"What I Got"
The song "What I Got" by Sublime is the most influential song to me and my family. My first name is Bradley named after the lead singer of Sublime Bradley Nowell. I have grown up listening to their music all of my life, but if I had to choose one song that was the most influential to me and my life it would be this song. I chose this song because it represents me and how I always have a positive outlook on life, while also being honest about how life can go sometimes.
A Little History Lesson
Sublime was one of the first bands to be labeled under the Ska-Punk Genre. They were a mix of punk rock, reggae, hip-hop, and rap. Considered by many as one of the most influential bands of 90's alternative music. They use a lot of samples and covers and I always used to say they are the best cover band of all time. Unfortunately, Bradley Nowell, the lead singer, died in 1996 due to a drug overdose. He missed the band's major success which didn't happen until after his passing. "What I Got", "Santeria", and "Garden Grove" became there most popular songs. I would argue that "What I Got" became the breakout hit and sent a message that still resonates with the world today about appreciating life even the simple things.
Rhetorical Analysis of The Lyrics
The speaker of the song is Bradley Nowell as he chooses to focus gratitude that he has a life and all the minor things that go with it. He has obviously been through a lot but still focuses on what he does have rather than what he doesn't. I would say that his purpose in this song is to remind people that no matter what bad is going on in your life focus on what good is in your life. The audience of this song is anyone and everyone who feels weighed down by life but need a reminder to focus on the good. For context the band was at its lowest point during this song and they still wanted to find a way to find peace among everything that was going on in the band, whether that was personally or financially. The exigence of the song was the urge to celebrate the little things in life even when it feels like your world is crashing down.
Techniques and Tone
The techniques that are mainly used in this song are repetition, and contrast. He is constantly repeating "Love is what I got" which just reiterates the songs main point of remembering what you have not what you don't. Many of the verses contrast with each other, as he keeps describing bad situations that happen to him but keeps coming back to the main point of "Love is what I got". The tone of the song is grateful and optimistic. Nowell is constantly reflecting on life not being perfect and that's ok. The tone never turns sour or sad despite all the hard moments in Nowell's life.
Appreciate What You Have
"What I Got" by Sublime is more than a bittersweet anthem, it is a reminder to look at the good not the bad. I was born into sublime and honestly I had no choice but to listen to them but I am glad I did. I thank my parents for naming me after Bradley Nowell as I have adapted his mindset of just going with the flow and focusing on the positive not the negative. Bradley used repetition, contrasting, and a grateful/optimistic tone to deliver his message. The message of gratitude for what you have in life and the good. The song encourages any and everyone who listens to live life with what you got.
Hey man I really enjoyed reading your blog on Sublime and the song "What I Got". I recently myself have found a passion for finding older songs that I may have heard before or when I was younger. I think I have a song from them on my playlist actually. Anyways, great work on this and I like the different colors and design you have its unique!
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