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.
Marley Medley: Guava Jelly / This Train
Sublime Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Marley Medley: Guava Jelly/This Train
(laughter)
Yeah...
Baby I really want to know
I think you should stop your cryin'
You know I love you
Ruby, here I am
A rub upon my belly like some Guava Jelly
Damsel, here I am
A rub upon my belly like some Guava Jelly
This Train, is Bound For Glory
This Train
Hear me talkin' about
This Train, is Bound For Glory
This Train
This Train, is Bound For Glory
This Train, will carry no unholy stone
That the builder refused
Shall always be the head cornerstone
Stone that the builder refused
Shall always be the head cornerstone
You're a builder baby
Here I am a stone
Don't mean to confuse it girl
'Cause the things you should use
Are the things we should choose
And you hear me
Hear what I say
This Train, Bound For Glory
This Train
This Train, is Bound For Glory
This Train
This Train, is Bound For Glory
This Train, carry no unholy
'Cause I
I just can't be sad...
The Marley Medley by Sublime is a beautiful composition of two different songs, namely Guava Jelly and This Train. The song starts with a light-hearted session of laughter which straightaway transitions into the lyrics. The first line of the song, "Baby I really want to know," could be addressed to a loved one who is upset, and the focus of the next few lines is to console the person. The lines "Use my 'kerchief to dry your eyes" and "You know I love you" reveal the singer's affectionate side and his desire to comfort someone who is sad.
In the next part of the song, the melody changes as the singer switches to Guava Jelly, where he addresses someone named Ruby. He praises her and compares her to Guava Jelly, which describes her sweet and yummy nature. The lines "A rub upon my belly like some Guava Jelly" and "Damsel, here I am" suggest that the singer is waiting for Ruby to come to him for a sweet, loving embrace.
The song then moves back to the original melody, This Train, and the singer sings about carrying no unholy stone on this train that is bound for glory. He explains that the stone refused by the builder shall always be the head cornerstone, indicating that each person has their own unique purpose and destiny. The lyrics "Here I am a stone, don't mean to confuse it girl" suggest that the singer is just one of the many stones, but each one is essential to the fulfillment of a goal. The song ends with the singer affirming that he can never be sad.
Line by Line Meaning
(laughter)
Starting off with laughter, setting the tone for the medley.
Yeah...
Confirming the good mood.
Baby I really want to know
Addressing someone and expressing curiosity.
I think you should stop your cryin'
Giving advice to someone who is crying.
Use my 'kerchief to dry your eyes
Offering a handkerchief to someone who is crying.
You know I love you
Expressing affection.
Ruby, here I am
Introducing a character named "Ruby".
A rub upon my belly like some Guava Jelly
Describing a pleasant sensation using a metaphor.
Damsel, here I am
Introducing a character named "Damsel".
This Train is Bound For Glory
Referring to a train that leads to glory.
This Train
Repeating the previous line.
Hear me talkin' about
Calling attention to what is being said.
This Train is Bound For Glory
Repeating the main idea of the song.
This Train will carry no unholy stone
Clarifying what the train will carry.
That the builder refused
Specifying what kind of stone the train will not carry.
Shall always be the head cornerstone
Stating a principle about stones.
Stone that the builder refused
Repeating the previous line.
Shall always be the head cornerstone
Repeating the principle about stones.
You're a builder baby
Addressing someone as a builder.
Here I am a stone
Introducing oneself as a stone.
Don't mean to confuse it girl
Explaining to someone not to confuse things.
'Cause the things you should use
Advising someone on what to do.
Are the things we should choose
Explaining what to choose.
And you hear me
Making sure someone is listening.
Hear what I say
Asking someone to pay attention.
'Cause I
Starting a train of thought.
I just can't be sad...
Ending the medley with an expression of positivity.
Contributed by Tristan R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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