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.
It's Who You Know
Sublime Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who do you know?
Like a rose comin' out of the foldo
All you lipstick shows
Break!
I don't make you cry
I don't even try
It's Who You Know
The opening lyrics of Sublime's song "It's Who You Know" are quite intriguing. The singer of the song appears to be approaching someone and asking them about their acquaintances. The person being addressed is being likened to a rose that appears out of nowhere, and their makeup is on full display. This suggestion seems to imply that the person in question is somebody who is well-connected and has a lot of friends. The singer appears to be interested in getting to know this person, not because of who they are, but because of the connections that they possess.
The second part of the lyrics goes on to say that the singer is not somebody who wants to cause this person to cry or to hurt them in any way. Instead, they simply want to say that they have met them. This line could be interpreted in a few different ways. Maybe the singer just wants to be polite and introduce themselves, or maybe they are hinting at the fact that they want to use this person for their connections. Either way, it's clear that the lyrics are about using social networks to get ahead in life.
Overall, the lyrics of "It's Who You Know" can be seen as a commentary on the way that people use their social connections to get ahead in life. Whether it's through business connections, political ties, or just having a lot of friends, the people who are well-connected often find it easier to succeed. The song seems to imply that this is an inherently unfair system, but it's also one that people are unlikely to give up anytime soon.
Line by Line Meaning
Baby you look like somebody
You give off an impression of being someone special
Who do you know?
What influential people do you associate with?
Like a rose comin' out of the foldo
You are beautiful and stand out among others
All you lipstick shows
Your bold choices reflect your confidence
Break!
Stop and take a moment to appreciate you
I don't make you cry
I don't want to hurt you emotionally
I don't even try
I'm not putting in an effort to impress you
I just want to say I met you
I'm grateful to have crossed paths with you
It's Who You Know
Success in life is often dependent on the people you associate with
Contributed by Taylor P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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