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.
We're Only Gonna Die For Our Arrogance
Sublime Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
As modern man took control
Their mind's weren't all the same
To conquer was their goal
So he built his great empire
And he slaughtered his own kind
He died a confused man
Early man walked away
As modern man took control
Their mind's weren't all the same
To conquer was their goal
So he built his great empire
And he slaughtered his own kind
And he died a confused man
And killed himself in his own mind
Let's go!
Early man walked away
As modern man took control
Their mind's weren't all the same
To conquer was their goal
So he built his great empire
And he slaughtered his own kind
And he died a confused man
And killed himself in his own mind
Let's go!
Early man walked away
As modern man took control
Their mind's weren't all the same
And to conquer was their goal
So he built his great empire
And he slaughtered his own kind
And he died a confused man
And killed himself in his own mind
Let's go!
Early man walked away
As modern man took control
Their mind's weren't all the same
And to conquer was their goal
So he built his great empire
And he slaughtered his own kind
And he died a confused man
And killed himself in his own mind
Let's go!
We're only gonna die from our own arrogance
That's why we might as well take our time
The lyrics to Sublime's song "We're Only Gonna Die for Our Arrogance" touch on themes of power, control, and the disruptive nature of those traits. The song begins by contrasting early man who "walked away" with modern man who "took control" and aimed to conquer. Their minds were not the same, as early man apparently did not share modern man's desire to exert power over others.
Modern man then builds his empire and inflicts violence on his own kind. He dies not as a triumphant conqueror, but as a "confused man," having "killed himself in his own mind." The chorus repeats the images of empire-building and violence, emphasizing that the arrogance of humanity will inevitably lead to our own destruction. The final lyrics, "We're only gonna die from our own arrogance / That's why we might as well take our time," offer a sobering reminder to slow down and be mindful of our actions.
Sublime's song reflects an anarchist philosophy, which criticizes centralized power structures and highlights the dangers of unchecked authority. The lyrics suggest that the human obsession with dominating others ultimately leads to ruin.
Line by Line Meaning
Early man walked away
Primitive humans retreated into the shadows
As modern man took control
As society evolved into more advanced civilizations
Their mind's weren't all the same
Different perspectives and beliefs emerged among people
And to conquer was their goal
To dominate others and accumulate power was the aim
So he built his great empire
Man constructed vast kingdoms and empires
And he slaughtered his own kind
Humans engaged in violent conflicts and wars against each other
And he died a confused man
Many rulers and conquerors met their end without finding true purpose or meaning
And killed himself in his own mind
The desire for total control and the pursuit of selfish ambitions led to inner turmoil and mental distress
We're only gonna die from our own arrogance
The ultimate downfall of humanity will manifest from the overconfidence and pride within ourselves
That's why we might as well take our time
It is better to reflect and learn from the past to avoid repeating its mistakes
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: GREG GRAFFIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
RagingZen
Such a great cover that I thought it was an original by them when I first heard it. Honestly all the covers on 40 Oz. to Freedom could pass for Sublime originals, so good.
CYCOlogist
You really heard this version before Bad Religion's?
JudeauChop
40oz introduced me to so many good bands.
Tom Joad
Their version of Scarlet Begonias is my fav cover ever!
I’m a cashew
First album I ever bought with my own money was 40oz
Then later in my musical travels I started to find the originals of those great covers.
Damn sublime was good.
Cutting Edge Vids
Sublime has such a nice sound you can recognize it anywhere and anytime. I miss the days when sublime was making music
AaA
@Owen Archibald and louie
Owen Archibald
Rip Bradley
gonzalo Outerelo
Even Lou was there ! what a gig !!!! Thanks to live this time and hear Sublime (Brad, Eric and Bud). One of the greatest bands in this world !
Nic Heckel
What a great sounding voice he had:( so talented and their drummer is awesome, always puts on a great show