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.
Disconnect The Dots
Smash Mouth Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Into this cluttered empty apartment and died
What the where the how the why the hell
You can watch your step and still you'll never see the mines
Stay up man don't drown
It's time to go to town
Today is just another yesterday
You're back in the game again
You're going to win it in the end
Disconnect the dots and be on your way
Every day I see you sinking low
Dragging around like it's the end of the world
She's gone she's gone she's gone man let it go
Cause in the end she didn't turn out to be much of a girl
Stay up man don't sink
Before you have time to blink
Your number one will walk through the door and want to play
You're back in the game again
You're gonna to win it in the end
Disconnect the dots
Disconnect the dots and be on your way
Thought you had it good so secure so sure
Looking at the map and didn't see the detour
D.I.V.O.R.C.E. or something of that sort
Disconnect the dots my man the ball's in your court
Get yourself a shave and put on your best hat
The world is your aquarium and you are the cat
So dive right in and don't forget to swim
You're back in the game again
Stay up man don't drown
It's time to go to town
Today is just another yesterday
You're back in the game again
You're gonna to win it in the end
Disconnect the dots
Disconnect the dots
Disconnect the dots and be on your way
The lyrics to Smash Mouth's song "Disconnect The Dots" speak to someone who is struggling to move on from a relationship that has ended. The opening lines describe the singer waking up in a cluttered and empty apartment and feeling as though they have died. They are struggling to understand and make sense of the breakup - asking "What the where the how the why the hell" - and feeling as though there are hidden dangers they can't see, like "mines".
Despite this, the song urges the singer to "stay up man" and "go to town" - to keep moving forward and not let themselves fall into despair. The hope is that by disconnecting the dots - breaking down the patterns and routines that have kept them stuck - they will be able to move on and find a new sense of purpose. There is also a sense that the singer is not alone - that there is someone waiting for them, the "number one", who will be there to play and support them as they rebuild.
Overall, the lyrics to "Disconnect The Dots" are about resilience and perseverance in the face of heartbreak. The song acknowledges the pain and confusion that comes with the end of a relationship, but also encourages listeners to keep moving forward and not lose hope.
Line by Line Meaning
Today you sat up half asleep and stared
You woke up feeling unfulfilled and directionless
Into this cluttered empty apartment and died
Your surroundings are depressing and uninspiring
What the where the how the why the hell
You're feeling lost and bewildered
You can watch your step and still you'll never see the mines
Even if you're careful, you can still get caught up in the dangers of life
Stay up man don't drown
Keep your head above water and don't get overwhelmed
It's time to go to town
You need to get out there and take action
Today is just another yesterday
Don't be content with just getting by
You're back in the game again
You have another chance to succeed
You're going to win it in the end
Believe in yourself and your ability to succeed
Disconnect the dots and be on your way
Let go of past mistakes and uncertainties and move forward
Every day I see you sinking low
You're struggling and losing hope
Dragging around like it's the end of the world
You're feeling hopeless and defeated
She's gone she's gone she's gone man let it go
Don't dwell on past relationships or failures
Cause in the end she didn't turn out to be much of a girl
She wasn't the right person for you
Stay up man don't sink
Stay positive and don't give up
Before you have time to blink
Stay focused and don't let opportunities pass you by
Your number one will walk through the door and want to play
Success and happiness are on their way
Thought you had it good so secure so sure
You thought you had everything under control
Looking at the map and didn't see the detour
You didn't anticipate life's unexpected twists and turns
D.I.V.O.R.C.E. or something of that sort
You may experience losses or setbacks in your personal life
Disconnect the dots my man the ball's in your court
Take control of your situation and make the necessary changes
Get yourself a shave and put on your best hat
Present yourself in the best possible way
The world is your aquarium and you are the cat
The world is full of possibilities and it's up to you to seize them
So dive right in and don't forget to swim
Take risks and be proactive
Lyrics © Spirit Music Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: GREG CAMP, GREGORY D. CAMP, KEVIN JOHN IANNELLO, PAUL DELISLE, PAUL GERALD DELISLE, STEVEN HARWELL, STEVEN SCOTT HARWELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind