Sublime is a popular American band that was formed in Long Beach, California, in 1988. The band consisted of Bradley Nowell (lead vocals, guitar), Bud Gaugh (drums), and Eric Wilson (bass guitar). They were known for their unique music style, which combined punk rock, reggae, ska, and hip hop. One of their most popular songs is “Take It Or Leave It,” which was released in 1996 as a part of their self-titled third album. In this article, we will analyze the lyrics of “Take It Or Leave It” and try to understand the meaning behind them.
First Verse
The first verse of “Take It Or Leave It” goes like this:
Well I’m not the kind to kiss and tell, but I’ve been seen with Farrah.
I’ve never been with anything less than a nine, so fine.
I’ve been on fire with Sally Field, gone fast with a girl named Bo.
But somehow they just don’t end up as mine. It’s a death-defying life I lead, I take my chances.
I die for a living in the movies and TV.
In these verses, Bradley Nowell talks about his experiences with women. He says that he has been with some famous women, such as Farrah Fawcett and Sally Field. He also mentions that he has never been with a woman who is less than a nine. However, he admits that despite his experiences, he has not yet found the right woman.
Chorus
The chorus of “Take It Or Leave It” goes like this:
Well I swear that I, I want to change my ways.
I’ve been told that I’m, I’m going straight to hell.
Well I’ve sold my soul for a shot at fame.
But I’ll be damned if I’ll ever leave her.
In the chorus, Nowell expresses his desire to change his ways and be a better person. He says that he has been warned that he is going straight to hell, but he still hopes to redeem himself. He also admits that he has made some bad decisions in the past, such as selling his soul for a shot at fame. Despite all of this, he says that he will never leave the woman he loves.
Second Verse
The second verse of “Take It Or Leave It” goes like this:
So don’t get in my way, ’cause I’m-a goin’ up to the top.
I’ve got a lot of things to learn and a lot of things to stop.
But I’ll never give up, I’m the number one contender.
And I’ll score the fight up, or maybe I’ll just get high.
In these verses, Nowell talks about his determination to succeed. He says that he is going up to the top and that he has a lot of things to learn and stop doing. Despite this, he says that he will never give up and that he is the number one contender. He also mentions that he might get high, which suggests that he is struggling with substance abuse.
Bridge
The bridge of “Take It Or Leave It” goes like this:
You know that I love you, girl.
More than you could ever know.
It’s just that I, I, I, I’m so damn, I’m so damn horny.
And baby, you’re the best.
In the bridge, Nowell expresses his love for the woman he is singing about. However, he also admits that he is very horny and that she is the best he has ever had.
Conclusion
Overall, “Take It Or Leave It” is a song about love, determination, and personal growth. Through his lyrics, Bradley Nowell shares his personal experiences with women, substance abuse, and fame. He also expresses his desire to be a better person and to redeem himself. The song’s catchy melody and unique music style have made it a fan favorite for many years.
