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.
Pool Shark
Sublime Lyrics
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Thinkin' how things were so cool to me
My baby likes to shoot pool
I like lying naked in my bedroom
Tying on the dinosaur
Tonight it used to be so cool
And I can't bleed, but I can't breathe
Take it away and I want more and more
One day I'm gonna lose the war
Lying in my plastic bed
Thinkin' how things were so cool to me
My baby likes to shoot pool
I like lying naked in my bedroom
Tying on the dinosaur
Tonight it used to be so cool
Now I've got the needle
And I can't shake
But I can't breathe
Take it away and but I want more and more
One day I'm gonna lose the war
The lyrics of Sublime's song "Pool Shark" describe the downward spiral of drug addiction. The song's opening lines paint a picture of the singer lying in a "plastic bed," contemplating his past when things were "so cool" to him. He then goes on to describe his current state of addiction, using imagery of shooting up and being unable to breathe. The line "one day I'm gonna lose this war" suggests that the singer is aware of the danger of his addiction but feels powerless to stop it.
The references to pool and dinosaurs in the song are believed to be autobiographical. The lead vocalist and songwriter of Sublime, Bradley Nowell, was an avid pool player, and the dinosaur in the song is thought to be a reference to the band's former long-time drummer Bud Gaugh, who was known for his love of dinosaurs.
The song was inspired by Nowell's own struggles with heroin addiction, and it was one of the last songs he wrote before he died of an overdose in 1996. Despite its dark subject matter, "Pool Shark" is considered one of Sublime's most popular and enduring songs, and it has been covered by numerous other artists in the years since its release.
Line by Line Meaning
Lying in my plastic bed
I am lying on my bed that is made of plastic.
Thinkin' how things were so cool to me
I am reminiscing about how great things were in the past.
My baby likes to shoot pool
My significant other enjoys playing pool.
I like lying naked in my bedroom
I enjoy being naked and alone in my bedroom.
Tying on the dinosaur
I am using drugs (specifically heroin) to escape reality.
Tonight it used to be so cool
In the past, using drugs was a fun and exciting experience.
Now I've got the needle
I have injected heroin into my body.
And I can't bleed, but I can't breathe
After injecting heroin, my physical and mental state is compromised.
Take it away and I want more and more
I am addicted to the high that heroin provides and constantly seek more.
One day I'm gonna lose the war
I recognize that my addiction to heroin will eventually lead to my demise.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRADLEY NOWELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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