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.
All U Need
Sublime Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hollering budda-budda-budda-budda-by
Steady staring out the window
It fells good, it fells nice, it feels like you need it
And back out on the road is where we like to be seated
We got half-pint style, we got a b-boy style
We got half-pint style, we got a b-boy style
We got to put that shit together in a creative style
Outside on the pavement I won't feel afraid
There's a little piece of paper saying how we walked that May
Back out on the highway, and this hurts to say
No one's got fingers, I got no one to blame
I can't make you overstand, rising up in a hip-hop stance
Society's got to me
That's all you need
Headed out to Houston, now we're halfway out the door
Hollering budda-budda-budda-budda-by
Staring out the window
It fells good, it feels nice, it feels like you need it
I know how females like to be treated
A license for me and the stars up above
And on the interstate I fell love, love, love
And If I never realize then that's how it has to be
And all DJs out there got to give me money
Back out on the freeway, I won't fell sane
Little yellow headlights look like snails smashed in the rain
Back out on the highway, and this hurts to say
Blown out speakers, I got no one to blame
I can't make you overstand, rising up in a hip-hop stance
Society's got to me
That's all you need, yeah, yeah
My way is your way, but I won't see
'Cause no one can tell you, you've got to be afraid
We got to go back on the highway, live behind the wheel
I want it real, I want it real
I want it real, real
The lyrics to Sublime's song "All U Need" describe a road trip with the singer and their companions as they travel down the highway to Austin and Houston. The singer describes the feeling of freedom and excitement that comes with being on the open road, gazing out the window and feeling like they need it. They also express their love for creative expression, melding their "half-pint style" and "b-boy style" together.
The chorus, "I can't make you overstand, rising up in a hip-hop stance, Society's got to me, That's all you need," speaks to the frustration of feeling like society is holding them back from truly expressing themselves and connecting with others who feel the same way. Despite this barrier, the singer still finds joy in the simple pleasures of being on the road and listening to music.
The second verse repeats the same themes and paints a picture of the car ride, describing a paper that documents their journey and the disappointment of blown-out speakers. The final lines express a desire for realness and authenticity.
Overall, "All U Need" is a nostalgic and relatable ode to the freedom and excitement of being young and hitting the open road.
Line by Line Meaning
Headed out for Austin, now we're half way down the road
We are embarking on a journey to Austin and we have covered half the distance.
Hollering budda-budda-budda-budda-by
We are excited and making noise in anticipation of the adventure ahead.
Steady staring out the window
We are focused and looking out of the window, taking in the scenery as we travel.
It feels good, it feels nice, it feels like you need it
The journey is fulfilling and satisfying, like something we have been craving for a long time.
And back out on the road is where we like to be seated
We enjoy being on the road, going on adventures and discovering new things.
We got half-pint style, we got a b-boy style
We have a unique blend of styles that make us who we are.
We got to put that shit together in a creative style
We need to combine our unique styles in a creative way to create something special.
Outside on the pavement I won't feel afraid
We are fearless and confident when we're out in the open, on the move.
There's a little piece of paper saying how we walked that May
There is a record of our journey and we have a story to tell.
Back out on the highway, and this hurts to say
We are back on the road, but unfortunately, something has gone wrong.
No one's got fingers, I got no one to blame
Nobody is at fault for what has happened, it's just a part of life.
I can't make you overstand, rising up in a hip-hop stance
I can't make you truly understand how I feel, though I am expressing myself in a hip-hop style.
Society's got to me
The pressures and expectations of society have impacted me negatively.
That's all you need
Despite everything, all you really need is to be true to yourself.
Headed out to Houston, now we're halfway out the door
We are leaving for Houston and we are almost ready to go.
I know how females like to be treated
I understand how to respect and treat women properly.
A license for me and the stars up above
I have a driver's license and the universe is vast and full of possibilities.
And on the interstate I fell love, love, love
I have fallen in love with life and this journey on the interstate.
And If I never realize then that's how it has to be
If I never fully understand the meaning of this journey, that's okay, because it's part of the experience.
And all DJs out there got to give me money
I am a musician and I hope to be recognized and paid for my work.
Back out on the freeway, I won't feel sane
Despite being back on the freeway, something is still not quite right and I don't feel mentally stable.
Little yellow headlights look like snails smashed in the rain
The headlights of the other vehicles on the road look distorted and weird due to the rain.
Blown out speakers, I got no one to blame
My speakers have been damaged, but I can't blame anyone for it.
My way is your way, but I won't see
I understand your perspective and point of view, but I'm not sure if I agree.
'Cause no one can tell you, you've got to be afraid
Nobody has the right to make you feel scared or fearful.
We got to go back on the highway, live behind the wheel
We need to get back out there and live life on the road, driving and exploring.
I want it real, I want it real
I want to experience the raw, unfiltered reality of life, without any pretense or facade.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRADLEY JAMES NOWELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Josiah Garcia
"All You Need"
Headed out for Austin, now were half way down the road.
Hollering budda-budda-budda-budda-by! Steady staring out the window.
It fells good, it fells nice, it feels like you need it.
And back out on the road is where we like to be seated.
We got half-pint style, we got a b-boy style. We got half-pint style, we
got a b-boy style.
We got to put that shit together in a creative style. We put that shit
together in a creative style.
Outside on the pavement I won't feel afraid,
there's a little piece of paper saying how we walked that May.
Back out on the highway, and this hurts to say,
No one's got fingers, I got no one to blame.
I can't make you overstand, rising up in a hip-hop stance.
Society's got to me.
That's all you need!
Headed out to Houston, now where halfway out the door.
Hollering budda-budda-budda-budda-by! Staring out the window.
It fells good, it feels nice, it feels like you need it.
I know how females like to be treated.
A license for me and the stars up above,
And on the interstate I fell love, love, love.
And If I never realize then that's how it has to be,
And all DJs out there got to give me money.
Back out on the freeway, I won't fell sane.
Little yellow headlights look like snails smashed in the rain.
Back out on the highway, and this hurts to say,
Blown out speakers, I got no one to blame.
I can't make you overstand, rising up in a hip-hop stance.
Society's got to me.
That's all you need! Yea.
I can ??, but I won't see,
Because no one can tell you, you've got to be afraid.
We got to go back on the highway, live behind the wheel.
I want it real!
Mr. Froglegs
damn this is a classic. Robbin the Hood needs more love.
Ampman
Stand by your van is another banger!!!!
Ryan MUSIC TIGUE
R.I.P. Brad he is a talent that is missed and he made the band what it was
the great cornholío
I lost my father in 2014 and my brother in 2021. We all shared our wonderful taste in music with eachother, and sublime was a very big part of that. When my father passed, my brother got a tattoo of a sublime sun on his shoulder in his name, and now that he's gone I'm gonna do the same. Whenever I hear sublime, I think about all the good times I had with them. Thank you sublime for being there to remind me of good times with those I've lost, and rest in peace to Bradley nowell.
Gabriel Caceres
Uno de los temas más infravalorados de Sublime.... es un temazo!
Mauricio Jr.
Melhor banda do Universo!
Josiah Garcia
"All You Need"
Headed out for Austin, now were half way down the road.
Hollering budda-budda-budda-budda-by! Steady staring out the window.
It fells good, it fells nice, it feels like you need it.
And back out on the road is where we like to be seated.
We got half-pint style, we got a b-boy style. We got half-pint style, we
got a b-boy style.
We got to put that shit together in a creative style. We put that shit
together in a creative style.
Outside on the pavement I won't feel afraid,
there's a little piece of paper saying how we walked that May.
Back out on the highway, and this hurts to say,
No one's got fingers, I got no one to blame.
I can't make you overstand, rising up in a hip-hop stance.
Society's got to me.
That's all you need!
Headed out to Houston, now where halfway out the door.
Hollering budda-budda-budda-budda-by! Staring out the window.
It fells good, it feels nice, it feels like you need it.
I know how females like to be treated.
A license for me and the stars up above,
And on the interstate I fell love, love, love.
And If I never realize then that's how it has to be,
And all DJs out there got to give me money.
Back out on the freeway, I won't fell sane.
Little yellow headlights look like snails smashed in the rain.
Back out on the highway, and this hurts to say,
Blown out speakers, I got no one to blame.
I can't make you overstand, rising up in a hip-hop stance.
Society's got to me.
That's all you need! Yea.
I can ??, but I won't see,
Because no one can tell you, you've got to be afraid.
We got to go back on the highway, live behind the wheel.
I want it real!
Chris Mihaich
Omg I thought you sang "smile if you got the beat" not "society's got to me"
j Ramone
Half pint style... " we got u Roy style "
Nash King
That second all you need maybe the greatest note in history