Sublime

Lyrics

[Chorus]
All that I need
Look at all the love we found, oh-oh
I won't run and pull no one jack move
They love us for the Kingston sound, oh-oh

[Verse 1]
Flava Flav and I.C.E
Once said somethin' that made me
Want to burn my liquor store down to the ground
But I just can't leave the pad
'Cause I'll surely wind up dead
'Cause I know they're out there waiting and watching for me
Still, I got my yellow cat
And my wooden baseball bat
And my shiny silver gat, and if my homie got my back
Then I've got

[Chorus]
All that I need
Look at all the love we've found, oh-oh
I won't run and pull a one jack move
They love us for the Kingston sound, oh-oh

[Bridge]
Oh, oh-oh
I won't slip and I won't trip
Send Matt Vargas to regrip
While I'm wrenchin' on my ride
In that secret pad where we hide
There's always lots of fun stuff to do
Like relax and design a brand new tattoo
Playin' with my crossword puzzle book
I'm even learnin' how to cook
[Verse 2]
Have you seen that little whore, Betty?
Someone said that she stole my freddie
And if she made off with my last clean rig
I'm going to kill that fuckin' ditch pig, so what?
Outta my, outta my, outta my, outta my secret pad
'Cause I know you're talkin' about me, makin' it hard to live
'Cause I don't want no money fee, don't want no money down
My secret tweaker pad is now the hottest dope spot in town
I just take it nice and easy
Don't want no sheriff breakin' down the door to raid me

[Chorus]
'Cause all that I need
Look at all the love we've found, oh-oh
I won't run and pull the one jack move
They love her for the Kingston sound, oh-oh

[Outro]
Baby, you wanna give me kisses sweet
Only for a night, with no repeat
Baby, you wanna leave and never call
Oh, but the taste of honey is worse than none at all

Sublime’s eclectic sound as a band is evidenced in one of their underground hits called S.T.P. Released in 1994, S.T.P. is the 15th track on their “Robbin' the Hood” album. An acronym for “Secret Tweaker Pad,” S.T.P. has been hailed as one of the most audacious songs in the band’s repertoire. This article unpacks everything you need to know about S.T.P. by Sublime.

About S.T.P.

S.T.P. is a gritty and raw song about drug addiction that speaks directly to the perils and uncertainties of substance abuse. It portrays an unapologetic picture of the Tweaker Pad, a term that refers to a place where drug users can go to indulge without interference. Through their experiential and eclectic sound, the song addresses the state of emotional conflict and pain that drug users experience as they struggle to come to terms with their addiction.

The lyrics of “Secret Tweaker Pad” paint a vivid description of the addict’s life and are a masterful play on the band’s name. The words flow seamlessly, and one cannot help but notice the honesty and frankness with which the band approaches the topic. Bradley Nowell, the lead vocalist of the band, harmoniously blends punk rock, reggae, and ska elements to create haunting melodies that accompany the lyrics.

One of the features that set S.T.P. aside from the majority of Sublime’s music is the use of samples in the song. The band incorporated samples from various sources into the background melody, creating an eerie feeling that accompanies the slower and somber chorus. The samples come from a range of sources, including The Doors and The Beastie Boys. This use of samples is both brilliant and unconventional, perfectly complementing the off-kilter use of reggae, punk rock, and ska fusion, for which the band is famous.

The Composition of the Song

S.T.P. is a masterpiece that perfectly represents the band's fresh and unconventional sound. With punk, reggae, and ska elements all interwoven with haunting samples, the song is a unique and captivating masterpiece. The haunting melody throughout the song is built around the use of a single guitar, which captures the feeling of tension and rawness within the lyrics. The drums' steady beat provides a solid foundation on which the other musical elements are built, while the bass provides the melody's underlying rhythm.

The lyrics reflect Nowell's poetic talent, addressing the dark and problematic facets of addiction with heartbreaking sincerity. Through clever use of metaphors and symbolism, he paints a vivid picture of the pain and turmoil that addiction inflicts on an individual's life, both emotionally and physically.

Conclusion

Sublime’s S.T.P. is a masterpiece in its genre. Their creative use of genres like reggae, punk, and ska fusion and haunting samples, along with the brilliantly crafted lyrics, offers a powerful insight into the world of drug addiction and the horrors one might face in the secret drug dens. It is a song with a poignant message that resonates with listeners far and beyond the era in which it was created. As one listens to S.T.P. and reflects on the substance abuse struggle, one can’t help but empathize with the very real battles that many face due to addiction.

• Release Date: February 8, 1994
• Artist: Sublime