Rancid

Lyrics

[Verse 1: Tim Armstrong]
Reconcile to the belief
Consumed in sacred ground for me
There wasn't always a place to go
But there was always an urgent need to belong, yeah
All these bands and
All these people
All these friends and
We were equals but
What you gonna do
When everybody goes on without you?

[Chorus]
To the end, to the end, I'll journey to the end
To the end, to the end, I'll journey to the end
To the end, end
To the end, to the end, I'll journey to the end

[Verse 2: Tim Armstrong]
Started in '87 ended in '89
Got a garage or an amp, we'll play anytime
It was just the four of us, yeah man, the core of us
Too much attention unavoidably destroyed us
Four kids on tour, three thousand miles in a four-door car
Not know what was goin' on and
We got a million years
Tourin' out like this
Hell no, no premonition could've seen this
[Chorus]
To the end, to the end, I'll journey to the end
To the end, to the end, I'll journey to the end
To the end, end
To the end, to the end, I'll journey to the end

[Interlude]

[Verse 3: Tim Armstrong]
Matty came from far away
From New Orleans into the East Bay
He said this is a Mecca
I said, "This ain't no Mecca, man, this place is fucked"
Three months go by, he had no home
He had no food, he's all alone
Matty said, fool me once, shame on you
Didn't fool me twice
He went back to New Orleans

[Chorus]
To the end, to the end, I'll journey to the end
To the end, to the end, I'll journey to the end
To the end, end
To the end, to the end, I'll journey to the endEmbed

If you're a fan of Tim Armstrong and Matt Freeman, you're probably already familiar with Operation Ivy and Rancid. But if you're not, you should be. These ska-punk pioneers bolstered the genre with their unique sound, emotionally charged lyrics, and timeless appeal. And the autobiographical song Journey to the End of the East Bay by Rancid is a perfect example of their talent and passion.

About Journey to the End of the East Bay

Journey to the End of the East Bay tells the story of Operation Ivy's inception, success, and eventual disbanding. It refers to the journey made by the band from their home in Berkeley to East Bay, where they would play concerts and jam sessions. The song is full of references to the band members' experiences, struggles, and achievements, and it resonates with any listener who has had to fight for their dreams.

The song's lyrics are powerful and nostalgic, filled with vivid imagery and emotional weight. They capture the energy and spirit of punk rock and ska-punk, with fast-paced riffs, energetic drums, and soulful vocals. And they also reflect the personal journey of Tim Armstrong and Matt Freeman, who were both members of Operation Ivy before joining forces to create Rancid.

The song opens with the iconic line: "Life is too short to sit and waste away" – a testament to the band's philosophy and attitude. It then launches into a frenzied chorus, with Tim Armstrong's raw vocals urging the listener to "go for it, ain't no time to waste". The verses are more introspective, with Matt Freeman's bass lines and Lars Frederiksen's guitar adding depth and texture to the music.

Journey to the End of the East Bay is more than just a song about a band's history. It's a rallying cry for anyone who has ever dared to pursue their dreams, despite all the obstacles and setbacks. It's a celebration of punk rock's rebellious spirit and ska-punk's infectious rhythms. And it's a tribute to the power of music to inspire and uplift us all.

So whether you're a die-hard fan of Operation Ivy, Rancid, or ska-punk in general, or you're just discovering this amazing genre for the first time, Journey to the End of the East Bay is a song you should definitely check out. It's a timeless classic that will make you want to dance, sing, and shout at the top of your lungs – and also reflect on your own journey and the meaning of life.

• Release Date: August 22, 1995
• Artist: Rancid