Rancid

Lyrics

[Verse 1: Lars Frederiksen]
Took the 60 bus
Out of downtown Campbell
Ben Zanotto, he was on there
He was waitin' for me
All the punk rockers
And the moon stompers
Are out on the corners where
They're sparin' for change
I started thinkin'
You know I started drinkin'
You know I don't remember too much of that day
Somethin' struck me funny when we ran out of money
Where do you go now, when you're only fifteen?

[Pre-Chorus: Lars Frederiksen]
With the music execution and the talk of revolution
It bleeds in me and it goes

[Chorus]
Give 'em the boot
The roots, the radicals
Give 'em the boot
You know I'm a radical
Give 'em the boot
The roots reggae on my stereo
[Verse 2: Tim Armstrong]
The radio was playin'
Desmond Dekker was singin'
On the 43 bus as we climb up the hill
Nothin' in common but the reggae drummin'
And we all come from unlovin' homes
(I said) "Why even bother?" and I picked up a bottle
Mr. bus driver, please let these people on
Rude girl Carol was a mini-skirt girl
My blurry vision saw nothin' wrong

[Pre-Chorus: Lars Frederiksen]
With the music execution and the talk of revolution
It bleeds in me and it goes

[Chorus]
Give 'em the boot
The roots, the radicals
Give 'em the boot
You know I'm a radical
Give 'em the boot
The roots reggae on my stereo

[Bridge]
On my stereo
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
[Verse 3: Lars Frederiksen & Tim Armstrong]
Took the 60 bus
Out of downtown Campbell
Ben Zanotto, he was on there
He was waitin' for me
All the punk rockers
And the moon stompers
Are out on the corners where
They're sparin' for change
Yeah, the radio was playin'
Desmond Dekker was singin'
On the 43 bus as we climb up the hill
Rude girl Carol was a mini-skirt girl
My blurry vision saw nothin' wrong

[Pre-Chorus: Lars Frederiksen]
With the music execution and the talk of revolution
It bleeds in me and it goes

[Chorus]
Give 'em the boot
The roots, the radicals
Give 'em the boot
You know I'm a radical
Give 'em the boot
The roots reggae on my stereo
Give 'em the boot
The roots, the radicals
Give 'em the boot
You know I'm a radical
Give 'em the boot
The roots reggae on my stereo

Welcome to my breakdown of Rancid's iconic punk rock classic - Roots Radicals. This high-energy track is an unrelenting explosion of punk rock perfection that has been mesmerizing music fans for decades. The song is an ode to punk rock's roots and the infamous underground scene that it spawned. Its distinctive sound is a testament to the band's raw and unapologetic style, which has made them a legendary name in the punk rock genre.

About Roots Radicals

Roots Radicals is an electrifying punk rock song that was written by Tim Armstrong, the lead vocalist of Rancid. It was released as a single in 1995 and was featured prominently on their platinum-selling album, ...And Out Come the Wolves. The song is a high-energy tribute to the pioneers of punk rock, who paved the way for the genre to blossom into the influential musical movement that it is today.

The song's distinctive sound is characterized by Armstrong's gravelly vocals, explosive guitar riffs, and a thunderous percussion section. The catchy and upbeat melody of the song is infectious, and it has become a staple in the punk rock scene. Roots Radicals is a perfect example of the quintessential punk rock anthem that can get crowds moving and moshing.

The lyrics of the song are a reflection of Armstrong's passion for the punk rock genre and the subculture that it spawned. The song is an homage to the roots of punk rock and the working-class struggles that inspired the genre's pioneers. The lyrics are infused with revolutionary spirit and are a call to action for fans to keep the punk rock fires burning.

Roots Radicals is not just an iconic punk rock anthem; it is also a political statement by the band. The song's lyrics are a critique of the capitalist system and the oppression that it perpetuates on the working class. The song is a call to arms for fans to resist the dominant power structures that seek to keep them down and demand change.

The song's title is inspired by a Jamaican slang term that refers to the influential and powerful people in the community. The lyrics of the song reflect this sentiment by calling for fans to stand up and be radical in their opposition to the status quo. The song's message is clear- don't just sit back and accept the world as it is. Instead, take action to change it and be the roots and radicals that fuel the resistance.

In a nutshell, Roots Radicals is the quintessential punk rock anthem that encapsulates everything that the punk rock subculture represents. Its raw energy, infectious melody, and politically charged lyrics have made it an iconic song that continues to inspire fans worldwide. Through it, Rancid has left an indelible mark on the punk rock scene and cemented their place as legends of the genre.

Wrapping Up

Roots Radicals is a punk rock anthem that has stood the test of time. It is a song that has inspired countless fans to take action and resist the dominant power structures that seek to keep them down. It is a song that embodies the revolutionary spirit of punk rock and is a testament to the genre's roots and pioneers. Through this song, Rancid has left an indelible mark on the punk rock scene and cemented their place as legends of the genre.

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