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.
Johnny Butt
Sublime Lyrics
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He just keep pushin' on even though he was barely alive
So shoot it up, shoot it up, it just don't matter
Johnny says he wants go do it
Says he wants to kill a cop
We've got a brand new dance
It's called we've got to overcome
It's called we've got to overcome
So Johnny just keep pushin' 'cause the streets are yours
There'll come a day, when all that shit won't matter
So shoot it up, shoot it up, it just don't matter
When you're resisting anyway
We've got a brand new dance
It's called we've got to overcome
We've got a brand new dance
It's called we've got to overcome
So Johnny just keep on pushin', the streets are yours
There'll come a day when all of that shit won't matter
So shoot it up, shoot it up, it just don't matter
Resisting anyway
We've got a brand new dance
It's called we've got to overcome
We've got a brand new dance
It's called we've got to overcome
The Ballad Of Johnny Butt is an upbeat ska punk track by Sublime that tells the story of a man named Johnny Butt who refuses to give up despite his constant struggles. The song's lyrics imply that Johnny Butt is a drug addict who is barely surviving on the streets, but he keeps pushing through it all. The chorus of the song repeats the phrase 'we've got a brand new dance, it's called we've got to overcome,' which suggests that Johnny and those like him are fighting to overcome their struggles. There's a sense of defiance in the song, with Johnny stating he wants to 'kill a cop' and urging others to resist.
Despite the perhaps darker themes of the song, there's a sense of hopefulness in it that is characteristic of many Sublime tracks. The upbeat ska beat and the refusal to give into despair suggests that there is always a chance to overcome adversity. The repetition in the chorus reinforces this idea, suggesting that there is a new way forward, and that Johnny Butt and others like him can find a new way to live and thrive.
Line by Line Meaning
Johnny Butt was a man with a real strong will to survive
Johnny Butt had an incredible strength and determination to survive despite all his adversities.
He just keep pushin' on even though he was barely alive
Despite facing serious difficulties, Johnny kept persevering and pushing himself to keep going.
So shoot it up, shoot it up, it just don't matter
To Johnny, taking drugs was just a way to numb his pain and he didn't care about the consequences.
Johnny says he wants go do it
Johnny has a desire to take drugs.
Says he wants to kill a cop
Johnny has violent and aggressive tendencies towards law enforcement.
We've got a brand new dance
It's called we've got to overcome
The difficulties and challenges that we face require a new approach and mindset to overcome them.
So Johnny just keep pushin' 'cause the streets are yours
Johnny should keep going despite his struggles because one day he will own the streets and his hardships will be in the past.
There'll come a day, when all that shit won't matter
One day, Johnny will look back and the things that seemed important to him will no longer matter.
When you're resisting anyway
Johnny should continue to resist and fight for what he believes in, even when faced with obstacles.
So Johnny just keep on pushin', the streets are yours
Johnny should continue pushing himself despite any setbacks because eventually he'll overcome them and be in control of his own life.
Resisting anyway
Johnny should maintain his resistance and tenacity in the face of adversity.
We've got a brand new dance
It's called we've got to overcome
We must adopt a new perspective and approach to overcome our challenges.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: KEVIN BURR ROACH, MIKE DAVIS, RICHARD ANTHONY SELGA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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