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.
Perfect Planet
Smash Mouth Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We had a beer, shot some pool watching NASCAR.
We talked about how everything was falling apart.
But here we are now, we'll make it somehow.
Because the world just keeps on spinning 'round and 'round.
Tell me we're so damn lost, we can't be found.
Ain't seen nothing yet.
It's a perfect planet.
How much better can it get?
Haven't broke a sweat.
It's a perfect planet.
It's a perfect planet.
So this dude, he said his girlfriend left him last night.
She swore it's over, never call, it was a big fight.
Shake if off and go like it's all right.
No more thinking, keep on drinking.
Because the world just keeps on spinning 'round and 'round.
Tell me we're so damn lost, we can't be found.?
How much better can it get
Ain't seen nothing yet.
It's a perfect planet.
How much better can it get?
Haven't broke a sweat.
It's a perfect planet.
And even though it seems we're falling fast,
It never giving up.
Even though it seems we'll never have enough,
We're still alive.
So alive.
How much better can it get?
Ain't seen nothing yet.
It's a perfect planet.
'Cause the world just keeps on spinning 'round and 'round.
Tell me we're so damn lost, we can't be found.
How much better can it get?
Ain't seen nothing yet.
It's a perfect planet.
How much better can it get?
Haven't broke a sweat.
It's a perfect planet.
It's a perfect planet.
Smash Mouth's "Perfect Planet" is a hopeful, feel-good tune that reminds us to stay positive and keep moving forward, even in the face of adversity. The song tells the story of two strangers who meet at a sports bar, commiserating over the state of the world and their personal struggles. Despite the challenges they face, they remain optimistic that things will get better and find solace in the fact that the world keeps spinning "round and 'round." The lyrics are a testament to the human spirit and our ability to persevere through tough times with a little help from each other.
The chorus of "Perfect Planet" is particularly catchy, with the repetition of the phrase "How much better can it get? Ain't seen nothing yet. It's a perfect planet." This refrain reinforces the idea that, no matter how bad things may seem, there is always room for them to improve. The song also acknowledges that life can be messy and unpredictable, as demonstrated by the singer's discussion of his broken relationship. However, rather than dwell on the negative, he chooses to "shake it off and go like it's all right." This attitude of resilience and determination makes "Perfect Planet" an inspiring and uplifting anthem.
Line by Line Meaning
I met this dude the other day at a sports bar.
Narrator describes meeting someone at a sports bar.
We had a beer, shot some pool watching NASCAR.
Narrator describes the activities they did with the man they met at the sports bar - they drank beer and played pool while watching NASCAR.
We talked about how everything was falling apart.
Narrator mentions the topic of conversation they had with the man they met at the sports bar - about how everything seems to be going wrong.
But here we are now, we'll make it somehow.
Narrator expresses optimism with the support of their newfound friend.
Because the world just keeps on spinning 'round and 'round.
Narrator compares life's ups and downs to the unchanging cycle of the earth's rotation.
Tell me we're so damn lost, we can't be found.
Narrator acknowledges the uncertainty and chaos of life, but refuses to give up hope.
How much better can it get?
Narrator rhetorically asks if life could get any better.
Ain't seen nothing yet.
Narrator responds with the belief that the best is yet to come.
It's a perfect planet.
Narrator affirms their positive outlook on life, describing the world as 'perfect'.
How much better can it get?
Narrator again rhetorically asks if life could get any better.
Haven't broke a sweat.
Narrator is confident in their ability to handle whatever comes their way with ease.
So this dude, he said his girlfriend left him last night.
Narrator mentions the man's recent heartbreak.
She swore it's over, never call, it was a big fight.
Narrator relays the details of the man's break-up - his girlfriend swore it's over and they had a huge fight.
Shake if off and go like it's all right.
Narrator advises the man (and self) to let it go and keep moving forward.
No more thinking, keep on drinking.
Narrator suggests distracting oneself with alcohol instead of dwelling on negative thoughts.
And even though it seems we're falling fast,
Narrator acknowledges life's hardships and tough moments.
It never giving up.
Narrator insists on never giving up, no matter what.
Even though it seems we'll never have enough,
Narrator recognizes the human condition of always wanting more, but refusing to let it discourage them.
We're still alive.
Narrator affirms their continued existence in spite of challenges and desires.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Mike Krompass, Shelly Peiken, Shelly M Peiken, Steve Harwell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind