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.
Pawn Shop
Sublime Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Interesting Facts ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Down there at the pawn shop if it's not in stone
Down there at the pawn shop at no end, no way to shop
Down there at the pawn shop, what has been told
Albino made of stone, just remember that it's flesh and bone
So, why I'm down here at the pawn shop
What has been sold, not strictly made of stone
Just remember that it's flesh and bone
And I have heard, like dike-a-bird yeah
But just remember that it's flesh and bone
So why I'm down here at the pawn shop, down here at the pawn shop
Go! Right! Huh that's right
Down here at the pawn shop it's a nifty way to shop
Down here at the pawn shop it's another sold
Down here at the pawn shop it's something if you never shop
Down here at the pawn shop
What has been sold, not strictly made of stone
Just remember it's flesh and bone
What has been sold, not strictly sold please remember that it's flesh and bone
Down here at the pawn shop, down here at the pawn shop
Down here at the pawn shop, down here at the pawn shop-yop-yop
Hu ooh go! See
The song "Pawn Shop" by Sublime is a commentary on the human tendency to value material possessions above all else. The pawn shop is used as a metaphor for our obsession with buying and selling things, and the lyrics suggest that this kind of consumerism is ultimately empty and meaningless. The repeated refrain, "what has been sold, not strictly made of stone, just remember it's flesh and bone," reinforces the idea that we should be focused on our own humanity and the relationships we have with others, rather than on accumulating more stuff. The line "Albino made of stone" may refer to a statue or other object that has been stripped of its original meaning or value.
The song also seems to suggest that addiction and desperation can lead people to pawn their possessions, perhaps even items that have sentimental value, in order to get money for drugs or other vices. The lyrics "just remember that it's flesh and bone" seem to be a reminder to the person pawning their items that they are more than just material possessions, and that they may need to prioritize their health and well-being over their immediate desires.
Overall, "Pawn Shop" is a social commentary on the dangers of consumerism and the tendency to value material possessions above all else, suggesting that we should focus more on our own humanity and the people around us.
Some interesting facts about the song "Pawn Shop" by Sublime include:
Interesting Facts
Note: This section uses generative AI, which can be inaccurate.
Line by Line Meaning
Down there at the pawn shop it's only way to shop
The only way to shop at the pawn shop is to go down there
Down there at the pawn shop if it's not in stone
If what you want to buy isn't made of stone, you can find it at the pawn shop
Down there at the pawn shop at no end, no way to shop
There's no limit to what you can find at the pawn shop
Down there at the pawn shop, what has been told
Whatever you've heard about the pawn shop is true
Albino made of stone, just remember that it's flesh and bone
Even though something may look a certain way, it's important to remember that it's still made up of living tissue
So, why I'm down here at the pawn shop
The singer is questioning why they are at the pawn shop
Down here at the pawn shop, down here at the pawn shop, down here at the pawn shop
Repeated emphasis on being at the pawn shop
What has been sold, not strictly made of stone
Things sold at the pawn shop aren't necessarily made of stone
Just remember that it's flesh and bone
Reiterating the theme of not forgetting that everything is made up of living tissue
And I have heard, like dike-a-bird yeah
The artist has heard things about the pawn shop, like a rumor being passed from bird to bird
Go! Right! Huh that's right
Encouragement or affirmation, possibly of the previous lines
Down here at the pawn shop it's a nifty way to shop
Shopping at the pawn shop is a unique and interesting experience
Down here at the pawn shop it's another sold
Another item has been sold at the pawn shop
Down here at the pawn shop it's something if you never shop
Going to the pawn shop is a valuable experience if you've never been before
Down here at the pawn shop
Reiteration of being at the pawn shop
What has been sold, not strictly made of stone
Things sold at the pawn shop aren't necessarily made of stone
Just remember it's flesh and bone
Reiterating the theme of not forgetting that everything is made up of living tissue
What has been sold, not strictly sold please remember that it's flesh and bone
Emphasis on remembering that everything is made up of living tissue
Down here at the pawn shop, down here at the pawn shop
Repeated emphasis on being at the pawn shop
Down here at the pawn shop-yop-yop
Reiteration of being at the pawn shop
Hu ooh go! See
Encouragement or affirmation to keep going or continue shopping
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: BRADLEY NOWELL, ERIC WILSON, FLOYD GAUGH, LLOYD MCDONALD, WINSTON MATTHEWS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
W P
Down there at the pawn shop it's only way to shop
Down there at the pawn shop if it's not in stone
Down there at the pawn shop at no end, no way to shop
Down there at the pawn shop, what has been told
Albino made of stone, just remember that it's flesh and bone
So, why I'm down here at the pawn shop
Down here at the pawn shop, down here at the pawn shop, down here at the pawn shop
What has been sold, not strictly made of stone
Just remember that it's flesh and bone
And I have heard, like dike-a-bird yeah
But just remember that it's flesh and bone
So why I'm down here at the pawn shop, down here at the pawn shop
Go! Right! Huh that's right
Down here at the pawn shop it's a nifty way to shop
Down here at the pawn shop it's another sold
Down here at the pawn shop it's something if you never shop
Down here at the pawn shop
What has been sold, not strictly made of stone
Just remember it's flesh and bone
What has been sold, not strictly sold please remember that it's flesh and bone
Down here at the pawn shop, down here at the pawn shop
Down here at the pawn shop, down here at the pawn shop-yop-yop
Hu ooh go! See
Big Rick
This is hands down by far one of the greatest music videos ever. The art is insane and incredible.
pugltop
Seems generic and soulless.
Patrick Gagnon
What... Really !!???
jozef verplancke
I guess you are one of those people who doesnt do drugs but idolizes it
SuperiorRecords
am i the only one that only cares about the music the sound the rythm the feel?
I'm Lurk'n
The guitar riff is so fucking awesome
Endrank luvs da 4 loko
I couldn't even begin to count how many times I listened to this track, to this entire album, hanging out with the best friends anyone could ever hope to have on those random lazy hot and humid summer nights in our backyard just laughing and hanging out. No drama. No money. Nowhere to go. Couldn't ask for anything more. It's too bad everything's so sad now. But yeah, those days were amazing. And Sublime was such a huge part of them. For the rest of my life, they'll be some of the best memories I'll ever get to have.
doobyscoo
You're memories are always behind you there to be appreciated and remembered ya gotta keep churning them out. There is light at the end of this shit filled covid tunnel were all in collectively
ExploringLightWarrior
YOU have to maintain hope, no one else can do it for you! MAKE MORE GREAT MEMORIES. We are ETERNAL beings having a human experience. Not even death can defeat us! You got this, and we are right there with you in Spirit!
John
I know the feeling man I really do. Was stationed in Germany in the late 90s. In the summer we would have big cookouts under a gazebo behind our barracks. It would start with a couple guys having beers and wings and evolve in to around 50-60 people just hanging out and having a blast. Sublime would play almost the whole time. Every color of person from different areas of the country (and world actually) just getting along having fun. Best times of my life with friends I haven’t seen in 20+ years but I still talk to from time to time. Sublime will always remind me of those days and how great life can be if everyone just chilled and got along. Stay frosty