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.
Right Back
Sublime Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Your girlfriend said so but I don't really know
That don't mean we fucked around that night last week when you left town
I was tweakin' by myself one night that's when I wrote this tune
Didn't have no need for that bed in my hotel room
Sometimes right now since I've left the pen
Feels like I'm right back there again
Sometimes I pray, waiting waiting for some bright holiday
So I bought myself a gun and I'm right back, right back where I'm from
Sleepin' by yourself at night can make you feel alone
My girlfriend said so, she's a little ho
That don't mean I fuck around, I like to keep that higher ground
Sometimes I pray, waiting waiting for some bright holiday
So I bought myself a gun and I'm right back, right back where I'm from
Oh don't tease me, don't tease me, don't tease
Sometimes I pray, waiting waiting for some bright holiday
So I bought myself a gun and I'm right back, right back where I'm from
Sublime's song "Right Back" is a melancholy reflection on the feelings of loneliness and restlessness that can arise when sleeping alone. The lyrics suggest that even if one is in a relationship, there can be a sense of emotional distance and disconnection, as the singer's girlfriend describes feeling alone as well. The line "That don't mean we fucked around that night last week when you left town" suggests that there may be some insecurity or suspicion in the relationship, but the singer insists that they did not cheat while their partner was away.
The song also explores the idea of coping with difficult emotions through music and other methods. The singer admits to using drugs (tweaking) to help come up with the song, and states that sometimes even though they are out of prison, it feels like they are there again. The lyrics "Sometimes I pray, waiting waiting for some bright holiday" indicate a desire for escape or relief from these feelings, but the singer ultimately resorts to buying a gun to feel like they are back where they are from.
The line "My girlfriend said so, she's a little ho" has been a point of controversy and criticism, as it appears to be derogatory towards women. However, it is important to note that this was a common slang term at the time and the meaning of the lyric is not to demean women, but rather to highlight the singer's conflict with their partner's opinion.
Overall, "Right Back" is a song that delves into the complex emotions of loneliness, nostalgia, and coping mechanisms. It also reflects the band's unique blend of reggae, punk, and hip-hop influences that characterized their sound.
Line by Line Meaning
Sleepin' by yourself at night can make you feel alone
Being alone at night can make one feel lonely
Your girlfriend said so but I don't really know
Your girlfriend claims that you feel alone, but I am not sure if that is true
That don't mean we fucked around that night last week when you left town
Her comment about you feeling alone does not imply that we had sexual relationships while you were away
I was tweakin' by myself one night that's when I wrote this tune
I was under the influence of drugs when I wrote this song one night
Didn't have no need for that bed in my hotel room
I did not need to sleep in the bed provided in my hotel room
Sometimes right now since I've left the pen
At times, now that I am out of prison
Feels like I'm right back there again
I feel like I am in prison again
My girlfriend said so, she's a little ho
Your girlfriend is promiscuous or unfaithful
That don't mean I fuck around, I like to keep that higher ground
Just because your girlfriend is unfaithful does not mean that I am too; I prefer to maintain my integrity
Sometimes I pray, waiting waiting for some bright holiday
At times, I pray and wait for a happy occasion
So I bought myself a gun and I'm right back, right back where I'm from
To feel like I am home, I bought myself a gun
Oh don't tease me, don't tease me, don't tease
Do not play games with me or lead me on
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MARSHALL GOODMAN, BRADLEY NOWELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Michael Grimes
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Sleepin' by yourself at night can make you feel alone
Your girlfriend said so but I don't really know
That don't mean we fucked around that night last week when you left town
I was tweakin' by myself one night that's when I wrote this tune
Didn't have no need for that bed in my hotel room
Sometimes right now since I've left the pen
Feels like I'm right back there again
Sometimes I pray, waiting waiting for some bright holiday
So I bought myself a gun and I'm right back, right back where I'm from
Sleepin' by yourself at night can make you feel alone
My girlfriend said so, she's a little ho
That don't mean I fuck around, I like to keep that higher ground
Sometimes I pray, waiting waiting for some bright holiday
So I bought myself a gun and I'm right back, right back where I'm from
Oh don't tease me, don't tease me, don't tease
Sometimes I pray, waiting waiting for some bright holiday
So I bought myself a gun and I'm right back, right back where I'm from
Lu Sara
Years later this is still music to my ears. I can say at 49 years old I remember years ago to this very day. I can honestly say the only difference is from the first time then and now. As much as I truly loved the first time. I can honestly say I love them even more today. That said is a whole lot of love!!!! 🙋♥️
Relentless Enigma
Truly a genre all their own. Don't tease meeeeeeee
Jake Bennington
Favorite band since grade school in late 90s. Still listen to Sublime daily and I recommend live recordings you can find on YouTube.
etic
my favorite sublime song. has been from the first time i laid ears on it.
Pickles
Hey that Visualizer effect is really cool! Must've taken a little work to put all the different parts of the drawing on different layers. I assume that's what you must've done. I appreciate the effort!
Ray Kaufman
Top 10 chorus of any song. Ever.
Ivan Romero
Larga vida a bradley!
Tesoros De Tomas
One time I saw Sublime with Rome at a rodeo, hell yeah I went. But anyway I kept yelling for them to play this song and they didn't! LMAO But it's cool there is still time! Do it yo!
chance sallee
Actually I'd say they ram out of time a long time ago
Peel Slowly and See
These new visualizers are just an excuse for me to listen to this album again. I didn't need help to do that!