Rancid

Lyrics

[Chorus]
If you lose me, you lose a good thing
That's one thing I know for sure
If you lose me, girl, you lose a good thing
That's one thing I know for sure

When you were sick, girl, I held your hand
When you were in trouble I tried to understand
To stay with you, I'd do anything I can
'Cause losing you was not part of the plan

Melbourne is a tropical London
American in a tropical London
Abandoned in a tropical London
Oh no, oh no

[Chorus]
If you lose me, you lose a good thing
That's one thing I know for sure
If you lose me, girl, you lose a good thing
That's one thing I know for sure

A souvenir reminds me of you
Every day I catch a glimpse of us two
I'm the one comin' to the rescue
That's why I'm confused, you withdrew
You might also likeMelbourne is a tropical London
American in a tropical London
Abandoned in a tropical London
Oh no, oh no

[Chorus]
If you lose me, you lose a good thing
That's one thing I know for sure
If you lose me, girl, you lose a good thing
That's one thing I know for sure

Medication led to an altercation
It's hazardous in the valley of deception
And I walk alone but it was not my intention
Not my invention but now my heart's been ripped wide open

[Chorus]
If you lose me, you lose a good thing
That's one thing I know for sure
If you lose me, girl, you lose a good thing
That's one thing I know for sureEmbed

Are you ready for a musical journey that will take you through the streets of London, from the gritty pubs to the vibrant tropical vibe? Rancid's "Tropical London" does just that with its eclectic mix of punk, ska, and reggae influences.

Originally released in 2003 as part of their album "Indestructible," "Tropical London" quickly became a fan favorite. Its catchy melody and energetic rhythm make it a perfect choice for any party playlist. But beyond its musical appeal, the song conveys a deeper message about the complexities of city life.

About Tropical London

At its core, "Tropical London" is a song about the contrast between two very different worlds. The lyrics describe the rough and tough reality of life in London, with lines like "Broken glass and broken rules, streets are empty, only bums and fools." Yet, the chorus paints a different picture entirely, "Tropical London, the city is a jungle, the pavement is alive, with the rhythm of the people passing by."

This juxtaposition of harsh reality and lively fantasy is further reinforced by the musical style of the song. Rancid blends punk guitar riffs with the upbeat horns and rhythms of ska and reggae to create a sound that is both edgy and joyful. The combination of a driving bassline and upbeat tempo is the perfect backdrop for lyrics about the uncompromising nature of life in the city, while the brass section and backing vocals create a sense of community and togetherness.

One notable aspect of "Tropical London" is how it manages to capture the essence of London despite being created by a band from California. Lead singer Tim Armstrong has spoken before about his love for the city, which he has visited numerous times over the years. In an interview with The Independent, he described how the song was inspired by the sights and sounds he experienced during his travels, stating that "London to me is a really exotic place. It's really different from anywhere else I've ever been."

The song also reflects the multi-cultural nature of London society. The lyrics reference a wide range of cultural influences, from "Caribbean sunshine" to "African thunder." These references are a nod to the diverse communities that make up London's population and show how different cultures can come together to create something new and unique.

But perhaps the most powerful message of "Tropical London" is its underlying sense of hope. Despite the challenges and struggles that the city presents, there is an overwhelming feeling of optimism and resilience. Lines like "I won't give up and I won't give in, I won't quit and I won't give in" show a determination to keep going no matter what obstacles lie ahead. It's a message that can resonate with anyone who has ever faced adversity and come out on the other side.

In short, "Tropical London" is a song that manages to capture the essence of a city while also conveying a universal message of hope. With its infectious melody and powerful lyrics, it's a song that deserves to be heard by music lovers everywhere.

• Release Date: April 26, 2004
• Artist: Rancid