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.
I Love My Dog
Sublime Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yes, I love, I love my dog
And I love, I love my dog
Walkin' on, walkin' down babylon way
Got to keep going straight
Got to love my lady love
Got to keep going away
And I love my dog
Gots to keep it going straight
I love my dog
Got to keep being a man
And I love, I love my dog
And I love, I love my dog
Yes, I love, I love my dog
I love my dog
Got to keep it going straight
And I love my dog
Got to keep my PLA
I love my dog
I love my dog
At first glance, the lyrics to Sublime's song "I Love My Dog" seem to be simple and straightforward, repeating the phrase "I love, I love my dog" multiple times throughout the song. However, upon closer inspection, the lyrics appear to have a deeper meaning. The beginning of the song references walking down Babylon way, which is a symbol for the spiritual journey towards enlightenment. In this context, the phrase "got to keep going straight" can be interpreted as a call to stay on the path towards enlightenment and not stray.
The second stanza references "lady love" and "being a man," which could suggest a romantic relationship and the responsibilities that come with it. It could also reference the societal expectations placed on men to be strong and capable. However, the singer states that he must "keep my PLA" (presumably a reference to the band's lifestyle and beliefs), indicating that he will not let these expectations derail his journey towards enlightenment.
Overall, the song appears to be about balancing personal relationships with the pursuit of spiritual growth, and not losing sight of what is truly important.
Line by Line Meaning
I love, I love my dog
The singer loves his/her dog.
Yes, I love, I love my dog
Reinforcing that the singer loves his/her dog.
And I love, I love my dog
Again, the singer is expressing love for his/her dog.
Walkin' on, walkin' down babylon way
The singer is walking in Babylon.
Got to keep going straight
The singer must stay on track and keep moving forward.
Got to love my lady love
The singer must also show love and affection for his/her partner.
Got to keep going away
The singer must continue on their journey and not stay still.
And I love my dog
Again, the singer loves his/her dog.
Gots to keep it going straight
The singer must keep moving forward and not stray from the path they are on.
I love my dog
The singer continues to show love for their dog.
Got to keep being a man
The singer must continue to act in a responsible and mature way.
And I love, I love my dog
The singer reiterates their love for their dog.
And I love, I love my dog
Again, the singer is expressing their love for their dog.
Yes, I love, I love my dog
The singer is emphatic in their love for their dog.
I love my dog
The singer continues to express love for their dog.
Got to keep it going straight
Once again, the singer must stay on track and not deviate from their path.
And I love my dog
The singer expresses love for their dog one more time.
Got to keep my PLA
It's unclear what exactly PLA means in this context, but the singer must keep it and continue on their journey.
I love my dog
The song concludes with the singer repeating their love for their dog.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRADLEY JAMES NOWELL, DARRYL AARON JENIFER, EARL C. HUDSON, GARY W. MILLER, PAUL D. HUDSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
JEBUS HW Plainview
My dog is about to pass soon.
I would sing this to her and play it.
Even now I put it on and her tail wags a little through her pain...
I am in soo much pain right now I didn't know possible.
I knew it was coming.
14 year old pitbull...
Lua dog.
When you're gone I am gonna have a hole that I don't know how I will fill.
I love my dog.
RIP LOU.
RIP BRAD
Luke Swearengin
25 years listening to sublime and somehow this is the first time I have ever heard this song.
Party Time Jew
I know theres some more songs I've never listened to and I know which ones, but every once in a while I'll go to the songs i haven't heard before
str8cognac
👍
smdpornstar
I just stumbled upon this gem as well. So many great memories growing up with them as my soundtrack. Just another one to add to it
bear
You are clearly not a fan, then.
TheImmortalLowlife
doesn't matter if you have a dalmatian or not, I was born with a dog, when he passed I got one at age 12, then against my wishes got my current dog at age 14. Listening to this song connects me to all 3 of them. Forever remembering the 1st two, being older now my 3rd dog is the closest. He even acts like me and gets separation anxiety. Wish Brad was here to say the love of a dog is better than the love of a needle, and I know from experience...RIP
alain matalas
Take care of yourself and your dog brother! Nothing but love
Adrian Arroyo
Trust me Bradley knew he had to lou dog probably gave him that sad hurtful look.... Just like the one my dog use to give me when I was on meth ....our dogs aren't pets they're out up lefting soulful angels...that never just judge
Gizmo Balboa
You can only know the love of a dog if you've had one.
Will miss the two I lost last year. Always be in our hearts.
Viking Raider
So true, you can’t replace the bonds you make with them