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.
Foolish Fool
Sublime Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Crazy fool
Crazy fool
If she thinks that she is gonna dispose my world
I'd be a crazy crazy crazy -- crazy fool
Crazy fool
We went together for oh so long
If I don't complain about this misery yah
Is this the way love's supposed to be,
Supposed to be now
Foolish foolish
Oh you just a foolish girl
Ohhhhhhhhh foolish foolish
Oh ya just a crazy girl
If she thinks that she is gonna take you from me
Gotta be a crazy crazy crazy -- crazy fool
Crazy fool
In "Foolish Fool," Sublime sings about a relationship that is on the brink of collapse. The singer, who is deeply in love with their partner, is convinced that their partner is attempting to end the relationship ("If she thinks that she is gonna dispose my world"). He goes on to express his disbelief at the thought of losing his partner ("My love for you was oh so strong, we went together for oh so long"), and cries out about the pain that he's feeling as a result of their impending separation ("If I don't complain about this misery yah, is this the way love's supposed to be").
The chorus repeats the phrase "foolish girl," which can be interpreted in multiple ways. On one hand, it could be an attempt to shame the singer's partner, accusing her of foolishness for attempting to end the relationship. On the other hand, he could be turning the focus on himself, realizing that he had been foolish for not recognizing that their relationship was in trouble. Either way, the song portrays a relationship that is falling apart, with both sides struggling to come to terms with their emotions.
Overall, "Foolish Fool" is a great example of Sublime's ability to craft catchy, memorable songs with poignant lyrics that capture the heartache of love and relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
Crazy crazy
The singer expresses disbelief and frustration at the current situation.
Crazy fool
The singer is talking to himself, recognizing that he is behaving irrationally.
Crazy fool
The singer repeats his acknowledgement of his irrational behavior.
If she thinks that she is gonna dispose my world
The artist feels threatened by the idea of losing his partner and the life they've built together.
I'd be a crazy crazy crazy -- crazy fool
The artist admits that he would go to extreme lengths to hold on to his relationship and avoid losing what he cherishes.
Crazy fool
The singer again acknowledges his irrationality and self-destructive behavior.
My love for you was oh so strong
The singer reflects on the depth and intensity of his feelings for his partner.
We went together for oh so long
The artist highlights the length and significance of their relationship.
If I don't complain about this misery yah
The artist recognizes that he might not be openly expressing the pain he feels from potentially losing his partner.
Is this the way love's supposed to be,
The artist questions whether the pain and anxiety he's feeling are normal and inherent aspects of love.
Supposed to be now
The singer emphasizes that he's experiencing this pain and anxiety in the present moment.
Foolish foolish
The artist calls his partner foolish for underestimating the depth of his love and the lengths he would go to keep her.
Oh you just a foolish girl
The singer reiterates his belief that his partner is naive and foolish for thinking she could take him away from his current life and relationship.
Ohhhhhhhhh foolish foolish
The singer repeats his belief that his partner is acting foolishly, to emphasize the severity of the situation.
Oh ya just a crazy girl
The singer characterizes his partner's behavior as erratic and unpredictable.
If she thinks that she is gonna take you from me
The artist further emphasizes his fear of losing his partner, this time framing it as his partner's active choice.
Gotta be a crazy crazy crazy -- crazy fool
The artist repeats his admission that he is willing to act irrationally and foolishly to protect his relationship.
Crazy fool
The singer continues to repeat this phrase as a reminder of his irrational behavior.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRADLEY JAMES NOWELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Party Time Jew
Best band of all time
Dennis Moore
EZ 🤡! I'm the biggest Sublime fan out there and they aren't close to the best of all time
Party Time Jew
@Dennis Moore legit, what the fuck does this mean
Dennis Moore
@Party Time Jew legit, it means you're a clown and Sublime is no where close to the best of all time
Party Time Jew
@Dennis Moore plus your name is Dennis
Dennis Moore
@Party Time Jew Not it's not you zit my name is from a Monty Python skit. Get back in mommy's basement dork
James Dennis
I love Bud's drumming style. You know it's him on the drums when you here that snare
Masons Morphs
I was singing this at work. One of my all time favorite songs
JetJames420
I really hope you're not a teacher
channel lo-fi
Brad had his wedding ring on. My ex wife, who suffers from BPD, has been secreting my son from me. I have served her with ex-parte custody orders. The Firecracker Lounge ("Sublime - Bradley Nowell and Friends") version of this song is the best version. "If she thinks that she is gonna take you from me, she gotta be a crazy crazy crazy, crazy fool." I love you Theo.