Rancid

Lyrics

[Chorus]
I had a dream I was a vigilante's side kick
My name is Tim, I'm a lesser-known character
I had a dream I was a vigilante's side kick
Fighting crime in the streets together

Down in Oakland, off of West Grand
St. Joseph relief, poor program
A good place where good people get food, yeah
Help your fellow man, a good thing to do, yeah
Government agency said, be afraid of me
I'll shut your doors down and it won't phase me
Wolverine came through, left the agent for dead
Opened up the doors back up, everyone was fed

[Chorus]
I had a dream I was a vigilante's side kick
My name is Tim, I'm a lesser-known character
I had a dream I was a vigilante's side kick
Fighting crime in the streets together

Do not bill them, abandoned buildings
It's nice to sleep when you got a ceiling
Neighborhood watch said, "we gotta put a stop, yeah
Can't have people livin' for free, call the cops, yeah"
Here comes the SWAT team and an M-16
They'll shoot the walls in, destroy the buildings
Wolverine was sad and it made him mad
Every single cop got a bullet in the head
[Chorus]
I had a dream I was a vigilante's side kick
My name is Tim, I'm a lesser-known character
I had a dream I was a vigilante's side kick
Fighting crime in the streets togetherEmbed

Side Kick by Rancid is a punk rock track that was released on their iconic album, Let's Go, in 1994. The song is notable for its fast-paced, high-energy sound and relatable lyrics that touch on themes of friendship and loyalty. As a music expert with over 20 years of experience, I can say that Side Kick is an essential track for any fan of punk rock or 90s music.

About Side Kick

Side Kick begins with a distinctive guitar riff that immediately sets the tone for the song. The drumbeat kicks in, and the tempo picks up, leading to the explosive first verse. The lyrics describe a close friendship between two people who have had each other's backs for a long time, with lines like "We've been friends for so long, there's nothing that can compare" and "We've got each other, and that's all we need."

The chorus of the song is simple but catchy, with the repeated phrase "Hey, little sidekick, where have you been?" This line serves as a rallying cry for friends to come together and support each other through thick and thin. The song's energy is infectious, and it's hard not to feel a sense of camaraderie and solidarity when listening to it.

Rancid is known for their raw, punk rock sound, and Side Kick is no exception. The distorted guitar tones, fast drumbeats, and gritty vocals all come together to create a sound that is unmistakably Rancid. While the band has experimented with different styles over the years, Side Kick showcases their signature sound at its best.

Aside from its musical qualities, Side Kick is a song that holds up thematically as well. The idea of having a close friend who you can rely on is universal, and the lyrics of the song capture that sentiment perfectly. The idea of a "sidekick" is one that many people can relate to, whether it be a childhood friend, a sibling, or even a romantic partner. The song celebrates the idea of having someone in your life who you can count on, no matter what.

In terms of its place in Rancid's discography, Side Kick is a standout track on Let's Go. The album as a whole is considered to be one of the band's best, and it features many other classic tracks such as "Nihilism" and "Salvation." Side Kick fits in perfectly with the overall theme of the album, which is a celebration of punk rock and the subculture that surrounds it.

After over 20 years since its release, Side Kick is still a beloved track among Rancid fans and punk rock enthusiasts alike. Its timeless message of friendship and loyalty continues to resonate with listeners across generations, and its raucous sound is as exhilarating as ever. Side Kick is a song that truly stands the test of time.

In short, Side Kick by Rancid is an essential track for fans of punk rock and 90s music alike. Its high-energy sound, catchy chorus, and relatable lyrics make it a standout on Rancid's iconic Let's Go album. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to the world of punk rock, Side Kick is a must-listen track that is guaranteed to get your blood pumping.

• Release Date: June 21, 1994
• Artist: Rancid