Rancid

Lyrics

[Intro]
Stop!
Here we go!

[Verse 1]
Knock knock, come in
You wanna fight, I'm gonna win
I'll take you out in a minute
Step in my flat and see what's in it
I live in the land of the welfare state
My flat used to be Section 8
Now it's rat-infested, cocaine run
My whole world plays like a broken drum

[Chorus]
Junkie, drunken bum
Yeah yeah yeah, rats in the hallway again

[Verse 2]
Get up, get out, go ahead and ride away
Sit up our bed up your bed to lay
Kick up or rip up this place apart
Even when I'm finished, I'm back at the start
I'm out of line on Adeline Street
Heat don't keep this crooked beat
4 a.m., no waves breaking
What's left of the p.m. the a.m. has taken
[Chorus]
Junkie, drunken bum
Yeah yeah yeah, rats in the hallway again

[Verse 3]
Outside my gate, my crew is drinking a 40
Asked me if there's still rats in the hallway
I said some things aren't like the weather
Never seen 'em changing for the better
This girl came up to me she said she would do me no harm
Rolled up her sleeve and showed me the tracks on her arm
I said what's your name, she said it was Mia
She said Tim, I wanna take you higher

[Chorus]
Junkie, drunken bum
Yeah yeah yeah, rats in the hallway again

[Guitar Solo]

[Bridge]
Zombie walking kid out on his own with no morale
Mr. High leaves the body, in comes Mr. Withdrawal
Pain is the only thing the body will allow
The kid wants to dance, the gangster knows how
[Verse 4]
Johnny bought some dope on Civic and Market
Shoot up and boot up the human target
He hit the dirty spike when he hit the scene
It's easy to stay dirty when nothing is clean
He's a writer who tags up Jackal
Jackal just clamped on unclampable shackles
Boot up, shoot up some dope to go
Like legal currency, it's money you know

[Bridge]
It's like that, rat-tat-tat
Kid got shot point blank in the back
My landlord said, not to be bumming
He was on cocaine stoop and he had it coming
He had it coming? He was only 12 years old
Sitting in a blizzard, he got shot for being cold
It don't seem right tonight, hit the lights alright
Watch the roaches run into the darkest room

[Chorus]
Junkie, drunken bum
Yeah yeah yeah, rats in the hallway again
Junkie, drunken bum
Yeah yeah yeah, rats in the hallway againEmbed

When it comes to punk rock, there are few bands that can compare to Rancid. With a career spanning over 25 years, the California-based band has become an icon of the genre. One of the best examples of their music is their song "Rats in the Hallway."

About Rats in the Hallway

"Rats in the Hallway" is a song that starts off with a simple, yet catchy guitar riff. The melody is immediately recognizable, and sets the tone for the song. The lyrics, sung by lead vocalist Tim Armstrong, are filled with the angst and rebellion that are characteristic of punk rock. The song is about the struggle of living in a world that can be bleak and unforgiving, with "rats in the hallway, scurrying away."

The lyrics of "Rats in the Hallway" speak to a feeling that many people can relate to – the feeling of being trapped and alone in a hostile environment. The frustration and anger that comes with this feeling are expressed through the song's raw energy and fast-paced rhythm. Armstrong's vocals are gritty and aggressive, perfectly capturing the rebellious spirit of punk rock.

While "Rats in the Hallway" is not one of Rancid's most well-known songs, it is a prime example of the band's sound and style. The song incorporates elements of ska and hardcore punk, creating a unique blend of influences that are characteristic of Rancid's music. Despite being over 20 years old, the song still holds up as a powerful and poignant expression of the struggles of youth.

In terms of instrumentation, "Rats in the Hallway" is relatively simple. The guitar, played by both Tim Armstrong and Lars Frederiksen, is the driving force behind the song's rhythm and melody. The bass, played by Matt Freeman, adds depth and dimension to the music. Brett Reed's drumming is fast and fierce, keeping the tempo up and driving the song forward.

Ultimately, "Rats in the Hallway" is a song that is both powerful and emotional. It speaks to those who feel trapped and alone in a world that can be unforgiving and hostile. The song's energy and aggression make it a perfect example of the rebellious spirit of punk rock. If you're a fan of Rancid, or of punk rock in general, "Rats in the Hallway" is definitely a song that you should check out.

Wrapping Up

In short, "Rats in the Hallway" is a prime example of Rancid's sound and style. The song is a raw and emotional expression of the struggles of youth, and features powerful vocals, simple instrumentation, and a fast-paced rhythm. It may not be one of the band's most well-known songs, but it is definitely one that fans of punk rock should check out.

• Release Date: May 10, 1993
• Artist: Rancid