Sublime was an American reggae rock and ska punk band from Long Beach, Cali… Read Full Bio ↴Sublime was an American reggae rock and ska punk band from Long Beach, California, formed in 1988. The band's line-up, unchanged until their breakup, consisted of Bradley Nowell (vocals and guitar), Eric Wilson (bass), and Bud Gaugh (drums). Lou Dog, Nowell's dalmatian, was the mascot of the band. Nowell died of a heroin overdose in 1996, resulting in Sublime's breakup. In 1997, songs such as "What I Got", "Santeria", "Wrong Way", "Doin' Time", and "April 29, 1992 (Miami)" were released to U.S. radio.

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.

Paddle Out
Sublime Lyrics

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I never thought that when I grew up I would be in a band
And travel to all the best spots in the land
And I'm not here to brag or boast
I'm just here to tell you 'bout the spots that I love the most

Natural bridges on a clean west swell
Breaks over the reef like a bat out of hell
Stockton Avenue gets hollow and mean

And on a big day it works like a machine
Outside Stockton gets hot like a glove
Swift St., John's St. into Michell's Cove
Big Steamer Lane makes you wish you were a trout
When it's mackin' so hard only two dudes paddle out

A huge summertime south swell hit when I'm in my hometown
I'm a surfside boy, is where I can be found

Up and down the coast
Checkin' the spots that I love the most

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Sublime's "Paddle Out" describe lead singer Bradley Nowell's love for surfing and his favorite surfing spots. He begins by expressing his surprise that he ended up in a band instead of pursuing a life solely dedicated to surfing. He then tells the listener about the spots that he loves the most, such as Natural Bridges, Stockton Avenue, Swift St., John's St., Michell's Cove, and Big Steamer Lane.

Nowell specifically mentions the wave breaks at Natural Bridges, describing them as powerful and fast, and the waves at Stockton Avenue as being hollow and intimidating, especially during large swells. He also notes that outside Stockton avenue can get very hot and mentions Michell's Cove, which is a secluded spot known for its long, clean waves that are ideal for longboarding. Finally, Nowell describes Big Steamer Lane, which is a challenging break in Santa Cruz that can only be surfed by the most experienced surfers and only during the largest swells.

Overall, "Paddle Out" is a tribute to Nowell's love for surfing and the beauty and power of the ocean. The song also reflects the free-spirited, carefree lifestyle that is often associated with surf culture.

Line by Line Meaning

I never thought that when I grew up I would be in a band
I did not expect to be in a band when I grew up.

And travel to all the best spots in the land
I have been fortunate to travel to many great places with my band.

And I'm not here to brag or boast
I do not intend to brag or be boastful.

I'm just here to tell you 'bout the spots that I love the most
I simply want to share about the places that I truly enjoy.

Natural bridges on a clean west swell
There is a beautiful natural bridge formation that can be surfed on a west swell.

Breaks over the reef like a bat out of hell
The waves break powerfully and quickly over the reef.

Stockton Avenue gets hollow and mean
The waves at Stockton Avenue are powerful and intense.

And on a big day it works like a machine
On a big day with great waves, the spot operates very efficiently.

Outside Stockton gets hot like a glove
The waves outside Stockton are intense and challenging.

Swift St., John's St. into Michell's Cove
These are other locations that are great for surfing.

Big Steamer Lane makes you wish you were a trout
The waves at Big Steamer Lane are so good that you wish you were a fish to be able to better experience them.

When it's mackin' so hard only two dudes paddle out
When the waves are really big, only the bravest surfers will attempt to paddle out.

A huge summertime south swell hit when I'm in my hometown
During the summer, there are amazing waves in the south of my hometown.

I'm a surfside boy, is where I can be found
I am typically located near the beach because I love to surf.

Up and down the coast
I travel up and down the coast to find great surfing spots.

Checkin' the spots that I love the most
I am always on the lookout for the locations that I truly enjoy the most.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRADLEY JAMES NOWELL, ERIC JOHN WILSON, FLOYD I. GAUGH IV

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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