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.
The Ballad o Johnny Butt
Sublime Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He just keep pushin' on even though he was barely alive
So shoot it up, shoot it up, it just don't matter
Johnny says he wants go do it
Says he wants to kill a cop
We've got a brand new dance
It's called we've got to overcome
It's called we've got to overcome
So Johnny just keep pushin' 'cause the streets are yours
There'll come a day, when all that shit won't matter
So shoot it up, shoot it up, it just don't matter
When you're resisting anyway
We've got a brand new dance
It's called we've got to overcome
We've got a brand new dance
It's called we've got to overcome
So Johnny just keep on pushin', the streets are yours
There'll come a day when all of that shit won't matter
So shoot it up, shoot it up, it just don't matter
Resisting anyway
We've got a brand new dance
It's called we've got to overcome
We've got a brand new dance
It's called we've got to overcome
The song "The Ballad of Johnny Butt" by Sublime is an anti-authoritarian song that speaks to those who feel oppressed by the law and government. The lyrics tell the story of Johnny Butt, a man with a strong will to survive and the determination to push through despite his struggles. However, his desire to "kill a cop" reveals the anger and frustration that he feels towards those in power.
The repeated lines "So shoot it up, shoot it up, it just don't matter" and "Resisting anyway" express a sense of hopelessness and a belief that violence is the only way to bring about change. However, the chorus brings a glimmer of positivity as it states "We've got a brand new dance, it's called we've got to overcome." This suggests that there is another way to fight back against oppression, one that involves coming together and persevering in the face of adversity.
Overall, "The Ballad of Johnny Butt" is a song that speaks to those who feel marginalized and oppressed by the system, but also offers a message of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Johnny Butt was a man with a real strong will to survive
Johnny Butt possessed an unwavering determination to stay alive, despite facing severe difficulties
He just keep pushin' on even though he was barely alive
Despite being nearly dead, Johnny continued to persist
So shoot it up, shoot it up, it just don't matter
Drug use had no effect on Johnny's mindset
Johnny says he wants go do it
Johnny proclaims his desire to commit a crime
Says he wants to kill a cop
Johnny specifically desires to commit a violent act against a police officer
We've got a brand new dance
The collective group has come up with a new movement or resistance tactic
It's called we've got to overcome
This new tactic is centered around the goal of overcoming societal challenges and obstacles
So Johnny just keep pushin' 'cause the streets are yours
Johnny should persist because he commands the streets
There'll come a day, when all that shit won't matter
There will be a time when the current struggles will no longer hold significance
When you're resisting anyway
Even if the struggle continues, resistance is necessary
When you're resisting anyway
Even if the struggle continues, resistance is necessary
So Johnny just keep on pushin', the streets are yours
Johnny should continue to persist because he possesses control over the streets
There'll come a day when all of that shit won't matter
One day, the current struggles will cease to be important
So shoot it up, shoot it up, it just don't matter
Drug use will have no effect on the eventual outcome
We've got a brand new dance
The group has devised a novel method of resistance
It's called we've got to overcome
This tactic is focused on achieving victory over adversity
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: KEVIN BURR ROACH, MIKE DAVIS, RICHARD ANTHONY SELGA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Boenk Nsty Brown
on Santeria
the best