Tim first became inspired to work with loops and samples after being introduced to London's speed/garage scene by Kerrang! magazine writer Morat in the mid-90s.
The group's music is a combination of hip hop, reggae, drum n bass, dub, and punk, but not necessarily all at once. Although many are used sparingly throughout the album, punk and rap remain as the prominent styles. Lyrically, Rob Aston describes their songs as ranging from topics such as murder ("Quick Death") to the passing of a loved one ("Sad But True") to failed friendships ("We Trusted You").
After two years of recording, they released their debut album Transplants on Hellcat Records in October 2002. In the end, the album was recorded and mixed entirely in Tim's basement. Special guest vocalists included Eric Ozenne (Nerve Agents), Davey Havok (AFI), Danny Diablo, Lars Frederiksen (Rancid) and Brody Dalle (The Distillers, ex-wife of Tim). Brody sings on the track "Weigh On My Mind", which Tim then described as "their song".
The singles, "Diamonds and Guns" and "D.J. D.J.", quickly became MTV favorites and earned the band critical and commercial success. "Diamonds and Guns" featured unmistakable piano hook played by co-producer Dave Carlock. The band followed up the record's success by touring with the Foo Fighters.
After the 2005 blink-182 hiatus, Travis Barker said that he was returning to working with Transplants and Plus 44, a side project with Blink's Mark Hoppus. The Transplants' second album, titled Haunted Cities, was released in June 2005.
Barker announced on his twitter account that the transplants were recording new material in 2010.
One Seventeen
Transplants Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm gonna pack me a gat tonight
I'm gonna sell me some sacks tonight
And if it all goes well and I'm stacked tonight
We can all kick back and we can laugh tonight
Your off track tonight, and if you snooze you lose
You slept we crept, Your being broke your bruised
And we can get down right here in the street
You choose to live on your knees
I'd rather die on my feet
Shelia is a mess - o
She comes from Modesto
And you confessed
I don't wanna let go
She will do her best though
Death to confession
Everythings ok
If she goes and says so
She's gonna load em up
Tie it up now boot it up
Shoot em up shoot em up
Cigarette now smoke it up
I got my crew them up
Cigarette now smoke it up
She not my sister
I love to watch ya tear it up
And we can get down right here in the street
You choose to live on your knees
I'd rather die on my feet
The lyrics of Transplants’ “One Seventeen” depict a dangerous and reckless lifestyle centered around guns, drugs, and alcohol. The singer explains that they are not taking any chances tonight and plan on carrying a gun while also selling drugs. If all goes well, they will be able to kick back and laugh while being “stacked,” or rich. The chorus continues with a warning to those who are not prepared to live this way because they will be left behind, and the singer will continue to live life their way. However, they acknowledge that this way of life may lead to their demise, but they would rather die on their feet than live on their knees.
The second verse of the song is dedicated to a woman named Sheila from Modesto who is said to be a mess. The singer confesses his fondness for her and his reluctance to let go of her. Sheila is then described as someone who will do her best even in the face of death or confession. The verse ends with her loading up, tying up, and booting up, implying that she is up to no good. The bridge of the song has the singer declaring their loyalty to their crew and smoking cigarettes while watching Sheila “tear it up” (whatever the “it” may be).
Line by Line Meaning
I'm not taken no chance tonight
I am not willing to take any risks tonight.
I'm gonna pack me a gat tonight
I am going to bring a gun with me tonight.
I'm gonna sell me some sacks tonight
I am going to sell some drugs tonight.
And if it all goes well and I'm stacked tonight
If I make a lot of money tonight, everything will be great.
We can all kick back and we can laugh tonight
If everything goes well, we can relax and have a good time tonight.
Your off track tonight, and if you snooze you lose
You are not doing well tonight, and if you are not paying attention, you will miss out.
You slept we crept, Your being broke your bruised
While you were not paying attention, we took advantage of you and you are now in a bad situation.
That's the life I choose, guns drugs and booze
I have chosen a life filled with guns, drugs, and alcohol.
And we can get down right here in the street
We can party right here on the street.
You choose to live on your knees
You are willing to submit and live a weak life.
I'd rather die on my feet
I would rather stand up for myself, even if it means risking my life.
Shelia is a mess - o
Shelia is a disaster.
She comes from Modesto
She is from Modesto.
And you confessed
And you admitted something.
I don't wanna let go
I do not want to move on from this situation.
She will do her best though
She will try her hardest.
Death to confession
Death to admitting fault or wrongdoing.
Everythings ok
Everything is okay.
If she goes and says so
If she confirms that everything is okay.
She's gonna load em up
She is going to load up the drugs.
Tie it up now boot it up
Prepare the drugs for selling.
Shoot em up shoot em up
Sell the drugs quickly.
Cigarette now smoke it up
Take a break and smoke a cigarette.
I got my crew them up
I have my friends with me.
She not my sister
She is not related to me.
I love to watch ya tear it up
I enjoy watching you have a good time and be successful.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: ROB ASTON, TIMOTHY ARMSTRONG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@neroslumashtray5666
Una chulada de rola!!!!
@dbzfanatic278
This song fcking rocks!
@mangolloyd4736
Takes me back a minute
@HighDutchman
Ace!