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.
Fun
Smash Mouth Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In '42, or 1970?
And maybe we should take a good look around
I don't get why the planet's so upset
And don't do something you might regret
I'm telling you, it's starting to get in the way
Let's have some fun while we're still young
Let's drive the car till we've gone too far
Then we'll pick up the pieces and push it back home
Let's start with Liberty's broken heart
In NYC, we'll never be torn apart
It could be one world, not three
Girlfriend, kiss his very soul
And boyfriend, tell her she's beautiful
And family man, saying baby mama it's okay
Let's have some fun while we're still young
Turn up the sound till your feet leave the ground
Let's drive the car till we've gone too far
Then we'll pick up the pieces and push it back home
Let's have some fun while we're still young
Turn up the sound till your feet leave the ground
Let's drive the car till we've gone too far
We'll pick up the pieces and push it back home
Yeah, we'll push it back home
The lyrics to Smash Mouth's "Fun" seem to be a call for people to let loose and enjoy life while they still can. The opening lines suggest that people are often hung up on the past or worrying about the future instead of living in the present. The reference to 1942 and 1970 could represent two different periods in time, possibly representing past generations or significant cultural moments. The next line implies that people are worried about the state of the world and suggests that they should not do anything that they might regret. The final line of this stanza implies that this worry is getting in the way of enjoying life.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "let's have some fun while we're still young," encouraging listeners to live in the present and enjoy the moment. The next line, "turn up the sound till your feet leave the ground," suggests that music can be a way to escape the worries of the world and let loose. The line "let's drive the car till we've gone too far" could be interpreted as a metaphor for taking risks and living life to the fullest.
The second verse continues with a call for unity and love, suggesting that people should focus on building relationships and not let societal divisions get in the way. The line "it could be one world, not three" suggests that people should come together instead of being divided into different groups. The specific references to a girlfriend, boyfriend, and family man imply that this message applies to everyone, regardless of their relationship status. The final line, "we'll pick up the pieces and push it back home," suggests that no matter what happens, people can come together to support each other and overcome challenges.
Overall, the lyrics to "Fun" seem to be about the importance of living in the moment and finding joy in life, despite the challenges and worries that may exist in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
It's 2003, and where do you want to be
In this moment of time, where do you imagine yourself being?
In '42, or 1970?
Are you drawn to the nostalgia of the past, such as the 1940s or 1970s?
And maybe we should take a good look around
Perhaps it would be beneficial to observe our current surroundings more closely.
I don't get why the planet's so upset
I fail to comprehend why the world seems to be in a state of unrest.
And don't do something you might regret
It's important to exercise caution and avoid actions that could lead to negative consequences.
I'm telling you, it's starting to get in the way
The aforementioned issues are beginning to impede our ability to enjoy life fully.
Let's start with Liberty's broken heart
We can begin by acknowledging the heartbreak caused by recent events related to freedom and democracy.
In NYC, we'll never be torn apart
Despite the challenges we face, we can remain united in places like New York City.
It could be one world, not three
There is potential for a global community that is unified rather than divided into separate factions.
Girlfriend, kiss his very soul
If you have a significant other, express your love and appreciation deeply and fully.
And boyfriend, tell her she's beautiful
Compliment your partner and remind them of their beauty and worth.
And family man, saying baby mama it's okay
As a family man, reassure your partner that everything is alright and provide emotional support.
Let's have some fun while we're still young
Let's enjoy ourselves and live life to the fullest while we still have the time and energy.
Turn up the sound till your feet leave the ground
Crank up the volume and let the music move you to dance and have a good time.
Let's drive the car till we've gone too far
Let's take a spontaneous road trip and explore until we've reached a fun and adventurous limit.
Then we'll pick up the pieces and push it back home
If something goes wrong or doesn't work out, we'll pick up the pieces and persevere until we've made it back home.
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