[1] The… Read Full Bio ↴There are multiple artists who have gone by The Supertones.
[1] The O.C. Supertones (a.k.a. The Supertones) were a Christian ska band hailing from Orange County, California. The O.C. stands for Orange County and was formally used to differentiate them from another group, but they generally were referred to as The Supertones by fans and publicity, especially as of their second album. The band was formerly signed to Tooth & Nail Records before becoming an independent band for its final tour. Beginning with a more traditional ska sound, the Supertones moved next to a harder rock sound, which eventually changed again with more of a pop-rock influence.
The band began in the early 1990s as Saved. Originally formed by Matt Morginsky, Jason Carson and Tony Terusa while in Junior High School, the band played a mix of many styles including punk, rap, metal, disco, and funk. In 1995 they formed as The Orange County Supertones and settled on a ska based sound.
In the late 1990s The Supertones achieved wide popularity in the Christian and secular community. Their second album, 1997's release Supertones Strike Back, was a surprise smash hit, peaking on both Billboard's Heatseekers and Top Christian Albums charts at 3 and 2 respectively. Beginning with a more traditional ska sound, The Supertones moved next to a harder rock sound, which eventually changed again with more of a pop-rock influence. Their next two albums, 1999's Chase the Sun and 2000's Loud and Clear, each charted on the Billboard 200 chart. They continued to release albums until 2005, at which point they went on indefinite hiatus. This ended when they reunited for some shows in 2010. Since then they have had stints in 2012 and 2017, performing various reunion and anniversary shows. Their 2017 commemoration of the 20th anniversary of their most well-received album "Supertones Strike Back" was presented as a definitive "final show".
[2] The Supertones are an "instrumental surf" band from NYC active since 1988. They have released at least 12 albums.
Supertones Strike Back
The Supertones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You hit, we hit back harder
Like Huss and Stephen, I am not afraid to be a Martyr
California sun and sky
Slip inside a suit and tie
Chevy rolls up to the house with everybody outside
Gonna get down like we did the day before
50 more people be waitin' at the door
If there's 50 people outside,
We got room for 50 more!
And we're movinn' all smooth and when we get groovin'
We're fresh like salsa and we're fat like juben
You're cranium's cracked from my Shaolin attack
Protect your neck, SUPERTONES strike back!
We want this whole band to be a big love letter
So we play the SKA and it makes you feel better
God's got love for us, so we got love for you
It's your life, so what you wanna do?
So come on put a glide in your stride, and a dip in yo hip
Best back the heck up, 'cause' hip-hop rolls from my lips
I spit when I rap, saliva flies when I sing
God gives me gifts, just look at my ring
Look less at me and look more to Christ
His grace has saved me and His grace will suffice us
So I jump for Jesus, it's Jesus who frees us
Let's get dumb like Beavis, I don't care who sees us
When we hop to hip-hop John Bell gets ill props
You know he can rock socks
Give out love from his soapbox
With hip-hop nonstop, hippidie, hippidie, hop
First I can rock them socks, then I can knock your block
You can't stop this, you can't clock this
You can't dis this, so please don't miss this
A van and a roadmap, keep my life in my bakcpack
Comin' through your town, SUPERTONES strike back
The Supertones's song "Supertones Strike Back" is an anthem to the band's confidence, self-belief, and ability to overcome obstacles. The song references the Star Wars character, Leia's father, a clear nod to the band's love of the franchise, but also to the idea that they will not be intimidated by anyone or anything. They believe in "hitting back harder" and refusing to back down when challenged. The song also mentions iconic martyr figures Huss and Stephen, perhaps implying that the band is willing to suffer in the name of their beliefs and cause.
The song continues with references to California and the excitement of a group of people coming together to have a good time. The Supertones invite others to join them, with the message that they have enough room for everyone. The lyrics also reference the band's smooth and rhythmic sound, their commitment to playing ska music, and the idea of a big love letter to their fans.
Line by Line Meaning
Just like Leia's Father
We are strong and tough, and we will hit back harder than anyone who tries to mess with us.
You hit, we hit back harder
If someone tries to take us down or hurt us, we will respond fiercely and with even more force.
Like Huss and Stephen, I am not afraid to be a Martyr
We are willing to fight for what is right, even if it means risking our lives and becoming a martyr.
California sun and sky
We are proud of our home in California and the beauty of the sun and sky.
Slip inside a suit and tie
We can dress up and act professional when we need to, but we always stay true to ourselves.
Chevy rolls up to the house with everybody outside
We are popular and well-liked, and when we arrive, everyone gathers around to see us.
Gonna get down like we did the day before
We like to have fun and party, and we plan to keep doing it every day.
50 more people be waitin' at the door
We are so popular that even more people are eager to see us and party with us.
Team against team, Let's even the score
We want to compete against others and come out on top to prove our strength.
If there's 50 people outside,
We got room for 50 more!
No matter how many people are waiting to see us, we will always welcome more with open arms.
And we're movinn' all smooth and when we get groovin'
We're fresh like salsa and we're fat like juben
We know how to dance and have a good time, and we always look cool and fresh while doing it.
You're cranium's cracked from my Shaolin attack
Protect your neck, SUPERTONES strike back!
We are so strong and powerful that just being in our presence can hurt someone. But we will protect ourselves and strike back if needed.
We want this whole band to be a big love letter
So we play the SKA and it makes you feel better
We want our music to bring people together and spread love, so we play upbeat and uplifting ska music.
God's got love for us, so we got love for you
It's your life, so what you wanna do?
We believe that God loves us and we want to share that love with everyone else. We also encourage individuality and self-expression.
So come on put a glide in your stride, and a dip in yo hip
Best back the heck up, 'cause' hip-hop rolls from my lips
We want people to dance and have fun to our music, but we also know how to rap and express ourselves through hip-hop.
I spit when I rap, saliva flies when I sing
God gives me gifts, just look at my ring
We are confident in our musical abilities and believe they are God-given talents.
Look less at me and look more to Christ
His grace has saved me and His grace will suffice us
Although we may have talent and success, we want people to focus on God rather than ourselves.
So I jump for Jesus, it's Jesus who frees us
Let's get dumb like Beavis, I don't care who sees us
Our faith in Jesus sets us free and allows us to have fun and not worry about what other people think of us.
When we hop to hip-hop John Bell gets ill props
You know he can rock socks
Give out love from his soapbox
Our band member John Bell is really good at hip-hop and deserves recognition for it. He also spreads love and positivity through his music.
With hip-hop nonstop, hippidie, hippidie, hop
First I can rock them socks, then I can knock your block
You can't stop this, you can't clock this
You can't dis this, so please don't miss this
We are confident in our hip-hop skills and talent and challenge anyone to try and beat us or criticize us.
A van and a roadmap, keep my life in my backpack
Comin' through your town, SUPERTONES strike back
As musicians, we are always on the go and ready to perform in any town. No matter where we are, we will always bring our best and leave a lasting impression.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@paulkhato
1:36 has got to be one the sickest drops of all time. Sixteen years later and I still get feeling like I'm listening to it on cassette for the first time.
@arechna3
Tell me about it!
@jameskost1245
Same
@marythomas1127
same!!!!!!
@typicallowqualityyoutuber
Yesssssssss
@IdahoRCMan
26 years later now...ain't that a mind f***.
@dustinanglin
Saw the OC Supertones open for Audio Adrenaline way back in the mid 90s in this giant covered rodeo barn venue in Texas. In the middle of the concert this huge storm moved through, so the bands just started playing louder. One of the best concerts I've ever been to.
@jamiemorrison4575
Dustin Anglin I remember seeing them open for audio a as well back in the ninties but i was in jax fl. But i agree. One of the best concerts ive been too.
@noram6635
I also saw them open for audio adrenaline in the '90's but this was in Chicago, Illinois. I'll NEVER forget this show!! I was around 12 years old and I still love them just as much today as I did then.
@Sabas-Plays
I saw them open up fro Audio Adrenaline in the 90's as well... San Antonio, TX