Sublime’s song “What I Got (Reprise)” is like a great mixtape of punk rock and reggae vibes that’s all about life’s ups and downs, especially when it comes to love. It’s catchy and fun, but underneath that, it’s got some real wisdom about how to handle difficult situations in life.
Verse 1: Early Morning Blues
The song kicks off with a picture of waking up early, maybe not feeling great about things. It opens with, “Early in the mornin’, risin’ to the street,” capturing that moment when you’re just beginning your day. Lighting up a cigarette and putting on shoes might sound random, but it’s setting the scene for a day that’s starting rough. The singer’s trying to figure out why things aren’t going right, like when they sing, “Got to find the reason why my money’s all gone.” But amidst all that, there’s a line about having a dalmatian and still being able to get high—maybe it’s saying even when things aren’t perfect, there’s still good stuff to enjoy, like hanging out with a pet or doing something you love, like playing guitar.
Verse 2: Life’s Short, Love What You Have
Next, the song talks about how life is short and you should appreciate what you’ve got. It warns about not starting fights and just getting things off your chest instead. The singer advises, “Never start no static, I just get it off my chest,” which means it’s better to talk things out than to let them bother you. The singer talks about giving your money to charity: “Take all of your money, give it all to charity-ty-ty-ty,” which means being generous and helping others out. The singer reminds us that love is what’s important and that’s a big part of who they are, coming straight from Long Beach, where the band’s from. It’s a way of saying your roots shape who you are.
Chorus: Love Is Key
The chorus repeats over and over that love is what’s most important. It’s like a reminder to keep that in mind no matter what happens. The band wants you to remember that “Lovin’ is what I got, I said remember that,” love can get you through tough times and make good times even better. It’s a simple but powerful message that sticks with you.
Verse 3: Dealing with Life
In this verse, the singer talks about how they handle life’s challenges. They don’t get upset when things go wrong, like when their dog runs away or when their mom does things that might bother others. Instead, they find peace in their dog’s company and accept their mom for who she is. The verse ends with a hope that love will come back around, showing that even when things get tough, there’s always a chance for things to get better: “Let the lovin’, let the lovin’ come back to me.”
Conclusion
“What I Got (Reprise)” by Sublime isn’t just a song—it’s a reminder to appreciate what you have, especially the love in your life. Its mix of punk rock energy and laid-back reggae vibes make it easy to listen to, but its message about resilience and love makes it stick with you long after the music stops. It’s a song that speaks to anyone who’s ever had a rough day but found comfort in the simple things or in the people they care about.