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.
Superstar Punani
Sublime Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But fiesta on the mike and will surely take you far
You made that drop on the 24 tracks
We mix it all down then we put on wax
Beginning is hyped when you playin in the bars
A bottomless pit where you make loose and far
Take away your privacy and take your guitar
My beginning of wisdom I won't take you too far
First you gotta sell your soul to be a superstar
Baby if you got it forget about that
Your money don't concern you that's a natural fact
Shut up your mouth before you get knocked down
We're gonna listen to your voice upon the speaker box
First you get a manager but what does he do
I'll be the first to tell you baby that I don't have a clue
We're gunna make a phony image for the MTV
Hear it on the radio say damn that's me
Whenever I get over on a 3 piece hog
Jesus and her mom are gonna break your arm
Put your ass in the john to be a superstar
I realize sometimes I feel old design
Oh your reknown position and you just can't hide
Ruff ruff ruff ruff ruff ruff
All over the world you gotta take that trip
And then you never thought you'd see the day you'd act like this
Your rep is getting bigger than a B-52
And then it goes around the world before it gets back to you
Hey our love has started can you believe
Before your eyes this shit just come back to me
Oh my God I take a rest on the side
So long so long so long so long I'll see ya
Oh my God if I'd a let my own
I'd take it turn around and place it home
I realize sometimes I feel old design
Oh your renowned position and you just can't hide
Whoa it's the position
I just can't hide
Bo
Whatcha want whatcha need
Give it a bunch of mine and you just can't miss
Your love feels like this
Some people love get your shit like this
Well if you love wad up your love punani punani
Whoa if you love me punani punani
Oh my God
Free yeah free oh oh oh hey
Want the dogs? Let em go. Let em
The lyrics to Sublime's song Superstar Punani are a commentary on the music industry and the price of fame. The song urges listeners to consider the sacrifices necessary to become a superstar, including selling one's soul and sacrificing privacy. The lyrics also emphasize the phoniness and superficiality of the industry, with lines about creating a "phony image" for MTV and the importance of having a "manager" even if you do not know what they do.
The first stanza describes the process of creating music and "putting it on wax," while the second stanza paints a vivid picture of the glamorous but ultimately empty lifestyle of a superstar. The chorus emphasizes the need to "shut up your mouth" and let one's voice speak for itself on the "speaker box."
The final stanza emphasizes the fleeting nature of fame, with the singer taking a break from the whirlwind of his career and realizing that he feels old and tired. The song concludes with a playful reference to sexual desire, using the term "punani" to suggest that even though fame may not bring inner fulfillment, it can lead to exciting sexual opportunities.
Overall, Superstar Punani is a clever and cynical meditation on the cost of fame, railing against the shallow and exploitative nature of the music industry and urging listeners to consider the price of success.
Line by Line Meaning
So tell me if you really want to be a superstar
Do you aspire to be a famous person?
But fiesta on the mike and will surely take you far
If you perform well on the microphone, it will lead to success.
You made that drop on the 24 tracks
You produced some music tracks.
We mix it all down then we put on wax
We compiled and packaged the tracks for commercial release.
Beginning is hyped when you playin in the bars
Starting out can be exhilarating when playing in small venues.
A bottomless pit where you make loose and far
It's like an abyss where you lose your sense of control.
Take away your privacy and take your guitar
You sacrifice your privacy and comfort for the sake of fame.
Then take your woman and impound your car
You lose your partner and possessions due to your busy schedule and priorities.
My beginning of wisdom I won't take you too far
My advice might not be enough for you to succeed.
First you gotta sell your soul to be a superstar
You have to make significant sacrifices to achieve fame.
Baby if you got it forget about that
If you have the talent, stop doubting yourself and pursue your dreams.
Your money don't concern you that's a natural fact
Money should not be your main motivator in pursuing your dreams.
Shut up your mouth before you get knocked down
Be careful when speaking or acting boldly, as it can lead to negative consequences.
We're gonna listen to your voice upon the speaker box
We will broadcast your music for others to hear.
First you get a manager but what does he do
Hiring a manager is necessary, but it's not always clear what their role is.
I'll be the first to tell you baby that I don't have a clue
I'm not an expert in the music industry and can't say for sure what the best approach is.
We're gunna make a phony image for the MTV
We will create a contrived public persona for television audiences.
Hear it on the radio say damn that's me
Hearing your own music on the radio can be exciting and validating.
Whenever I get over on a 3 piece hog
When I succeed despite difficult circumstances.
Jesus and her mom are gonna break your arm
Negative consequences will follow if you act inappropriately or cross certain lines.
Put your ass in the john to be a superstar
You might have to work hard and persevere to achieve success.
I realize sometimes I feel old design
I recognize that my style and approach can feel dated at times.
Oh your reknown position and you just can't hide
Your status and reputation will be evident to others and can't be ignored.
Ruff ruff ruff ruff ruff ruff
Instrumental break, no meaning.
All over the world you gotta take that trip
You have to travel extensively to reach fans and grow your reputation.
And then you never thought you'd see the day you'd act like this
Fame can change you in unexpected ways.
Your rep is getting bigger than a B-52
Your reputation and popularity are growing rapidly.
And then it goes around the world before it gets back to you
Information and opinions about you can spread incredibly quickly.
Hey our love has started can you believe
Our relationship or creative partnership is taking off.
Before your eyes this shit just come back to me
My success feels surprising and surreal.
Oh my God I take a rest on the side
I need to take a break and recharge.
So long so long so long so long I'll see ya
Farewell for now.
Oh my God if I'd a let my own
Expression of surprise.
I'd take it turn around and place it home
I would have taken a different approach and been more comfortable.
Whoa it's the position
Expression of excitement or emphasis, no real meaning.
I just can't hide
My feelings or emotions are difficult to control.
Bo
Expression of excitement or emphasis, no real meaning.
Whatcha want whatcha need
Asking what someone desires or requires.
Give it a bunch of mine and you just can't miss
If you try really hard, you will succeed.
Your love feels like this
Expression of affection or admiration for someone.
Some people love get your shit like this
Some people will hate or criticize you despite your success.
Well if you love wad up your love punani punani
If you love someone, cherish and protect them.
Whoa if you love me punani punani
Expression of affection or flirtation.
Oh my God
Expression of surprise or excitement.
Free yeah free oh oh oh hey
Expression of freedom and liberation.
Want the dogs? Let em go. Let em
Expression of carefree attitude, no real meaning.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRADLEY JAMES NOWELL, ERIC JOHN WILSON, FLOYD I. GAUGH IV
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
thiago spitfire
So tell me if you really want to be a superstar
But fiesta on the mike and will surely take you far
You made that drop on the 24 tracks
We mix it all down then we put on wax
Beginning is hyped when you playin in the bars
A bottomless pit where you make loose and far
Take away your privacy and take your guitar
Then take your woman and impound your car
My beginning of wisdom I won't take you too far
First you gotta sell your soul to be a superstar
Baby if you got it forget about that
Your money don't concern you that's a natural fact
Shut up your mouth before you get knocked down
We're gonna listen to your voice upon the speaker box
First you get a manager but what does he do
I'll be the first to tell you baby that I don't have a clue
We're gunna make a phony image for the MTV
Hear it on the radio say damn that's me
Whenever I get over on a 3 piece hog
Jesus and her mom are gonna break your arm
Put your ass in the john to be a superstar
I realize sometimes I feel old design
Oh your reknown position and you just can't hide
Ruff ruff ruff ruff ruff ruff
All over the world you gotta take that trip
And then you never thought you'd see the day you'd act like this
Your rep is getting bigger than a B-52
And then it goes around the world before it gets back to you
Hey our love has started can you believe
Before your eyes this shit just come back to me
Oh my God I take a rest on the side
So long so long so long so long I'll see ya
Oh my God if I'd a let my own
I'd take it turn around and place it home
I realize sometimes I feel old design
Oh your renowned position and you just can't hide
Whoa it's the position
I just can't hide
Bo
Whatcha want whatcha need
Give it a bunch of mine and you just can't miss
Your love feels like this
Some people love get your shit like this
Well if you love wad up your love punani punani
Whoa if you love me punani punani
Oh my God
Free yeah free oh oh oh hey
Want the dogs? Let em go. Let em
Bioo
So tell me if you really want to be a superstar
But fiesta on the mike and will surely take you far
You made that drop on the 24 tracks
We mix it all down then we put on wax
Beginning is hyped when you playin in the bars
A bottomless pit where you make loose and far
Take away your privacy and take your guitar
Then take your woman and impound your car
My beginning of wisdom I won't take you too far
First you gotta sell your soul to be a superstar
Baby if you got it forget about that
Your money don't concern you that's a natural fact
Shut up your mouth before you get knocked down
We're gonna listen to your voice upon the speaker box
First you get a manager but what does he do
I'll be the first to tell you baby that I don't have a clue
We're gunna make a phony image for the MTV
Hear it on the radio say damn that's me
Whenever I get over on a 3 piece hog
Jesus and her mom are gonna break your arm
Put your ass in the john to be a superstar
I realize sometimes I feel old design
Oh your reknown position and you just can't hide
Ruff ruff ruff ruff ruff ruff
All over the world you gotta take that trip
And then you never thought you'd see the day you'd act like this
Your rep is getting bigger than a B-52
And then it goes around the world before it gets back to you
Hey our love has started can you believe
Before your eyes this shit just come back to me
Oh my God I take a rest on the side
So long so long so long so long I'll see ya
Oh my God if I'd a let my own
I'd take it turn around and place it home
I realize sometimes I feel old design
Oh your renowned position and you just can't hide
Whoa it's the position
I just can't hide
Bo
Whatcha want whatcha need
Give it a bunch of mine and you just can't miss
Your love feels like this
Some people love get your shit like this
Well if you love wad up your love punani punani
Whoa if you love me punani punani
Oh my God
Free yeah free oh oh oh hey
Want the dogs? Let em go. Let em
Forrest George
So tell me if you really want to be a superstar
But fiesta on the mike and will surely take you far
You made that drop on the 24 tracks
We mix it all down then we put on wax
Beginning is hyped when you playin in the bars
A bottomless pit where you make loose and far
Take away your privacy and take your guitar
Then take your woman and impound your car
My beginning of wisdom I won't take you too far
First you gotta sell your soul to be a superstar
Baby if you got it forget about that
Your money don't concern you that's a natural fact
Shut up your mouth before you get knocked down
We're gonna listen to your voice upon the speaker box
First you get a manager but what does he do
I'll be the first to tell you baby that I don't have a clue
We're gunna make a phony image for the MTV
Hear it on the radio say damn that's me
Whenever I get over on a 3 piece hog
Jesus and her mom are gonna break your arm
Put your ass in the john to be a superstar
I realize sometimes I feel old design
Oh your reknown position and you just can't hide
Ruff ruff ruff ruff ruff ruff
All over the world you gotta take that trip
And then you never thought you'd see the day you'd act like this
Your rep is getting bigger than a B-52
And then it goes around the world before it gets back to you
Hey our love has started can you believe
Before your eyes this shit just come back to me
Oh my God I take a rest on the side
So long so long so long so long I'll see ya
Oh my God if I'd a let my own
I'd take it turn around and place it home
I realize sometimes I feel old design
Oh your renowned position and you just can't hide
Whoa it's the position
I just can't hide
Bo
Whatcha want whatcha need
Give it a bunch of mine and you just can't miss
Your love feels like this
Some people love get your shit like this
Well if you love wad up your love punani punani
Whoa if you love me punani punani
Oh my God
Free yeah free oh oh oh hey
Want the dogs? Let em go. Let em
mediBUD707
So tell me if you really want to be a superstar
But fiesta on the mike and will surely take you far
You made that drop on the 24 tracks
We mix it all down then we put on wax
Beginning is hyped when you playin in the bars
A bottomless pit where you make loose and far
Take away your privacy and take your guitar
Then take your woman and impound your car
My beginning of wisdom I won't take you too far
First you gotta sell your soul to be a superstar
Baby if you got it forget about that
Your money don't concern you that's a natural fact
Shut up your mouth before you get knocked down
We're gonna listen to your voice upon the speaker box
First you get a manager but what does he do
I'll be the first to tell you baby that I don't have a clue
We're gunna make a phony image for the MTV
Hear it on the radio say damn that's me
Whenever I get over on a 3 piece hog
Jesus and her mom are gonna break your arm
Put your ass in the john to be a superstar
I realize sometimes I feel old design
Oh your reknown position and you just can't hide
Ruff ruff ruff ruff ruff ruff
All over the world you gotta take that trip
And then you never thought you'd see the day you'd act like this
Your rep is getting bigger than a B-52
And then it goes around the world before it gets back to you
Hey our love has started can you believe
Before your eyes this shit just come back to me
Oh my God I take a rest on the side
So long so long so long so long I'll see ya
Oh my God if I'd a let my own
I'd take it turn around and place it home
I realize sometimes I feel old design
Oh your renowned position and you just can't hide
Whoa it's the position
I just can't hide
Bo
Whatcha want whatcha need
Give it a bunch of mine and you just can't miss
Your love feels like this
Some people love get your shit like this
Well if you love wad up your love punani punani
Whoa if you love me punani punani
Oh my God
Free yeah free oh oh oh hey
Want the dogs? Let em go. Let em
BB13131313
This song was recorded for their seld-titled album, which was originally going to be a double disc called Killin It. They changed the whole album up after Brad died. It took so long for Sublime to become popular because the industry didnt know how to sell them since they werent geared for a certain genre, which you had to be in the 90s. The industry just didn't get them. Pretty much Sublime was so ahead of their time that record execs couldn't wrap their minds around them until it was too late.
user name
Bradley was a real dumb ass for dying, RiP
gilbert moreno
The most underated song Sublime has ever made. R.I.P. Bradley Nowell
BanginOnFools
1.4 million views in 13 years. Maybe a little under appreciated.
Jeremiah Thompson
So true. Much love.
SK00BY
@Idan Daniel Keren No, im pretty sure he didn’t practice any religion.
Anthony Savedra
True. I know so many people who has never heard of this song. Real sub fans know it but so many do not
burdyo85
RIP
Wes Mills
Nobody writes music that is this raw and honest anymore. Bradley literally started a band from scratch, and with it came the most smooth and memorable beats in several different genres. May his legacy remain for many generations. Rest easy, Bradley...your "burning sun" has risen, and oh how it's rays shine bright.
Jason Stewart
this band inspires me to drink beer and look forward to warm weather. i dont listen to them too much in the winter but as soon as spring time rolls around i rock that shit all summer