(1) The Hippos were a th… Read Full Bio ↴There is more than one band with this name.
(1) The Hippos were a third wave ska-punk band from Southern California. Unlike other typical bands of the genre, The Hippos employed heavy use of a Moog synthesizer.
The Hippos’s first full album release was Forget the World, released in 1996. Interestingly, many of the songs on Forget The World were written when Ariel Rechstaid, the band’s primary songwriter, was only 15 years old. This album employed traditional ska-punk songwriting, including upbeat tempos and heavy brass instrumentation. Additionally, various percussion instruments were used, such as bongos and wood blocks. The next album was Heads Are Gonna Roll, released in 1999. A transitional album, a balance of horns and synthesizers is found on this album. Commercially, this album was the band’s most successful; it is the only album to be fully produced by a large record label and thus is assumedly the most circulated and heard of the three albums.
The Hippos, a self titled final release, was released in 2003 after the band’s break-up. This album completed the gradual transition from traditional ska-punk to the unique, orginal synthpop sound exhibited here. Ties to the ska-punk scene from which they began had been all but completely severed. In fact, only one track from this album uses horns at all, an essential element of ska. Much of the Hippos’s fanbase was initially reluctant at such a different sound, but for the most part, this reluctance gave way to admiration. To many fans, the Hippos’s final album was their best written and most enjoyable, despite its limited commercial success.
(2) The Hippos are a blues band from Sydney, Australia. They enjoyed modest chart success with Dark Age in 1988, from the album Hippocracy.
Irie
The Hippos Lyrics
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How can I show you that my life's a lie?
Got the world round thinking that I feel Irie
Would you believe me if I told you I RAST-I-FAR-I
Hey hey, hey hey, hey hey, hey, hey, hey, yeah...
I'm gonna pass the structure from the left hand side
I'm gonna jump punk rock, and throw the horse shoe
Spend five dollars on coffee, Well.
Chorus
The superficial life is wrong
I won't look cool if I HIT THE BONG
Maybe I should be, different from everybody
Or maybe I should be, or maybe I should be me.
People now people now, wherever you are say Irie.
People now people now, say Irie after me, Irie.
The Hippos's song "Irie" is a reflection on the struggle of being authentic in a world where conformity is considered the norm. The first two lines of the song, "How can I show you that I cannot not see? / How can I show you that my life's a lie?" capture the sentiment of feeling trapped in a life that is not true to oneself. The singer of the song is trying to find ways to show others that he cannot conform to the expectations of society and cannot help seeing things differently.
The song argues that a very superficial way of life is considered correct, but this way of life is not fulfilling. The singer feels that he needs to change himself to be liked by everyone, but he knows deep down that it is not possible to please everyone. The mention of Rastafarianism and the use of "Irie" throughout the song are a nod to the idea of being true to oneself, to live life on one's own terms. The chorus, "The superficial life is wrong, I won't look cool if I HIT THE BONG" asserts that the singer feels obliged to conform to societal norms and that it is a superficial way of life.There is an inner conflict between wanting to fit in and wanting to be one's true self.
"Irie" presents an honest and transparent portrayal of the struggles of finding one's true identity in a world where people are expected to fit into established norms. The song can be seen as advocating for the idea of individuality and going against the grain of set norms.
Line by Line Meaning
How can I show you that I cannot not see?
I'm struggling with understanding the world and its complexities, and I'm not sure how to articulate that to you.
How can I show you that my life's a lie?
I feel like I'm living a false life or putting on a façade, and I'm not sure how to reveal my true self to you.
Got the world round thinking that I feel Irie
Despite my internal struggles, I'm trying to project a sense of positivity and happiness to those around me.
Would you believe me if I told you I RAST-I-FAR-I
I'm finding comfort and a sense of identity in Rastafarianism, and I hope that you'll accept and understand that part of me.
I'm gonna pass the structure from the left hand side
I'm going to try to break free from societal norms and expectations to find my own path.
Well maybe then everyone will like me?
I worry too much about pleasing others and fitting in, and I need to focus on being true to myself instead.
I'm gonna jump punk rock, and throw the horse shoe
I'm going to try new things and explore different parts of who I am, even if it doesn't fit with what's expected of me.
Spend five dollars on coffee, Well.
I'm willing to spend money on things that bring me joy and comfort, even if it's not the most practical decision.
The superficial life is wrong
I believe that focusing on material possessions and superficial appearances is misguided and unfulfilling.
I won't look cool if I HIT THE BONG
I'm aware that some people may view smoking marijuana as cool or edgy, but I'm not interested in fitting into that stereotype.
Maybe I should be, different from everybody
I'm considering breaking away from the norm and exploring my own unique perspective and identity.
Or maybe I should be, or maybe I should be me.
Ultimately, I need to be true to myself and embrace my own identity, rather than worrying about fitting into any particular mold or expectation.
People now people now, wherever you are say Irie.
I'm hoping to spread a sense of positivity and happiness to those around me, and I'm inviting others to join me in that mindset.
People now people now, say Irie after me, Irie.
I'm encouraging others to express a sense of joy, positivity, and acceptance by repeating the word 'Irie'.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Ariel Rechtshaid
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind