, believing in oneself, and not letting small odds deter them from pursuing their goals. The repeated refrain of "we only got a ghost of a chance" serves as a reminder of the precarious nature of their circumstances, urging them to make the most of the limited opportunities available. Ultimately, the lyrics of "Ghost of a Chance" convey a message of perseverance, self-belief, and the enduring possibility of success even in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, these walls are just high enough to keep you locked in
Barriers and limitations may confine you, making it difficult to break free
Locked in for a lifetime
The feeling of being trapped or restricted for an extended period of time
Well, you're one lousy step from not makin' it
A reminder that success or failure can hinge on small decisions or actions
You only got a ghost of a chance, my brother
There is only a slim possibility of success or overcoming challenges
Well, maybe someday we'll get a new start
Hope for a fresh beginning or opportunity in the future
You never grow too old to dream
Dreams and aspirations are not limited by age
Save the sermon for Sunday 'cause we'll be back one day
Don't give up hope, as there may be a chance to return or try again
Well, follow your instincts always
Trust your intuition and inner guidance in making decisions
Don't ever doubt yourself
Believe in yourself and your abilities, even when faced with doubt or uncertainty
When the odds are small, don't let 'em stop ya
Even in challenging circumstances, persevere and don't let the odds discourage you
'Cause we only got a ghost of a chance, my brother
Acknowledging the slim chances of success, but still determined to try
We only got a ghost of a chance
Reiterating the slim likelihood of success in the face of obstacles or odds
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: Timothy Armstrong
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Tom McIsaac
Real Rancid fans don't need subtitles to understand Brother Tim
Paul Garcia
A lot of people misunderstood your comment, but I know exactly what you mean.
This is a great song!
Alejandro Garcia
yo si necesito los subtitulos por que hablo español :v
Cárlóß Barahóna Tóledo
Thomas McIsaac
Saco e wea los que no hablamos ingles lo necesitamos.O acaso crees que tu mundo acaba al termino de tu nariz?
chael Lzr
This is an act of being racist, Rancid was a global thing, so people from all over the world might not understand english as well as others. i doubt if you're a real fan coz, you never learned anything from their great songs..
Shaggy DayVo
Tim is an acquired taste.. Or, rather, an acquired language...
Dave Kirst
I love when Tim gives life lessons in songs you can tell he's a wise man you can learn a lot from
PulleyFM
@Nick Manciano It's written by a punk band in their 50's that's always just done their own thing and it's served them really well. With that perspective, the songs just saying you don't much time to live a full life, so just be yourself and always have pursue your dreams. Do that and you'll be satisfied and happy and can stand proud, even if you're struggling to get by. It's a good tune, but their lyrics are always great.
Nick Manciano
What do you think this song is about?
The Evil Drumming Sith Lord
Tim is the Gandalf of punk rock.