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.
american guns
Transplants Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
12 gauge, is sure shot,
American guns, American guns
30 ought, buck shot,
12 gauge, is sure shot,
American guns, American guns
Well, drop more, two million tons,
Jungles of Laos, knew all along,
That the American war would finally come,
America, land of the free,
Provayer and leaders of democracy,
Debauchery, luxury,
Back in Illinois, alright to be.
30 ought, buck shot,
12 gauge, is sure shot,
American guns, American guns
30 ought, buck shot,
12 gauge, is sure shot,
American guns, American guns
Nah, I won't listen because I've only been lied to,
I got a few common enemies and still I despise you,
It's a cold mission, they pull up beside you,
In your own territory, it's like something inside you,
A wise man once told me: "People are strange",
I'm a stranger in a strange land, strange as the days
Yeah I'm nice with the grouping, I stay at the range,
38 to the 40 cal 8 of the day
30 ought, buck shot,
12 gauge, is sure shot,
American guns, American guns
30 ought, buck shot,
12 gauge, is sure shot,
American guns, American guns
The song "American Guns" by Transplants is a powerful commentary on America's long-standing relationship with firearms. The song's refrain lists several types of ammunition and firearms, including the 30-30 Winchester rifle and the 12-gauge shotgun. These guns are presented as being quintessentially "American" and "sure shot." However, the verses of the song reveal a deeper, more complex message.
The first verse references America's involvement in the Vietnam War, specifically the heavy use of bombs to destroy the Ho Chi Minh trail. The second verse contrasts the ideals of America as the "land of the free" and a "leader of democracy" with the reality of "debauchery" and "luxury" in Illinois. The third verse repeats the refrain, but adds a personal twist. The singer refuses to be swayed by propaganda and sees his enemies as those who perpetuate violence and war. He describes the experience of living in a country where violence can come from anywhere, even from those who are supposed to be on his side.
Line by Line Meaning
30 ought, buck shot,
Referring to types of ammunition commonly used in hunting and shooting.
12 gauge, is sure shot,
Another type of ammunition known to provide accurate shooting.
American guns, American guns
Repeated reference to guns made in America and their prevalence in society.
Well, drop more, two million tons,
Refers to the heavy bombs that were dropped on the Ho Chi Minh trail during the Vietnam war.
Ho Chi Minh's trail was sprayed with bombs,
A statement of fact about the bombing campaigns during the Vietnam war.
Jungles of Laos, knew all along,
Acknowledging the fact that people in Laos were aware of the impending American war.
That the American war would finally come,
Belief that America would inevitably go to war at some point.
America, land of the free,
Sarcasm used to criticize the country's involvement in the Vietnam war.
Provayer and leaders of democracy,
Questioning whether the American government truly represents democracy and whether it was right to go to war.
Debauchery, luxury,
Suggesting that some Americans enjoyed lives of decadence amid the chaos of the Vietnam war.
Back in Illinois, alright to be.
Illinois was a relatively calm and stable state during the Vietnam war, implying that the songwriter didn't have to worry about the conflict.
Nah, I won't listen because I've only been lied to,
Disillusionment with the American government and its messaging during the Vietnam war.
I got a few common enemies and still I despise you,
Dislike for those who support the Vietnam war, even if they aren't personal enemies.
It's a cold mission, they pull up beside you,
Feeling of danger and threat from people who support the Vietnam war.
In your own territory, it's like something inside you,
Suggests that personal freedom is limited when opposed to the American government.
A wise man once told me: "People are strange",
Idea that people are difficult to understand and relate to.
I'm a stranger in a strange land, strange as the days
Feeling of isolation and disconnection with mainstream America.
Yeah I'm nice with the grouping, I stay at the range,
Being good at shooting through frequent practice at the shooting range.
38 to the 40 cal 8 of the day
References to calibers of guns that the songwriter uses when shooting.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: Travis Barker, Rob Aston, Timothy Armstrong
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@fanzibayuwardanasyamsu93
AMAZING
@Lucybaby666
Love!
@authorizeduser6485
Fuck yeah
@dowdallerno1
Good tune, better than that gangsta rap shite.
@TheJinjo75
Why are you so sensitive? By the way, you have Eddie Money and the Yeah Yeah Yeah in your playlist.
@malikjohnston3883
@@TheJinjo75 don't be dissin Eddie, bro. it's too soon.
@user-iw5vj9so5p
The main played me extorrtion thsnk to feeling rhis cd year