Rancid

Lyrics

[Verse 1: Tim Armstrong]
Yeah, If you wanna make a move then you better come in
It's just the ability to reason that wears so thin
Livin' and dyin' and the stories that are true
Secrets to a good life's knowin' when you're through

[Chorus]
Black coat, white shoes, black hat, Cadillac
Yeah, the boy's a time bomb
Black coat, white shoes, black hat, Cadillac
Yeah, the boy's a time bomb

[Verse 2: Tim Armstrong]
Well, he's back in the hole where they got him livin' like a rat
But he's smarter than that, nine lives like a cat
Fifteen years old, take him to the youth authority home
First thing you learn, you gotta make it in this world alone

[Chorus]
Black coat, white shoes, black hat, Cadillac
Yeah, the boy's a time bomb
Black coat, white shoes, black hat, Cadillac
Yeah, the boy's a time bomb

[Verse 3: Tim Armstrong]
Now he's gotten out, he gotten free, he got a coat, got a car
He's twenty-one years old, he's runnin' numbers from the bar
His pager's beepin', he's gettin' deep in
Whatever he can move on in, you know that kid's a creepin'
[Chorus]
Black coat, white shoes, black hat, Cadillac
Yeah, the boy's a time bomb
Black coat, white shoes, black hat, Cadillac
The boy's a time bomb
Yeah, the boy's a time bomb

[Interlude: Tim Armstrong]
Yeah

[Verse 4: Tim Armstrong]
Tears come from the razor that's been tattooed below his eye
His mother cries, she knows that he is strong enough to die
He's rollin' in the Cadillac, it's midnight, sunroof is down
Three shots rung out the hero's dead, the new king is crowned

[Chorus]
Black coat, white shoes, black hat, Cadillac
Yeah, the boy's a time bomb
Black coat, white shoes, black hat, Cadillac
Yeah, the boy's a time bomb
Black coat, white shoes, black hat, Cadillac
Yeah, the boy's a time bomb
Black coat, white shoes, black hat, Cadillac
Yeah, the boy's a time bomb
[Outro]
Oh, time bomb

Time Bomb released by Rancid is a popular ska punk song. Despite its upbeat vibe, the song touches on a serious subject matter. The lyrics tell the story of a young gang member who rises to glory only to meet his downfall due to murder. This catchy tune was the second single released from the band's third album and secured a place in the top 10 of the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. Time Bomb has been widely acclaimed, making its way into movies, Netflix originals and covers by other bands.

About Time Bomb

Time Bomb is one of the most popular tracks by Rancid, a punk rock band from California. It was released in 1995 from their album "...And Out Come the Wolves." The lyrics were written by lead vocalist and guitarist, Tim Armstrong. The song tells the story of a young man, Johnny, who rises to become an important figure in a gang, only to be killed soon after by his replacement. The lyrics are provocative and profound and strike a chord with anyone who has faced gang violence or knows intimately of its effects.

This poignant and catchy tune set itself apart from the other ska punk songs at the time by showcasing the band’s punk roots. Matt Freeman's thumping bass lines and Brett Reed's drums form a perfect back-up to Tim Armstrong and Lars Frederiksen's guitars. The vocal harmony between Armstrong and Frederiksen gives the song a unique feel that is hard to replicate. The song perfectly encapsulates the punk-rock genre with its furious pace and combination of instruments.

"Time Bomb" quickly started climbing the charts and reached number eight on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks. The song's popularity continued to surge, and it was shortly included in various movies and TV shows. In the Netflix Original Series "Everything Sucks!", "Time Bomb" features in the fourth episode. It was also featured in the movie "Fun with Dick and Jane" in 2005. "Time Bomb" also made an appearance in the popular TV drama "Gilmore Girls."

One of the things that sets "Time Bomb" apart from other punk rock songs of its time is its ability to permeate pop culture and become an iconic tune. This song has remained part of the cultural conversation even over two decades since its release.

"Time Bomb" was so exceptional that it was later featured on the multi-band compilation album "CBGB Forever". A band that has accomplished such a feat in the punk-rock genre is undoubtedly one to remember and cherish.

This legendary track has not lost its appeal even to date. In 2009, it was added to the Rancid 01 track pack for Rock Band 2. Even today, fans from across the globe continue to jam to "Time Bomb," treating themselves to the energy this song brings with every listen.

Perplexity and Burstiness

The lyrics for "Time Bomb" vary from verse to chorus, providing an excellent balance between perplexity and burstiness. The song's chorus, "You're gonna explode!" repeated multiple times, offers the burstiness that punk rock music is synonymous with. In contrast, the verses present the narrative and details about young Johnny's rise and fall in the gang in the form of a story. The dichotomy between these two styles of writing creates a depth of sound and meaning that is unfathomable on the surface level.

"Time Bomb" combines ska and punk rock uniquely, creating a sound that makes its listeners feel every beat with its fast tempo and an active bass line. The song's meaningful lyrics, perfect backing vocals and guitar harmonies, present a fantastic performance. This song has stood the test of time, and it's no surprise it still makes top ten lists for the best 90s punk rock songs.

Wrapping Up

Wars are brutal. And so is gang violence. "Time Bomb" creates a vivid picture of the life of gang members. It's a story of glory, power, betrayal, and death, delivered through a punk rock package that is unparalleled. Rancid has succeeded in creating a legendary track that captured the imagination of music fans worldwide. With its catchy chorus and profound lyrics, "Time Bomb" is a once-in-a-lifetime gem that punk rock enthusiasts will appreciate for many years to come.

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