Sublime was an American reggae rock and ska punk band from Long Beach, Cali… Read Full Bio ↴Sublime was an American reggae rock and ska punk band from Long Beach, California, formed in 1988. The band's line-up, unchanged until their breakup, consisted of Bradley Nowell (vocals and guitar), Eric Wilson (bass), and Bud Gaugh (drums). Lou Dog, Nowell's dalmatian, was the mascot of the band. Nowell died of a heroin overdose in 1996, resulting in Sublime's breakup. In 1997, songs such as "What I Got", "Santeria", "Wrong Way", "Doin' Time", and "April 29, 1992 (Miami)" were released to U.S. radio.

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.

Angelo
Sublime Lyrics

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Babe i was thinkin
Time we ran away
Sounds so good to me
But i am still the boss
No time for funny games
That aint even why i came
Baby i'm in love
Cause you were messin with a brother under the club

Why did i not see
How did i not know
Open up the bedroom door
Angelo walked through the door
Pulled out a shotgun
Now i know whats up
But i would still be true to you
I never ever doubt doubt doubt
Baby theres no way out
But theres a halo over me
Dont stop to think about my wife and family
If i ever realize
That i won the war
I wanted to believe that god's in control
Cause i know its true
And i'm alone
Baby if i pace my timing will improve
Prove, prove, prove, prove

And i play you to make the blind show go on

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Angelo" by Sublime tell a story of a man who is in love with a woman but is also involved in dangerous activities, possibly related to a club or gang. The singer suggests running away together, but acknowledges that he is still the boss and there is no time for games. He reveals that he was unaware of the woman's previous involvement with someone under the club, but despite this, he says he would still be true to her. However, they are interrupted by the arrival of Angelo, who pulls out a shotgun. The singer realizes the danger of his situation but claims he would remain loyal to his love. He acknowledges that he has a halo over him, indicating a sense of divine protection or guidance. He is torn between his dangerous lifestyle and his desire to believe in God's control of the situation. The song ends with the repetition of the word "prove," suggesting a sense of determination to prove himself to the woman or to prove something about himself.

The lyrics of "Angelo" are open to multiple interpretations. The story could be seen as a metaphor for the struggles of life and the difficulty of choosing between a risky but exciting path and a safer but possibly more unfulfilling one. The singer's references to God and a halo could represent a desire for guidance or redemption. The repetition of "prove" could represent a yearning for validation or a sense of purpose.

Line by Line Meaning

Babe i was thinkin
I was considering something, my love

Time we ran away
Let's escape our current situation

Sounds so good to me
It seems delightful to me

But i am still the boss
I am the one in charge

No time for funny games
We can't waste time with games

That aint even why i came
I had a different intention

Baby i'm in love
I am deeply in love with you

Cause you were messin with a brother under the club
You cheated on me with someone at the club

Why did i not see
How did I miss the signs

How did i not know
How was I unaware

Open up the bedroom door
Unlock the bedroom, let's talk