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)
You Don't Know 3:15
Reel Big Fish Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(fuck off, fuck off, fuck off!)
If you don't get it why don't you go
Shove your head back up your ass
And don't waste my time
I don't need your opinion
'Cause you don't know what it's like
You don't know what it's like to be like me
You don't know, so keep your mouth shut
Well, this may come as kind of a surprise
(surprise, surprise, surprise!)
I don't like you and I don't care
What you think about what I do
And most of all, I don't need your opinion
Cause you don't know what it's like
You don't know what it's like
You don't know what it's like to be like me
You don't know, so keep your mouth shut
Well finally that's the way it is
I like something you don't and you're tellin' me it's shit
It's a waste of time
We can't change our opinions
I don't know what it's like
I don't know what it's like
I don't know what it's like to be like you
I don't know, so I'll keep my mouth
shut
The lyrics to Reel Big Fish's song You Don't Know criticize people who judge others without understanding their experiences. The opening line, "Well first of all, I'd like to say fuck off," sets the confrontational tone of the song, signaling that the singer is fed up with those who criticize his choices, tastes, and preferences. He dismisses their opinions, telling them to "shove [their] head back up [their] ass." The theme of the song is that people who judge others without understanding their experiences are ignorant and misguided. The chorus repeats the phrase "You don't know what it's like to be like me," emphasizing the idea that only someone who has lived another person's life can truly understand their point of view.
The song is a punk/ska anthem that espouses the values of individualism and nonconformity. The singer refuses to conform to others' expectations and embraces his unique identity. He asserts that he does not care what others think of him and will never change his opinions to appease them. The song is not only a declaration of independence but also a critique of a society that values conformity over individuality. By rejecting the opinions of others and asserting his individuality, the singer suggests that we should all be free to express ourselves and pursue our passions without fear of judgment.
Line by Line Meaning
Well first of all, I'd like to say fuck off
I am dismissing your presence and opinions. Please leave.
If you don't get it why don't you go
If you cannot understand me, please leave.
Shove your head back up your ass
Go back to being ignorant and uninformed, as you were before.
And don't waste my time
I am not interested in listening to you or engaging in this conversation.
I don't need your opinion
I do not value your thoughts or beliefs on this subject.
'Cause you don't know what it's like
Your lack of experience prevents you from understanding the situation fully.
You don't know what it's like to be like me
You cannot comprehend the perspectives and experiences that I have had.
You don't know, so keep your mouth shut
Please refrain from speaking about something you do not understand.
Well, this may come as kind of a surprise
I am not surprised by your lack of understanding or appreciation for my situation.
I don't like you and I don't care
Your likability and opinion do not matter to me.
What you think about what I do
I am not concerned with your perspective on my actions or decisions.
And most of all, I don't need your opinion
I do not value or require your input on this matter.
You don't know what it's like
Your lack of knowledge, experience, and understanding continue to limit your comprehension of the situation.
Well finally that's the way it is
This is the ultimate and final reality of the situation.
I like something you don't and you're tellin' me it's shit
Your negative opinion of my preferences is irrelevant and unwelcome.
It's a waste of time
Continuing this conversation is futile and a poor use of time.
We can't change our opinions
Our perspectives and beliefs cannot be altered or influenced by this discussion.
I don't know what it's like to be like you
I acknowledge that I cannot fully comprehend your experiences and perspectives.
I don't know, so I'll keep my mouth
Since I lack understanding and knowledge in this area, I will refrain from further discussion.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ALIAUNE THIAM, STEVE SMITH, JIHNO FERREIRA, CHANTELLE PAIGE, AMIR KELLOGG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Krish Shanmugam
on Everyone Else is an Asshole
dont