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.
Boss D.J
Sublime Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I would take it if I could
And I would not lie to you
because Sunday mornin' soon will come
When things will be much easier to say
Upon the microphone like a boss D.J.
But I won't walk up upon the sea like it was dry land
No trouble, no fuss, I know why
It's so nice, I wanna hear the same song twice
It's so nice don't wanna hear the same song twice
Rumors are spreading all over my town
But it's just stones and sticks
It's on the microphone is where I go to get my fix
Just let the lovin' take a hold 'cause it will if you let it
I'm funky not a junkie, but I know where to get it
No trouble, no fuss, I know why
It's so nice I wanna hear the same song twice
It's so nice I wanna hear the same song twice
Ooee girl
Ooee girl
Ooee girl
Ooee girl, and there really ain't no time to waste
Really ain't no time to hate
Ain't got no time to waste, time to hate
Really ain't no time to make the time go away
So Mister D.J. don't stop the music
I wanna know
Are you feelin' the same way too
I wanna rock it wih you girl
You girl, you girl, ooh
Don't stop
'Cause it's so nice I wanna hear the same song twice
It's so nice I wanna hear the same song twice
Nowadays all the songs on the radio, all
All drive me crazy
The song "Boss D.J." by Sublime delivers a straightforward message - music is a means of escape from rumors, problems, and stress that surround us in our daily lives. The singer wishes to take a rural train and leave town to get far away from it all. However, what he is really seeking is something that cannot be found in just any place - he wants to feel the rhythm of the music and "let the lovin' take a hold" of him. He knows that music has the power to transport him to another dimension where his problems won't follow him. The lyrics make it clear that the song's narrator sees the DJ as a godlike figure who holds the key to his escape. The singer wants the music to go on, and he never wants to hear a sad or depressing tune.
The music video for "Boss D.J." features the band performing in a club setting while a group of people dance and party around them. Interestingly, despite the song's clear messages, the video's mood is upbeat and energetic, with a strong emphasis on dance. It is quite evident that the band wants their audience to feel the music and let it take control over them, just like the singer in the song. The fact is that Sublime was known for seamlessly blending various genres of music, including punk, reggae, and hip-hop. The sound that developed at the intersection of these cultures brought Sublime much recognition, and the band truly transcended labels and genres.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a steel train comin' through
There's an opportunity coming my way
I would take it if I could
I would seize that opportunity if possible
And I would not lie to you
I am being completely honest with you
because Sunday mornin' soon will come
Because the consequences of my actions will soon manifest
When things will be much easier to say
When it will be easier to speak my mind
Upon the microphone like a boss D.J.
Using my platform to speak confidently
But I won't walk up upon the sea like it was dry land
I won't take unnecessary risks
Boss D.J. ain't nothin' but a man
I am human and fallible like everyone else
No trouble, no fuss, I know why
I have peace of mind because I understand my motivations
It's so nice, I wanna hear the same song twice
I am enjoying this experience and want to repeat it
Rumors are spreading all over my town
There are false stories being told about me
But it's just stones and sticks
Those rumors are insignificant and will ultimately have no impact
It's on the microphone is where I go to get my fix
I find solace in expressing myself on this platform
Just let the lovin' take a hold 'cause it will if you let it
Embrace love and it will guide you
I'm funky not a junkie, but I know where to get it
I don't need drugs to feel good, but I know how to have a good time
Ooee girl
Sensual expression of attraction
and there really ain't no time to waste
I need to seize the opportunities that come my way
Really ain't no time to hate
Holding grudges is a waste of time
Ain't got no time to waste, time to hate
I have many things to do and negative emotions won't help me achieve them
Really ain't no time to make the time go away
I can't make time go faster or slower, so I need to make the most of the time I have
So Mister D.J. don't stop the music
Please continue playing these enjoyable tunes
I wanna know
Expressing desire for information
Are you feelin' the same way too
Asking if the D.J. is also enjoying the music
I wanna rock it wih you girl
Expressing desire for physical intimacy
Don't stop
Encouragement to continue a pleasurable activity
'Cause it's so nice I wanna hear the same song twice
This experience is so enjoyable, I want to repeat it
Nowadays all the songs on the radio, all
Current popular music is not to my liking
All drive me crazy
It frustrates me that the current music doesn't give me the same enjoyment as before
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRADLEY JAMES NOWELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@juanpablodiaz9202
There's a steel train comin' through
I would take it if I could
And I would not lie to you
because Sunday mornin' soon will come
When things will be much easier to say
Upon the microphone like a boss D.J.
But I won't walk up upon the sea like it was dry land
Boss D.J. ain't nothin' but a man
No trouble, no fuss, I know why
It's so nice, I wanna hear the same song twice
It's so nice don't wanna hear the same song twice
Rumors are spreading all over my town
But it's just stones and sticks
It's on the microphone is where I go to get my fix
Just let the lovin' take a hold 'cause it will if you let it
I'm funky not a junkie, but I know where to get it
No trouble, no fuss, I know why
It's so nice I wanna hear the same song twice
It's so nice I wanna hear the same song twice
Ooee girl
Ooee girl
Ooee girl
Ooee girl, and there really ain't no time to waste
Really ain't no time to hate
Ain't got no time to waste, time to hate
Really ain't no time to make the time go away
So Mister D.J. don't stop the music
I wanna know
Are you feelin' the same way too
I wanna rock it wih you girl
You girl, you girl, ooh
Don't stop
'Cause it's so nice I wanna hear the same song twice
It's so nice I wanna hear the same song twice
Nowadays all the songs on the radio, all
All drive me crazy
@willmerritt3154
i sing this song to my daughters at night when i put them to bed. much love to bradley and the whole sublime crew.
@caelyjohnson9897
Will Merritt my mom did the same shit to me!!
@bobbynugget1758
my dad just blasted sublime to me and my brother on the way to daycare
@curtispeterson2820
I want your moms😂
@edwardfetner2513
Hope your family is doing well mister!!
@jasongraham4425
That's awesome
@Bobaman5400
This song means alot to me right now. Just getting back from a good friends funeral. He loved this song. For you Jonsey. RIP my friend 😔
@Tennessee211
I feel your pain 😢🙏
@socialassassin
🙏🏼 R.I.P. Jonesy!!!! and just so you know sublime with Rome is on tour right now and I’ve seen them a couple times and both times they played the song and every other Setlist I’ve seen them do they have played this song so if you haven’t seen them live yet they play 95% old sublime stuff.
@jennribble8433
Did you really just say that to go see another impersonator seeing these old songs for somebody that is trying to remember their friend that passed away come on man