Reel Big Fish ("RBF") is a ska punk band from Huntington Beach, California,… Read Full Bio ↴Reel Big Fish ("RBF") is a ska punk band from Huntington Beach, California, United States who broke into the mainstream in the mid to late 1990s, formed in 1992.

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)

Keep A Cool Head
Reel Big Fish Lyrics

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Keep a cool head
(Don't get excited)
Keep a cool head
(If you are ?)
Keep a cool head
(Don't get excited)

For in the darkness and countryside

There is no place you can hide, no sir
Do not get hysterical
Can you work a miracle?
(Cool head)
Use your anger wisely
?

Keep a cool head
(Don't get excited)
Keep a cool head
(If you are ?)
Keep a cool head
(Don't get excited)

I said you cool it

Realize that ? have to concentrate
Do not try and bump the spirit away, no sir
Do not get hysterical
Can you work a miracle?
(Cool head)
Use your anger wisely
There's no bigger ?

Keep a cool head
(Don't get excited)
Keep a cool head
(If you are ?)
Keep a cool head
(Don't get excited)

I said you cool it
I said you cool it
I said you cool it

I said you cool it
I said you cool it

Overall Meaning

The song "Keep A Cool Head" by Reel Big Fish is a call to remain calm and composed in the face of difficult situations. The lyrics urge listeners not to get excited or hysterical when there is no place to hide from the darkness and countryside. The song contends that in these situations, one must use their anger wisely and concentrate on the task at hand. The phrase "keep a cool head" is repeated throughout the song as a reminder of the importance of remaining level-headed.

The use of the phrase "keep a cool head" is intended to convey a sense of control and focus in difficult situations. The lyrics suggest that when there is no place to hide, one must remain calm and composed. The call to use anger wisely is also significant, as it suggests that anger can be a powerful tool when used appropriately. The song suggests that if one can keep their head in difficult situations, they can work miracles and accomplish great things.

Overall, "Keep A Cool Head" is a song that encourages listeners to stay calm and focused in the face of adversity. The lyrics suggest that this approach can lead to success and even miracles. The repeated use of the phrase "keep a cool head" serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of remaining level-headed in difficult situations.

Line by Line Meaning

Keep a cool head
Remain calm and level-headed

(Don't get excited)
Do not become overly emotional or worked up

(If you are ?)
If you are feeling upset or threatened

For in the darkness and countryside
In situations where you may feel isolated or vulnerable

There is no place you can hide, no sir
There is nowhere to seek refuge or escape

Do not get hysterical
Do not panic or become irrational

Can you work a miracle?
Can you find a solution despite difficult circumstances?

(Cool head)
Maintain composure and clear thinking

Use your anger wisely
Channel your anger constructively rather than destructively

Realize that ? have to concentrate
Understand that focus and concentration are necessary

Do not try and bump the spirit away, no sir
Do not ignore or suppress your feelings