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.
Wilson and Gaugh reunited the group officially in 2023 after Sublime With Rome's disbanding, with Nowell's son Jakob Nowell (LAW, Jakob's Castle) taking over as lead vocalist.
Seed
Sublime Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm sorry 'bout that mess
I made her bleed
I'm planting my seed
Still I knew she could take it if I opened up the rhythm
I knew it could make it
But I hope her parents love her
So, feelin' the acid on the brain
Still I got that frame I made
Her bleed yes she wants that lovin' you see
Well if you live you want to give or get old
And if you never knew that we get old, you live it up, live it up
You get old, believe me when I say
It's the same shit everyday
But I got to know my place
And if you don't it fucks you in your face
But I know her parents love her
And I hope her parents love her
I hope her parents love her so
Billyed back in 1983, what did you do for me
I made her bleed
I'm planting my seed
I knew we could make it
But I only knew that the bitch would break it
I hope her parents love her
So my God look at me
If he had to go I know
I'm barely lovin' my holy creed
You never knew that was what you need
Oh my God honestly believe it or not it's a disease
I hope her parents love her
I hope her parents love her, so
The lyrics to "Seed" by Sublime are a reflection on the consequences of one's actions and the role that love and family play in life. The singer of the song acknowledges that he has been a "mess" and has caused harm to a woman named Janie, but still feels compelled to plant his seed with her. He believes that he can open up a new rhythm with her and make it work, but also knows that it is a risky proposition. The singer is influenced by his drug use (feeling the "acid on the brain") and is acutely aware of the fact that life is short and he wants to make the most of it. He acknowledges that the days can be mundane and repetitive, but he knows his place and understands the consequences of not finding it. Ultimately, he hopes that Janie's parents love her and that his actions don't cause any more harm.
The lyrics to "Seed" are deeply personal, reflective and cautionary. The singer is a young man who is struggling with finding his place in the world and reckoning with the power of love and family. The song is a powerful commentary on the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions and recognizing the impact they have on others. It also speaks to the tension between individual desires and the needs of those we care about. In many ways, "Seed" is a reflection of the complex emotions and challenges that are part of the human experience.
Line by Line Meaning
Janie always said I was a mess
Janie constantly told me that I was a disorganized and uncontrollable person
I'm sorry 'bout that mess
I apologize for being such a mess and causing issues
I made her bleed
I hurt her physically or emotionally
I'm planting my seed
I'm taking an action that will eventually result in something growing or developing
Still I knew she could take it if I opened up the rhythm
Despite the harm I caused, I believed that she could handle it if I opened up my heart and expressed myself
I knew it could make it
I believed that our relationship could survive and thrive despite our challenges
But I hope her parents love her
I care about her and want her to be supported and loved by her family
So, feelin' the acid on the brain
I'm under the influence of drugs and experiencing the side effects
Still I got that frame I made
Despite being high, I still have the thoughts and decisions that I've made previously
Her bleed yes she wants that lovin' you see
She desires and enjoys rough or violent physical intimacy
Well if you live you want to give or get old
When you're alive, you either give something to the world or you grow old without making an impact
And if you never knew that we get old, you live it up, live it up
You get old, believe me when I say
If you don't realize that you're aging, you'll miss out on the joy and experiences of living life to the fullest
It's the same shit everyday
Life can feel monotonous and repetitive
But I got to know my place
I need to understand my role and purpose in life
And if you don't it fucks you in your face
If you don't understand your place in life, it's going to cause you problems and challenges
But I know her parents love her
I'm aware that she has a support system in her family who care about her
Billyed back in 1983, what did you do for me
Referencing a past experience or person who didn't provide any real benefit or support
I made her bleed
I hurt her physically or emotionally
I'm planting my seed
I'm taking an action that will eventually result in something growing or developing
I knew we could make it
I believed that our relationship could survive and thrive despite our challenges
But I only knew that the bitch would break it
I thought that a certain person (possibly Janie) would be responsible for ruining our relationship
I hope her parents love her
I care about her and want her to be supported and loved by her family
So my God look at me
If he had to go I know
I'm barely lovin' my holy creed
The singer is questioning their faith and whether they truly believe in their religion or beliefs
You never knew that was what you need
People often don't realize what they truly need until it's gone or they experience it
Oh my God honestly believe it or not it's a disease
The singer may be referring to addiction or unhealthy behaviors as a disease
I hope her parents love her
I care about her and want her to be supported and loved by her family
I hope her parents love her, so
The singer reiterates their concern for her wellbeing and their hope that she has a supportive family
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Reservoir Media Management, Inc.
Written by: BRADLEY JAMES NOWELL, ERIC JOHN WILSON, FLOYD I. GAUGH IV
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@combatsack
Punk, reggae, ska. All within 12 secs. Sublime
@briantravelman
They're sound is certainly unique.
@JLswatchthis
All Heart
@erwinlopez8368
Yea man these foos were/are unique af. Completely brilliant their style of music. RIP to Bradley
@julio_arias_sj
Nice!
@Zerotoniko
Sublime is love ❤️
@ShoneDaddy
The most underrated Sublime song
@channel-er1jm
Dude it's jailhouse
@traceybriscuso4333
Vestwise
@ohYex
Nah STP is