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.
Secret Tweaker Pad
Sublime Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I won't run and pull the one jack move
they love her for the kingston sound.
Flava-Flave and I-C-E
once said something that made me
want to burn my liquor store down to the ground.
But I just can't leave the pad, cuz I'll surely wind up dead,
Still I got my yellow cat and my wooden baseball bat
and my shiny silver gat and if my homey my back then I got
All that I need, look at all the love we've found.
I won't run and pull the one jack move
they love her for the kingston sound.
I won't slip, and I won't trip. Send Matt Vargas to regrip.
While I'm wrenchin' on my ride, in that secret pad where we hide,
there's always lotsa fun stuff to do,
like relax and design a brand new tattoo.
Play with my cross-word puzzle book, I'm even learning how to cook.
Have you seen that little wh*re betty?
Someone said she stole my (?)
And if she made off with my last clean ring,
I'm gonna kill that f**kin' ditch pig.
So what?
Outta my, outta my, outta my, outta my secret pad,
cuz I know your talkin' about me baby, makin' it hard to live.
Cause I, don't want no money dick, don't want no money down.
My secret tweaker pad is now the hottest pale spot in town I guess.
Take it nice and easy.
Don't want no sheriff breakin' down the door to raid me.
All that I need, look at all the love we've found.
I won't run and pull the one jack move,
they love her for the kingston sound.
Baby you wanna give me kisses sweet,
only for one night with no repeat.
Baby you wanna leave and never go,
but the taste of honey is worse than none at all.
"Secret Tweaker Pad" by Sublime is a song that portrays the singer's lifestyle of drugs, partying, and hiding from the law. The opening lines suggest that the singer has found something he needs - love - amidst all the chaos that pervades his life. The next line, "I won't run and pull the one jack move," can be interpreted as the singer's declaration that he won't rob anyone. This is followed by a reference to Flava-Flave and I-C-E, who made a statement that made the singer want to burn his liquor store to the ground. The singer is constantly under watch and knows that if he ventures out of his safe house, he'll be in trouble.
The song then describes the singer's life in the "secret pad" where he and his friends hide and party. This is where they come up with new tattoos, change their car tires, and play crosswords. But amidst all the fun and games, there's a reference to a girl named Betty who supposedly stole something from the singer. The song ends on a bitter note with the singer rejecting a girl's advances, stating that one night of pleasure won't be worth it if it doesn't lead to something real.
Line by Line Meaning
All that I need, look at all the love we've found.
Life is great, we are surrounded by love, and everything we need is here.
I won't run and pull the one jack move
they love her for the kingston sound.
I won't take advantage of anyone or do anything shady because it would tarnish our reputation as a band known for its unique sound.
Flava-Flave and I-C-E
once said something that made me
want to burn my liquor store down to the ground.
I heard something from Flava-Flave and I-C-E that made me feel like I wanted to destroy my own business.
But I just can't leave the pad, cuz I'll surely wind up dead,
'cuz i know there out there out there waiting and watching for me.
I'm afraid to leave my secret hideaway because I know someone is out there waiting to hurt me.
Still I got my yellow cat and my wooden baseball bat
and my shiny silver gat and if my homey my back then I got
Even though I'm scared, I'm still prepared and armed with a yellow cat, a wooden baseball bat, and a shiny silver gun. And if my friend has my back, I feel more secure.
I won't slip, and I won't trip. Send Matt Vargas to regrip.
While I'm wrenchin' on my ride, in that secret pad where we hide,
there's always lotsa fun stuff to do,
like relax and design a brand new tattoo.
Play with my cross-word puzzle book, I'm even learning how to cook.
I won't make any mistakes as I work on my car and keep myself busy in our secret hideout. I like to relax and engage in hobbies like designing new tattoos, solving crossword puzzles, and even learning how to cook.
Have you seen that little wh*re betty?
Someone said she stole my (?)
And if she made off with my last clean ring,
I'm gonna kill that f**kin' ditch pig.
So what?
I heard that someone named Betty stole something from me, and if she took my last good possession, I'd be very angry and seek revenge. But ultimately, it doesn't matter much to me.
Outta my, outta my, outta my, outta my secret pad,
cuz I know your talkin' about me baby, makin' it hard to live.
Cause I, don't want no money dick, don't want no money down.
My secret tweaker pad is now the hottest pale spot in town I guess.
Take it nice and easy.
Don't want no sheriff breakin' down the door to raid me.
I want everyone to stay out of my secret hideout because I know people are talking about me and making it difficult for me to live peacefully. I don't want any trouble with the law and just want to live a quiet life in my cool, new hideout.
Baby you wanna give me kisses sweet,
only for one night with no repeat.
Baby you wanna leave and never go,
but the taste of honey is worse than none at all.
Someone wants to give me some affection, but it's only for one night, and they don't want to keep seeing me. I'm tempted by the offer, but I know that it's better to have a little bit than none at all.
Contributed by Maria L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
AnArCHy ZeD
Sublimes STP was located on the streets of Anaheim (Local slang: 'AnaCrime') and Ohio Ave. here in Long Beach. Not far from the payphone that was on the corner which constantly had hookers conducting business calls on it. If you have ever been to Alex's Bar here in Long Beach than you have probably walked right past where the STP used to be. There is no way of knowing how many tracks or albums were mixed or recorded at the STP. 'Robbin The Hood' was for sure created under that roof. Brad had no pad of his own at the time and was couch surfing around LBC when he discovered the mysterious place now known as the 'Secret Tweaker Pad'. Bradley had an 8 track recorder at the time, that he would record samples and fragments on. so he could later mix the segments into songs. Often recording each instrument or lyric individually so he could layer them as needed when he got the opportunity to record (actually quite genius, i think)... They had bootlegged cable and electricity to the location not paying for the services. The pad was a 24/7 party spot with traffic going in and out all hours of the day and night. The structure was damaged by an earthquake and abandoned when the Sublime crew started hanging there and turned it into a thrash pad.
Gabriel Valles
awesome facts man, im from LA but still haven't made my way to Alex's Bar, gotta hit that soon when the Rona restrictions lift
jim ritzheimer
Thanks for sharing that
emc4255
thats cool to know, thanks for fun facts homie
thomaschavers
I love Eric Wilson's bass playing in this song.
E Dub
HOW BOUT HIS EYE?
Clifton Bodenhamer
its the hottest bass line ive ever heard i always pump that shit as loud as i can at home chillin
Andrew Brunelle
Great video, you can tell it was homemade, but still an awesome peek into Sublime while they were still together. Most of the videos made for Sublime were after Bradley died, so it's nice to see one with him in it. Thanks for all the great music, guys.
4metalmaniac20
this is the best video of 'em. i mean, it catches all the energy they put in their music plus their own eccentricity. Love it!
Christopher D
The STP has a place in my heart!