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 albumsā40oz. to Freedom (1992) and Robbin' the Hood (1994)āwere 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 1980ā2008" 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.
Whats Really Going On
Sublime Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Good evening ladies and gentlemen,
Welcome to tonights presentation,
Its brought to you by us,
And its non-fiction
Everybody saw
And this one called 'What's really goin wrong'
What is really, what is really goin' wrong
Well what is really, what is really goin' wrong
Sublime in the place livin' up chickens creation
In 1996 to make you buy this cinematation,
This is what they, agree to show to you
It's not really the truth
But you'll believe it through and through
What is really, What is really goin' wrong
What is really, What is really goin' wrong
What is really, What is really Goin' wrong
What is really goin' wrong
What is really, what is really goin' wrong
What is really, (what is really), What is really, what is really goin' wrong
What is really goin' wrong
What is really, what is really goin' wrong
The Sublime song "What's Really Going On" is a commentary on the ways in which media can distort the truth and manipulate public perception. The song opens with a spoken introduction, in which the band invites their audience to view the presentation they are about to give, which they describe as "non-fiction." This sets up the suggestion that the band, unlike the media they are critiquing, is presenting an honest portrayal of reality.
The lyrics themselves are a mix of satire and indictment, as the band describes a movie they have made that they call "What's really goin wrong." This movie is presented as being intentionally misleading, with a storyline that is not true but which audiences are manipulated into believing. The band goes on to suggest that this is a common tactic employed by media outlets, who deceive people into accepting false narratives.
While the lyrics are largely critical of the media, they do not offer a clear solution to the problem. Instead, they imply that individuals need to become more aware of the ways in which they can be manipulated by media messages, and educate themselves accordingly.
Line by Line Meaning
Good evening ladies and gentlemen,
Greetings, everyone present, both male and female.
Welcome to tonights presentation,
We are honored to have you here tonight for this show.
Its brought to you by us,
We are responsible for this program.
And its non-fiction
All events in this program actually occurred.
Everybody saw
Everyone had the opportunity to watch.
The last movie we made,
Referring to their previous cinematic production.
And this one called 'What's really goin wrong'
This is the new production titled 'What's Really Going On.'
Sublime in the place livin' up chickens creation
Sublime is in the house, creating a great atmosphere in their style.
In 1996 to make you buy this cinematation,
This show was created in 1996 to persuade you to watch it.
This is what they, agree to show to you
This is what they have planned to showcase to their viewers.
It's not really the truth
However, this show is not entirely based on the facts.
But you'll believe it through and through
Despite the inconsistencies, you will still believe it completely.
What is really, What is really goin' wrong
What is the real problem and what is causing it?
What is really, What is really Goin' wrong
What is actually happening and what are the underlying issues?
What is really goin' wrong
What is the true source of the problem?
What is really, what is really goin' wrong
What is the root cause of the issue and what can be done about it?
Lyrics Ā© CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: MATT WILLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Eddie Villa
CLICK HERE FOR SUBLIME MERCH! https://amzn.to/3TwiRCF
Dylan Tykolis
Keep Sublime alive!
Jibaro787
Great job man, this edit is sick! Love the ...Lost surf footage! Well done!
OCE1 PRODUCTIONS
awesome as always!!! sublime4life!
Tim Koens
Greatest surf movie ever made! What's really going wrong - lost surfboards
mark matt
this is the only 100% real punk rock music video
Kevin Hanley
I always thought it sounded like Jack Black singing in this tune lol
TokyodriftE56
Fuk yes!! š¤š¼
L Smaltz
Great video Eddie!
Hey I was just wondering whoās the other guy in this video the guy with glasses?š
Eddie Villa
Matt "Chicken" Willey