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.
Intro/Fighting Blindly
Sublime Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
why must we lie or invade?
do we truly hate our brothers?
or is that just the way we're taught to think?
people are dyin' the world over
but it's a really just cause
look at the soviets and reagan reagan reagan reagan
fighting blindly to inflict their own lies
fighting blindly to inflict their own laws
well well well
keep on skankin' ronnie
skank the night away
but the time is coming
for us all to pay
hey hey hey!
people are dyin' the world over over over over over
but it's a really just cause cause cause cause
look at the soviets and reagan
fighting blindly to inflict their own lies
fighting blindly to inflict their own laws said
fighting blindly to inflict their own laws
there there
keep on skankin' ronnie
skank the night away
but the time is coming
for us all to pay
hey hey hey!
why must we fight against each other?
why must we riot or invade?
do we truly hate our brothers?
or is that just the way we're taught to think?
people are cryin' your world over
but it's a really just cause
look at the soviets and reagan
fighting blindly to inflict their own lie lies
fighting blindly to inflict their own lies
fighting blindly to inflict their own laws said
fighting blindly to inflict their own laws
hey hey hey hey hey!
look at the soviets and reagan
fighting blindly to inflict their own lies
The lyrics of Sublime's song "Intro/Fighting Blindly" explore the nature of conflict and the reasons why people fight against each other. The song starts with a series of rhetorical questions, asking why people are so quick to lie, invade, and hate their brothers. It suggests that such behavior is ingrained in us from a young age, and that we are taught to think of others as enemies rather than potential allies.
The song then turns to a specific example of conflict, referencing the tensions between the Soviet Union and the United States during the Cold War. It suggests that these two superpowers were "riding blindly" to impose their own laws and ideologies, without considering the impact on everyday people who were dying as a result of their actions. The song argues that such wars are fought for "just causes", but questions whether the cost in human lives is worth it.
Throughout the song, the repeated refrain of "keep on skankin' Ronnie" suggests that the singer is trying to maintain a sense of hope, despite the chaos and violence around him. However, the repeated phrase "hey hey hey!" indicates that this hope is doomed to be short-lived, and that a reckoning or punishment is coming for all those who have participated in the fighting.
Overall, "Intro/Fighting Blindly" is a song that speaks to the destructive nature of conflict and the ways in which people are taught to view others as enemies. It suggests that there is a better way to live, one that emphasizes cooperation and understanding rather than aggression and violence.
Line by Line Meaning
why must we fight against each other?
Questioning the necessity of conflict among humans
why must we lie or invade?
Questioning the motivations behind deceit and military actions
do we truly hate our brothers?
Wondering if genuine animosity exists among people of different races and nationalities
or is that just the way we're taught to think?
Speculating that societal conditioning may be responsible for perpetuating hate and division
people are dyin' the world over
Acknowledging the prevalence of death and violence globally
but it's a really just cause
Contending that some deaths may be justifiable for the greater good
look at the soviets and reagan reagan reagan reagan
Highlighting two political leaders from the time period in which the song was written
riding blindly to inflict their own laws
Accusing Soviet and American leaders of pursuing their own agendas without regard for human life
fighting blindly to inflict their own lies
Suggesting that political leaders and governments may not have the public's best interests in mind
keep on skankin' ronnie
Referencing Ronald Reagan, and suggesting that he is oblivious to global issues
skank the night away
Imagining Reagan dancing and ignoring problems
but the time is coming for us all to pay
Suggesting that ignorance and apathy will have consequences in the future
why must we riot or invade?
Echoing the opening lines about the necessity of violence and aggression
people are cryin' your world over
Amplifying the idea that people are suffering globally
fighting blindly to inflict their own lie lies
Reiterating the idea that governments and leaders may be propagating lies
hey hey hey hey hey!
A repetitive and emphatic way of communicating that the message is important
Contributed by Jack P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Matthew Stoltzman
Best intro ever. All SUBLIME All the damn time..
Good lookn out Bro!!
Bill
I've heard this one. Got a link to the "newer" demo?
Bill
@Sublime Den oh wow definitely never heard that version. Thanks!
Sublime Den
https://youtu.be/PeGJKrzlWbs
Jason Bouck
đź‘Ťđź‘Ťđź‘Ť
Ryan Nance
Keep on skankin Ronnie
Ryen
Is Brad singing?