One of New York's most notable ska bands, the Slackers formed in Brooklyn i… Read Full Bio ↴One of New York's most notable ska bands, the Slackers formed in Brooklyn in 1991 and have played the world over many times since. Their first release was an eponymous self-released album, distributed by Moon Records in 1993 on cassette. Their first real debut is "Better Late Than Never" on Moon Ska Records. Coming out in 1996, this album saw a movement to more traditional ska music, as opposed to their earlier two-tone and garage influences. It was produced by Victor Rice, a noted ska/reggae producer, who also played bass for them at one point.

Band members are as follows:
Vic Ruggiero - Keyboards, Vocals
Jay "Agent Jay" Nugent - Guitar
Dave Hillyard - Saxophone
Glen Pine - Trombone, Vocals
Marcus Geard - Bass
Ara Babajian - Drums

Former members and contributors:
Marq "Q-Maxx 4:20" Lyn - Vocals
TJ Scanlon - Guitar
Luis "Zulu" Zuluaga - Drums
Jeremy "Mush One" Mushlin - Trumpet, Vocals
Allen Teboul - Drums
Dunia Best- Vocals, Flute
Jeff "King Django" Baker - Trombone
Tobias Fields - Congas
Eric "E-ROC" Singer - Alto Saxophone
Victor Rice - Bass
Dave Hahn - lead guitar
Justin Redekop- Trumpet

The next album released was Redlight, on HellCat Records in 1997. This album solidified their sound and further fixed the line-up.
The band released its latest album, entitled Self Medication, in May of 2008.

Sooner Or Later
The Slackers Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

You can come round my home mister
I don't mind
Call me up on the telephone mister
I don't mind

'Cause I got much more to do than to bother with you
And I ain't got no time for you violent little mind
Lord you can push, push, push I won't push you

Back

You try to get me and you might get gat
Somebody's gonna shoot you down
Sooner or later, sooner or later, somebody gonna get you
You can do what you want I don't

Care what you do
I've got people to see who don't want to see you
So if you come round my block you better

You better watch your back because you

You trouble with me and some
Somebody gonna get you

Overall Meaning

The Slackers's song "Sooner Or Later" talks about a person who is constantly being bothered by someone violent and troublesome. Despite the constant pressure, the singer remains calm and collected. He has more important things to do than worry about this person. He warns the violent individual that sooner or later, their actions will catch up with them, and somebody will shoot them down. The singer doesn't care what the person does as long as it doesn't involve him. He has other people to see that don't want to see the violent individual. The person is advised to watch their back if they come around the singer's block.

The song explains the struggles of living in a rough neighborhood and the constant threat of violence. The singer is not afraid of the violent individual but is merely trying to go about his day without any interruption. The lyrics showcase the importance of minding your own business and not provoking trouble. The chorus highlights the inevitability of consequences, which one may suffer if they continuously engage in violent and criminal activities. The song portrays the singer's resilience and ability to avoid getting involved in dangerous situations.

Line by Line Meaning

You can come round my home mister
You are welcome at my home

I don't mind
I don't have any issue with it

Call me up on the telephone mister
You are free to call me on the phone

I don't mind
It doesn't bother me

'Cause I got much more to do than to bother with you
I have many important things to do, so I don't have time for you

And I ain't got no time for you violent little mind
I am not interested in someone with a violent attitude

Lord you can push, push, push I won't push you
You can try to provoke me, but I won't retaliate

Back
In response

You try to get me and you might get gat
If you try to harm me, you may be shot

Somebody's gonna shoot you down
You are likely to face consequences for your actions

Sooner or later, sooner or later, somebody gonna get you
Eventually, you will face the consequences of your violent behavior