Sublime released three studio albums, one live album, five compilation albums (one of which also contains never-before released material), three EPs, and one box set. Although their first two albums—40oz. to Freedom (1992) and Robbin' the Hood (1994)—were quite popular in the United States, Sublime did not experience major commercial success until 1996 with their self-titled third album, released two months after Nowell's death, which peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard 200, and spawned the single "What I Got", which remains the band's only No. 1 hit single (on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart) in their musical career. As of 2009, the band has sold over 17 million albums worldwide, including about ten million in the U.S. alone. Michael "Miguel" Happoldt and Marshall "Ras MG" Goodman contributed to several Sublime songs.
Following Sublime's dissolution, former members Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh founded the Long Beach Dub Allstars in 1997, which also included many frequent Sublime contributors such as Michael "Miguel" Happoldt (former member of The Ziggens), Marshall Goodman "Ras MG" (former Sublime member), and Todd Forman (3rd Alley). LBDAS disbanded in 2002, due to several members of the band breaking a no-drug vow they had taken. In 2009, the surviving members attempted to reform the band with Rome Ramirez, a young guitarist and admitted Sublime fan from California. However, not long after performing at Cypress Hill's Smokeout Festival, a Los Angeles judge banned the new lineup from using the Sublime name as they needed permission from Nowell's estate, which owns the rights to the Sublime name. This prompted the lineup of Wilson, Gaugh and Ramirez to change their name to Sublime with Rome, which has since released three albums, although Gaugh left the group shortly after the release of their 2011 debut Yours Truly.
With the mainstream success of their self-titled album, going five times platinum and earning worldwide airplay, Sublime's influence persists to this day. Sublime was one of the most popular bands of the third wave of ska, specifically characterized as ska punk. Sublime often combined punk rock and hardcore punk with hip hop, heavy metal, dancehall, reggae, ska, funk, and (21st century) surf music. Sublime also has been described as 'reggae rock'.
Their signature sound and their songs are often associated with the beach and coastal areas of Southern California, such as San Diego, Orange County, Venice Beach and Long Beach as well as areas of Northern California like Eureka. Over two decades after Nowell's death and the band's breakup, Sublime remains immensely popular throughout North America, especially in its state of origin, California.
Sublime's songs have been featured via soundtrack in a variety of media. Los Angeles alternative rock radio station KROQ has listed Sublime at No. 3 in their annual "Top 106.7 biggest KROQ bands of all time" list for the past six years in a row, behind Red Hot Chili Peppers and Nirvana, and No. 81 at the "Top 166 Artists of 1980–2008" list.
With over 17 million units sold worldwide, Sublime is one of the most successful, and "powerfully moving" ska-punk acts of all time influencing many modern reggae and ska acts.
40 Oz
Sublime Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You've got your red dress on
Screamin' that second gear was such a turn on
And the fog forming on my window tells me that the morning's here
And you'll be gone before too long
Who taught you those new tricks?
Damn I shouldn't start that talk,
And the answers always waiting at the liquor store, forty ounce to freedom
So I take that walk
And I know that oh, I'm not comin' back
Oh not going back
Oh God knows not going back
Oh not goin'
And you look so fine, when you lie, it just don't show,
But I know which way the wind blows
A forty ounce to freedom is the only chance I have to feel good
Even though I feel bad
And I know that, oh, I'm not goin' back
Oh not going back
Oh God knows I'm not going back
Ohh
Oh, I'm not goin' back
Oh not going back
Oh God knows I'm not going back
Ohh
The song "40 Oz to Freedom" by Sublime describes the struggles of addiction and a painful break-up. The opening lines depict a woman who is using her physical appearance and sexual appeal to manipulate the singer, who is aware of her intentions. The reference to second gear being a turn-on implies the woman is using the singer for pleasure and not for love. The use of the word "screaming" in this context suggests her behavior is aggressive and dominating.
The second verse expresses the singer's difficulty in resisting temptation and his frustration with his addiction. The liquor store and forty-ounce bottle of alcohol is presented as the only freedom he has, despite the fact that he feels bad when he drinks. The lyrics suggest that the singer is unable to find happiness even though he knows what he needs to do to move on from his addiction. The repetition of "not going back" emphasizes the singer's determination to break free from the cycle of addiction and the woman's manipulation.
The song ends with the same refrains, confirming the singer's resolve to move forward despite the difficulties he faces. The use of the word "oh" reflects the emotional pain the singer is experiencing, but also his understanding that he needs to move on in order to find freedom and happiness.
Line by Line Meaning
You've got your hair permed
Your appearance is styled in a way that conforms to societal beauty standards
You've got your red dress on
You're dressed up in a way that is meant to attract attention
Screamin' that second gear was such a turn on
You're excited about something seemingly mundane, which suggests a lack of fulfillment in your life
And the fog forming on my window tells me that the morning's here
The environment around me is changing, and time is passing
And you'll be gone before too long
Your presence here is temporary, and you'll be leaving soon
Who taught you those new tricks?
You've changed in noticeable ways, and I wonder where you picked up those behaviors
Damn I shouldn't start that talk,
I probably shouldn't bring up my concerns or criticisms
But life is one big question when your starin' at the clock
When you're bored or unsatisfied with life, time seems to drag on
And the answers always waiting at the liquor store, forty ounce to freedom
Alcohol is a temporary escape from reality and its problems
So I take that walk
I go to the liquor store to buy a forty ounce and escape from reality for a while
And I know that oh, I'm not comin' back
This escape is temporary, and I acknowledge that it won't solve my problems in the long run
And you look so fine, when you lie, it just don't show,
You may be hiding something or not being honest, but you still appear attractive
But I know which way the wind blows
Despite appearances, I'm aware of what's really going on
A forty ounce to freedom is the only chance I have to feel good
Alcohol is the only way I know how to temporarily escape from reality and feel happy
Even though I feel bad
Despite knowing that alcohol won't solve my problems, I still turn to it as a coping mechanism
Oh, I'm not goin' back
I'm committed to moving forward and not falling back into old habits
Oh not going back
This commitment to change is strong and unwavering
Oh God knows I'm not going back
This change is important to me and something I know I need to stick to
Ohh
An expression of relief or release
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, THE BICYCLE MUSIC COMPANY
Written by: MARSHALL GOODMAN, BRADLEY NOWELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@DebbieBassParanormalgirl68
Lyrics
You've got your hair permed
You've got your red dress on
Screamin' that second gear was such a turn on
And the fog forming on my window tells me that the morning here
And you'll be gone before too long
Who taught you those new tricks?
Damn I shouldn't start that talk,
but life is one big question when your starin at the clock
And the answers always waiting at the liquor store, 40 oz to Freedom,
so I'll take that walk.
And I know that ohhhh...I'm not comin back
Ohh not going back
God knows not going back
You look so fine when you lie it just don't show,
That I know which way the wind blows
40 oz to freedom is the only chance I have to feel good,
even though I feel bad
And I know that ohhhh...I'm not comin back
Ohh not going back
God knows I'm not going back
God knows I'm not going back
@cellblocknine5385
Sublime got me through high school. I loved those simple times. Smoking weed, partying at the beach, being young and having our whole lives ahead of us. What amazing times I had and Sublime was a huge part of my life and identity. I'm 28 now and if I could go back to those days I totally would.
@armandoadame412
Thats nothing wait till you hit 40. Be good thats the better life.
@phildimarco2908
@@armandoadame412 I just turned 40 thinking the same thing
@armandoadame412
@@phildimarco2908 yeah my friend life is short, I lost my marriage for been an alcoholic and drug addict got deported after 33 years in USA. I started a new life been sober for 4 months I been going to A.A. meetings here in Mexico. You just have to keep going and keep your head up.
@BrVi_7
Same here. Except in my school kids idolized Brad to the point that a few followed in his footsteps and end up dying the same way.
@testycalls5079
Shit I'm 41 and they were the same for me and my friends. Always on, always bangin.
@ericthiel4053
Man, reminds me of skipping class senior year, bong rips, playing doom on ps1 cranking this album till midnight... so grateful I grew up in the 90s (graduated in 2000) and grateful for sublime. A wise old hippy dude at my first job said "don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened!! " that's the way I take sublime now. RIP Brad.
@joey3032
I was 17-18 at Woodstock 99” and so many established/ newer up and coming bands were there. I’m a early 80 ‘s. - 90’ s guy and the change from tapes- cds and then having internet access to music, was a wild ride!Bands like sublime and people like Brad, paved a way for us all bro. Nicely put!🤟🏻😊🙏🏻🤪🥰🎸🤟🏻❤️
@ifartinelevators
You went to bed at midnight your senior year?
@theatticdesignsCO
This is my fiance's favorite song ever we listen to it all the time. He passed away on New Year's a few days ago, we will be playing this at his memorial next week. Thank you for making this song!