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.
What I Got
Sublime Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Early in the mornin', risin' to the street
Light me up that cigarette and I'll strap shoes on my feet
Got to find a reason, reason things went wrong
Got to find a reason why my money's all gone
I got a dalmatian, and I can still get high
I can play the guitar like a motherfuckin' riot
Well, life is (too short), so love the one you got
'Cause you might get run over or you might get shot
Never start no static, I just get it off my chest
Never had to battle with no bulletproof vest
Take a small example, take a ti-ti-ti-tip from me
Take all of your money, give it all to charity-ty-ty-ty
Love is what I got
It's within my reach
And the Sublime style's still straight from Long Beach
It all comes back to you, you finally get what you deserve
Try and test that, you're bound to get served
Love's what I got
Don't start a riot
You'll feel it when the dance gets hot
Lovin', is what I got
I said remember that
Lovin', is what I got
And remember that
Lovin', is what I got
I said remember that
Lovin', is what I got
(I got, I got, I got)
Why I don't cry when my dog runs away
I don't get angry at the bills I have to pay
I don't get angry when my mom smokes pot
Hits the bottle and goes right to the rock
Fuckin' and fightin', it's all the same
Livin' with Louie Dog's the only way to stay sane
Let the lovin', let the lovin' come back to me
Lovin', is what I got
I said remember that
Lovin', is what I got
And remember that
Lovin', is what I got
I said remember that
Lovin', is what I got
(I got, I got, I got)
We're not that far off
So that's
See, but
Yeah, we're done there
The song "What I Got" by Sublime starts off describing a typical morning of the singer rising from bed and attempting to make sense of things that went wrong in his life. He sings about his dog, dalmatian, and about still being able to get high and play the guitar "like a motherfuckin' riot." The chorus emphasizes the importance of love and not taking life for granted as it can end at any moment. The lyrics suggest that the singer has been through some tough times, but has learned to find peace in his life by focusing on what really matters - love.
The second verse of the song talks about the singer's perspective on life. He doesn't get angry or upset about things he can't control, such as his dog running away or his mother smoking pot. He emphasizes that love is what he has and it's what's important to him. The song ends with the chorus repeating the importance of love in his life.
"What I Got" by Sublime is a powerful song with a deep message. It emphasizes the importance of love and how it can bring peace and happiness to an individual. The lyrics suggest the singer has been through some tough times, but by focusing on love and not letting anger or frustration take over, he's been able to find peace in his life. This song has become an anthem for many people who have struggled with depression, addiction, or other personal issues.
Line by Line Meaning
Early in the mornin', risin' to the street
Every morning, I wake up and head straight outside to start my day
Light me up that cigarette and I'll strap shoes on my feet
I start my day by smoking a cigarette and getting ready to tackle whatever comes my way
Got to find a reason, reason things went wrong
I'm searching for the reason why things aren't going right for me lately
Got to find a reason why my money's all gone
I need to figure out why I'm always broke
I got a dalmatian, and I can still get high
Despite everything else going on in my life, I can still have some fun and get high with my dog
I can play the guitar like a motherfuckin' riot
I'm really good at playing the guitar and can get a crowd going with my talent
Well, life is (too short), so love the one you got
Life is too short to waste time not appreciating what you already have
'Cause you might get run over or you might get shot
You never know when life will take a turn for the worse and you may not have another chance to show love
Never start no static, I just get it off my chest
I don't like confrontations, so I just speak my mind and get things out in the open
Never had to battle with no bulletproof vest
I'm lucky to have not faced any life-threatening situations
Take a small example, take a ti-ti-ti-tip from me
Let me give you a little advice
Take all of your money, give it all to charity-ty-ty-ty
I recommend donating all of your money to charity, it will make you feel really good
Love is what I got
Love is the most important thing in my life
It's within my reach
I know that I can always find love no matter where I am in life
And the Sublime style's still straight from Long Beach
My music will always be representative of where I come from
It all comes back to you, you finally get what you deserve
Karma is real, what goes around comes around
Try and test that, you're bound to get served
If you try to challenge the laws of karma, you'll get what's coming to you
Love's what I got
Love is the most important thing to me, always
Don't start a riot
Avoid conflict when possible
You'll feel it when the dance gets hot
You know when things get really intense, that's when you feel the true power of love
Why I don't cry when my dog runs away
I don't let little things bother me anymore
I don't get angry at the bills I have to pay
Even though bills are a hassle, I don't let them get me down
I don't get angry when my mom smokes pot
I don't judge or criticize my mother for doing something that makes her happy or helps her relax
Hits the bottle and goes right to the rock
She may drink or use drugs sometimes, but that doesn't change how much I love and care for her
Fuckin' and fightin', it's all the same
People always seem to be arguing and fighting, but ultimately it's not worth it
Livin' with Louie Dog's the only way to stay sane
Living with my dog, Louie, is the only thing that keeps me grounded
Let the lovin', let the lovin' come back to me
I want to let go of negative emotions and let love fill my life again
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Lindon Roberts, Bradley James Nowell, Eric John Wilson, Floyd IV Gaugh
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Frantzen79
A track that celebrates life from a guy that didn't get much of it. Peace mate.
@stronkman9157
I hope Brad is in a better place. He's probably had the best 28 years of his entire life. RIP
@ElliotK2
Justin McCoy if your were a fan you would know that his ashes were scattered and also atheism depresses me
@masonpink3992
Justin McCoy dude chill
@Anomaly-uz9pr
Justin McCoy Just because there is no evidence of gods existence does not mean that we know for sure what happens after death because we don’t know I personally don’t believe god is real but I like to hope for something after I die
@sweetkarma1345
"God" is the air you breathe everyday.
@boredincan
RIP Lou Dog. November 25th, 1989 - September 17, 2001
@lilywilkinson6808
🙏
@dougsmith6262
Damn. So that dog was born when I was in kindergarten and died when I was a sophomore.
@dougsmith6262
@Rigo Dude I was half way to 15 when you were born, lol. Shit.