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)

The Promise
Reel Big Fish Lyrics

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If you need a friend
Don't look to a stranger
You know in the end
I'll always be there

And when you're in doubt
And when you're in danger
Take a look all around

And I'll be there

I'm sorry but I was just thinking of the right words to say
I know they don't sound the way I planned them to be
But if you wait around awhile I'll make you fall for me
I promise
I promise you, I will

When your day is through
And so is your temper
You know what to do
Gonna always be there

Sometimes if I shout
It's not what's intended
These words just come out
With no grudge to bear

I'm sorry but I was just thinking of the right words to say
I know they don't sound the way I planned them to be
But if I had to walk the world I'd make you fall for me
I promise you
I promise you, I will

I tell ya
I gotta tell ya
I need to tell ya

I'm sorry but I was just thinking of the right words to say
I know they don't sound the way I planned them to be
But if you wait around awhile I'll make you fall for me
I promise
I promise you

I'm sorry but I was just thinking of the right words to say
I know they don't sound the way I planned them to be
But if I had to walk the world I'd make you fall for me
I promise you
I promise you, I will
I will

I will
I will

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Reel Big Fish's "The Promise" express the idea of always being there for someone, even when life gets tough. The song offers a message of understanding and support to those that feel like they have no one to turn to. The opening lines convey the idea that a true friend should be relied upon instead of a stranger. The singer emphasizes that he will always be there for his loved one, through doubt and danger. The chorus reiterates the promise of love, with the line "But if you wait around awhile I'll make you fall for me, I promise. I promise you, I will."

The bridge of the song discusses the problem of finding the right words to express oneself. The singer acknowledges that often, words don't always come out the way we want them to, but that he is dedicated to proving his love, even if he has to "walk the world" to do it. This section of the song shows that communication and expression of feelings can be difficult, but that doesn't mean that the love isn't there. Overall, "The Promise" is a powerful declaration of love and loyalty, reminding listeners that they are never truly alone.

Line by Line Meaning

If you need a friend
When you require a companion

Don't look to a stranger
Do not search for a stranger

You know in the end
Ultimately, you know that

I'll always be there
I will be present always

And when you're in doubt
When you are unsure

And when you're in danger
And when you are under threat

Take a look all around
Observe your surroundings

And I'll be there
I will be present

I'm sorry but I was just thinking of the right words to say
Apologies, I was pondering on the correct words to express

I know they don't sound the way I planned them to be
I acknowledge they don't match my intentions

But if you wait around awhile I'll make you fall for me
However, if you give me some time, I will make you fond of me