Their debut album, "Everything Sucks" (1995), was an underground hit and led to a deal with Mojo Records (see also Mojo), an indie label. "Turn the Radio Off" (1996) established the band in the underground music scene, and they began touring throughout the USA. After the single "Sell Out" began breaking into the mainstream, including MTV, the album made an appearance on the charts. The ska revival was short-lived, however, and "Why Do They Rock So Hard?" (1998) did not lead the group to the mainstream.
Reel Big Fish released "Cheer Up" (2002) which began a movement into harder rock and pop sounds, with much less ska than the previous albums. The song "Where Have You Been?" was aimed at a wider audience, trying to drop the less popular ska sound, but was met with little mainstream success, despite the video. Their second most recent studio album was "We're Not Happy Until You're Not Happy" (2005).
They recently released "Our Live Album is Better Than Your Live Album" (2006) which includes 2 discs worth or their own tunes and a few covers of popular songs along with a DVD. They have worked on the soundtrack to BASEketball, which included a cover of A-Ha's Take On Me.
In 2006, they split from Jive records, who produced a "Best of" album against the will of the band, who could not prevent the release. The band has made a campaign to try and stop people buying the album.
Their 7th album "Monkeys For Nothing and the Chimps For Free" (2007) includes some songs that were previously recorded and released on other albums. It was also the first album with the band's new label, Rock Ridge Records.
In 2009, they released "Fame, Fortune, and Fornication" an album composed of covers of older songs, including "Won't Back Down" by Tom Petty, and "Nothin' But a Good Time" by Poison.
In 2012, Reel Big Fish released "Candy Coated Fury", which is their second album on Rock Ridge Records. This album was met with heavy amounts of criticism from fans and reviewers alike. PunkNews.org gave the album a 2/10.
in 2014, they released "Happy Skalidays", a holiday themed EP.
Their current release is 2018's "Life Sucks... Let's Dance!", which gained generally positive reviews from fans and critics.
Current members:
Aaron Barrett - guitar, lead vocals (1992–present)
Dan Regan - trombone, backing vocals (1994–present)
John Christianson - trumpet, backing vocals (2004–present)
Ryland Steen - drums (2005–present)
Derek Gibbs - bass guitar (2007–present)
Past members:
Ben Guzman - vocals (1992–1994)
Zach Gilltrap - keyboards/synthesizers (1992–1994)
Lisa Smith - guitar (1992–1994)
Eric Vismantes - trumpet (1994)
Stephan Reed - saxophone (1994)
Robert Quimby - trombone (1994–1995)
Adam Polakoff - saxophone (1994–1995)
Grant Barry - trombone (1995–1998)
Andrew Gonzales - drums (1992–1998)
Tavis Werts - trumpet (1994–2001)
Carlos de la Garza - drums (1999–2003)
Tyler Jones - trumpet (2001–2004)
Justin Ferreira - drums (2003–2005)
Matt Wong - bass, backing vocals (1992–2007)
Scott Klopfenstein - trumpet, guitar, keyboards, backing vocals (1995–2011)
Good Thing
Reel Big Fish Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I was always thinkin' somethin' wasn't right
But then you came along and helped me sing a song and
now I feel ok I hope it can stay- this way
You know we've got a good thing goin' and I don't want to see it end
You know we've got a good thing goin' and I don't want to see it end
Are these the good days that I've heard so much about-
I've been so frustrated, bitter, mean, and jaded
I've taken for granted all the things I've got
But now that you are here this anger disappears
and I feel happy too this is sappy but it's true
You know we've got a good thing goin' and I don't want to see it end
You know we've got a good thing goin' and I don't want to see it end
Are these the good days that I've heard so much about there goes the heartbreak
that I can live without
The lyrics to Reel Big Fish's song Good Thing are an ode to love and the transformative power it can have on one's outlook on life. The song is about a person who has always felt out of place in the world, constantly feeling like something was off. However, upon meeting this special someone, they seem to have found a newfound confidence and happiness. The lyrics convey the singer's relief and gratitude for finally feeling content after a long period of frustration, cynicism, and bitterness.
The lyrics "I never felt too good, but in this world, who would" convey a sense of disillusionment with the world and its various imperfections. The singer has likely seen the harsh realities of life and has struggled to find their place in it. They have likely experienced heartbreak, disappointment, and frustration, leading to a deep sense of bitterness and cynicism. However, with the introduction of this new love interest, there is a sense of hope; the singer notes that they "feel okay" and hopes that this newfound positivity can continue.
In the chorus, the singer acknowledges the value of their relationship and expresses a desire to hold onto it. The repetition of the phrase "we've got a good thing goin'" serves as a reminder that love can be a rare and precious thing, and it shouldn't be taken for granted. The following line, "and I don't want to see it end," conveys a sense of urgency to prolong this happiness and prevent any heartbreak in the future. The singer seems to have found the "good days" they've heard so much about and is finally free from the "heartbreak that [they] can live without."
Overall, Good Thing is a love song that speaks to the transformative power of love in someone's life. It's a reminder that even in a world that can be harsh and unforgiving, love can bring joy, happiness and help us find the light in darkness.
Line by Line Meaning
I never felt too good but in this world who would
I've never felt completely happy, but in this world, who does?
I was always thinkin' somethin' wasn't right
I was always thinking that something was wrong.
But then you came along and helped me sing a song and
You came into my life and helped me see the brighter side, and now we can celebrate together.
now I feel ok I hope it can stay- this way
Now that you're here, I feel okay, and I hope this happiness can last.
You know we've got a good thing goin' and I don't want to see it end
We have a good relationship, and I don't want it to end.
Are these the good days that I've heard so much about-
Are these the days that people always talk about being happy and carefree?
there goes the heartbreak that I can live without
I've experienced heartbreak before, and I don't want to go through it again.
I've been so frustrated, bitter, mean, and jaded
I've been really unhappy and resentful, and it's made me cold and unpleasant.
I've taken for granted all the things I've got
I've been unappreciative of all the good things in my life.
But now that you are here this anger disappears
But now that you're here, my anger and negativity have disappeared.
and I feel happy too this is sappy but it's true
And I feel happy, too. I know this sounds sentimental, but it's really how I feel.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BRYON GLYNNE JONES, JONATHON GLYNNE JONES, RAYMOND MEDHURST, BARBARA JANE GRIFFIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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