Focused at times playing "neo-ska" music, the band has adopted retro styles spanning several decades of popular music, as well as performing covers of popular songs such as The Monkees' "I'm a Believer" and War's "Why Can't We Be Friends" as well as cult favorites such as ? and the Mysterians' "Can't Get Enough of You Baby" (though their version owes more to The Colourfield's interpretation; in fact, the band at first believed it was a Colourfield original). Smash Mouth's first album Fush Yu Mang came out in June 1997. This album could be said to be "neo ska". Its top position in the charts was #19 (on Billboard). The promo for this album said that "While the twelve songs on Fush Yu Mang sound like they belong side by side, each has it's own feeling like the very '60's "Walkin' On The Sun," the surf 'n' turf of "Nervous In the Alley," the Buzzcocks like "Pet Names," the Mafia rock of "Padrino," and the fret rock of "Let's Rock"." Smash Mouth's second album Astro Lounge was released two years later, in June 1999. It is the band's most critically and commercially successful album to date. It reached #6 on the Billboard charts and it featured the massive hit All Star.
Smash Mouth released their third album Smash Mouth (Self-Titled) in November 2001. It has been said that this is the band's most experimental album to date. It reached #48 on Billboard charts. Smash Mouth's fourth album Get the Picture?, released in August 2003, wasn't as well-received by fans or the critics as previous albums (it only reached #100 on the Billboard charts). Smash Mouth released a Christmas cover album in November 2005 (The Gift of Rock). Their newest album is called Summer Girl, and, after being delayed for over a year, was released on September 19th, 2006. Smash Mouth's music was used in the film "Shrek" and they starred on-screen as themselves in the turbulent finale of the all-star-comedy "Rat Race", while performing "All Star" on stage during the showdown.
In May 2011 lead singer Steve Harwell agreed to eat two dozen eggs in one sitting for charity. That June, Harwell apparently backed out of the challenge -- with over ten thousand dollars for overseas children's hunger charities at stake -- potentially because he is afraid to eat the eggs. Fans continue to demand Harwell eat the eggs.
Two albums were released in 2012, The Gift Of Rock and Magic. A best-of compilation, Playlist: The Very Best of Smashmouth was released in 2016. A comeback single, Unity, was released in 2018.
In 2021, the band collaborated with Timmy Trumpet for the song "Camelot". This would be the band's last song with original lead vocalist Steve Harwell before his retirement later that year and his death 2 years later.
Steve Harwell retired in 2021 due to health issues and was replaced by Divided By Zero singer Zach Goode.
On September 4, 2023, original lead vocalist Steve Harwell died at age 56 at his home of liver failure.
Ain't No Mystery
Smash Mouth Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Living it out and living it up to his name
Who wants some lovers gold, silver tone
Tipping it out it has claimed to fame
I'm a mystery man I'm doing what I can
With a continental international plan
So come on now, it's all now
Let me break you down, let me make you understand
Don't you know your history
I feel it, I mean it
This play is here to stay
You're a woman I'm your man, this ain't no mystery
Who is the guy looking back, coming back
Making it up so he goes and he knows
That she'll come around turn up frowned outside down
Breaking it up before it gets to world
The keeny causes the girl some danger
My teeny hangover
He ain't no stranger to London, Paris, New York and Japan
I'm bringing home the bacon in a frying pan
?????? Chinatown
If you're down, then I'm your mystery man
The lyrics of Smash Mouth's song Ain't No Mystery tell the story of a man with a fashionable sense of style and a unique approach to living life to the fullest. He seems to be a mysterious figure breaking conventions and attracting attention wherever he goes. The man references his "continental international plan," indicating that he is a world traveler, confident and skilled in navigating different cultures and lifestyles. He also mentions his desire for "lovers gold" and "silver tone," which could signify his lust for either money or romantic relationships. However, it is unclear whether these desires are the source of his mystery or just another facet of his enigmatic persona.
The song's chorus furthers the idea of a mystery figure captivating those around him, with the lyrics "Don't you know your history, I feel it, I mean it, this play is here to stay. You're a woman, I'm your man, this ain't no mystery." Here, the man seems to be telling the listener that his story is worth exploring and that he is the one to lead them on this adventure. The verses that follow continue to paint a picture of a bold and confident man, who is willing to take risks and do things his own way. While the lyrics don't give a clear answer to who the mystery man is, they do create an intriguing character that leaves the listener curious about his life and motivations.
Line by Line Meaning
Who is the man making a scene, fashion of green
Who is the flamboyant man drawing everyone's attention with his flashy green attire?
Living it out and living it up to his name
He is reveling in his reputation and embracing his identity.
Who wants some lovers gold, silver tone
Who is in search of romantic treasures with a metallic gleam?
Tipping it out it has claimed to fame
He flaunts his possessions with pride and revels in being recognized for his success.
I'm a mystery man I'm doing what I can
I'm a man of intrigue, but I'm doing my best to make my mark in the world.
With a continental international plan
I have a grand scheme that spans across continents and countries.
So come on now, it's all now
Let's seize the moment and make our move.
This play is here to stay
This game, this lifestyle is not going anywhere anytime soon.
Let me break you down, let me make you understand
Allow me to break it down for you and help you comprehend.
Don't you know your history
Don't you realize the significance of what came before you?
I feel it, I mean it
I am not just saying this, I truly believe it.
You're a woman I'm your man, this ain't no mystery
You and I are a natural match, and this connection is not a secret.
Who is the guy looking back, coming back
Who is that man looking back and returning to the scene?
Making it up so he goes and he knows
He improvises as he moves forward, being confident in his choices.
That she'll come around turn up frowned outside down
He knows she will come back around when she is ready, ready to let go of her worries and troubles.
Breaking it up before it gets to world
He is taking preventative measures, to avoid any potential problems from arising.
The keeny causes the girl some danger
The cunning nature of this man poses a potential threat to this woman.
My teeny hangover
He's feeling the aftereffects of a wild night of partying.
He ain't no stranger to London, Paris, New York and Japan
He's a seasoned traveler who is accustomed to the lifestyles of several cosmopolitan cities.
I'm bringing home the bacon in a frying pan
I am the one earning money and providing for my household.
?????? Chinatown
Unknown meaning or unclear lyrics.
If you're down, then I'm your mystery man
If you're ready to embrace this enigmatic lifestyle, then I am the man for you.
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, Spirit Music Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: GREG CAMP, GREGORY D. CAMP, PAUL DELISLE, PAUL GERALD DELISLE, STEVEN HARWELL, STEVEN SCOTT HARWELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind