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.
Ebennz Change
Sublime Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Out my window cool and bright
Fade so slowly into night
Funny how things look the same
Now that my friend Ebin's changed
Ebin was a cooly that I used to know
He's cold kickin' it live with the KKK
No JMC, no JFA
Cooly was sportin' black denim shoes
Dealing he was looking for something to use
With a pistol in his pocket and a bottle of booze
Well, it could be me or it could be you
Oh feels like my whole life is rearranged
Oh Ebin you changed
Ebin, Ebin, Ebin, Ebin you
Oh how you changed
Oh you changed
Oh how you changed
I give you a hard time, didn't want to stay
Got outta jail just the very next day
It's plain to see my friend Ebin is a Nazi
He was a Nazi yeah, yeah, yeah
Hooked on crack just the other day
Now he's down with the CIA
We got covert operation in Vietnam
Making hits and assassination he's long gone
He went down to protect his country
Eat Mexican food and makes lots o' money
Come back a God and drive a big white car
And take himself a plane down to Nicaragua
Well it feels like I'm the only one to blame
Oh Ebin you changed
Ebin, Ebin, Ebin, Ebin you
Oh you changed
Oh you changed
Oh how you changed
I give you a hard time, didn't want to stay
Got outta jail just the very next day
It's plain to see my friend Ebin is a Nazi
He was a Nazi yeah, yeah, yeah
Out my window cool and bright
Day so slowly into night
Funny how things look the same
Now that my friend Ebin's changed
The song "Ebennz Change" by Sublime tells the story of a friend named Ebin who has drastically changed since the singer last knew him. The lyrics paint a picture of Ebin as a troubled youth who was once a "cooly," a term used in the 90s to describe someone who was cool or fashionable. However, Ebin now associates with extreme groups, such as the PLO and the KKK, showing that he has become more radical and dangerous. The mention of JMC and JFA, two punk rock bands that were popular in the 80s, suggests that Ebin has drifted away from a subculture he was once a part of.
The lyrics then go on to describe Ebin's drug addiction and how he has become a pawn of the CIA, involving himself in covert operations in Vietnam. The mention of Nicaragua suggests that he is now involved in the Contra War, hinting at the political issues of the time. The song ends on a melancholic note, with the singer contemplating how things have changed in his life since he last knew Ebin.
Overall, the song is a commentary on how people can change over time and how political and social issues can impact their lives. The use of humor and irony in the lyrics adds another layer of complexity to the song, making it a thought-provoking piece of music.
Line by Line Meaning
You could hear the fuckin' fleas crawlin' on my nuts
I am so dirty and unkempt that even the fleas on my body can be heard.
Out my window cool and bright
The view outside my window is a peaceful and refreshing sight.
Fade so slowly into night
The transition from day to night is so gentle and natural.
Funny how things look the same
Despite the changes that may occur, things still seem familiar and unchanged.
Now that my friend Ebin's changed
Since my friend Ebin has changed, my perspective on things has shifted.
Ebin was a cooly that I used to know
Ebin was a laid-back person that I was once familiar with.
Now he's down with the PLO
Ebin is now associated with the Palestinian Liberation Organization.
He's cold kickin' it live with the KKK
Ebin is now socializing with the Ku Klux Klan, a hate group.
No JMC, no JFA
Two punk rock bands that Ebin used to like are no longer of interest to him.
Cooly was sportin' black denim shoes
The cool guy Ebin used to be was wearing stylish black denim shoes.
Dealing he was looking for something to use
Ebin was searching for drugs to use and sell.
With a pistol in his pocket and a bottle of booze
Ebin carried a gun and was often drunk.
Well, it could be me or it could be you
Anyone could fall into the lifestyle that Ebin has chosen.
Oh feels like my whole life is rearranged
The changes in Ebin's life have caused a ripple effect in mine.
I give you a hard time, didn't want to stay
I criticized and perhaps even rejected Ebin's choices.
Got outta jail just the very next day
Ebin was in and out of jail quickly, indicating a criminal lifestyle.
It's plain to see my friend Ebin is a Nazi
Ebin holds extreme racist and fascist beliefs.
He was a Nazi yeah, yeah, yeah
This is emphasized and reiterated.
Hooked on crack just the other day
Ebin recently developed a drug addiction to crack cocaine.
Now he's down with the CIA
Ebin is now associated with the Central Intelligence Agency.
We got covert operation in Vietnam
Ebin is participating in a secret operation in Vietnam, likely involving U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War.
Making hits and assassination he's long gone
Ebin has become involved in violent acts, such as assassinations, and has likely left his former self behind.
He went down to protect his country
Ebin may have joined the military to serve his country.
Eat Mexican food and makes lots o' money
Ebin is now enjoying the luxuries of wealth.
Come back a God and drive a big white car
Ebin has returned with an inflated sense of superiority, driving an expensive car.
And take himself a plane down to Nicaragua
Ebin is now spending money to travel to Nicaragua, possibly for illegal purposes.
Oh Ebin you changed
This line is repeated, showcasing the disappointment and frustration felt towards Ebin's drastic transformation.
Ebin, Ebin, Ebin, Ebin you
This repetition emphasizes the focus on Ebin.
I give you a hard time, didn't want to stay
Once again, it is acknowledged that Ebin's choices were not accepted and were met with resistance.
It's plain to see my friend Ebin is a Nazi
This declaration is repeated, highlighting the gravity of Ebin's beliefs and actions.
He was a Nazi yeah, yeah, yeah
Reiterated again, emphasizing how upsetting and disturbing this is for the singer.
Out my window cool and bright
The song ends on a calm and peaceful note, with a description of the current view outside the artist's window.
Day so slowly into night
Once again, the transition from day to night is described as gentle and natural.
Funny how things look the same
Despite all the changes and upheaval, life still goes on in a strangely familiar way.
Now that my friend Ebin's changed
The song ends on a sad note, with the singer acknowledging that their friend is gone forever and things will never be the same.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing, THE BICYCLE MUSIC COMPANY
Written by: MARSHALL GOODMAN, ERIC WILSON, BRADLEY NOWELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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