Badfish
Sublime
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When you grab a hold of me Tell me that I'll never be set free But I'm a parasite, Creep and crawl I step into the night. Two pints of booze Tell me are you a badfish too? Are you a badfish too? Ain't got no money to spend I hope the night will never end Lord knows I'm weak Won't somebody get me off of this reef Baby you're a big blue whale Grab the reef when all duck diving fails I swim, but wish I'd never learned The water's too polluted with the germs I dive deep when it's ten feet overhead Grab the reef underneath my bed (it's underneath my bed) Ain't got no quarrels with God Ain't got no time to grow old Lord knows I'm weak Won't somebody get me off of this reef Ain't got no quarrels with God Ain't got no time to get old Lord knows I'm weak Won't somebody get me off of this reef
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.jpg/220px-Bud_Gaugh,_Eric_Wilson,_and_Brad_Nowell_of_Sublime_(1996).jpg "Sublime")
2 fans
Written by: BRADLEY JAMES NOWELL
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
13 facts about this song
Song Background"Badfish" is one of the most popular songs by the American ska punk band Sublime.
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Composition DateThe song was composed in 1988.
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Album StatusDespite its popularity, the song was not part of any studio album but was instead released as part of the band's debut EP '40oz. to Freedom' in 1992.
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Related ContentA re-recorded version of "Badfish" was included in the band's 1997 compilation album 'Second-hand Smoke.'
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InspirationSublime's lead singer, Bradley Nowell, reportedly wrote the song about his struggles with heroin addiction. The title "Badfish" is a reference to someone who exposes another to addiction.
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Legacy"Badfish" is often cited by fans as one of the resonant and representative songs of Sublime.
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ImpactThe song's raw and honest portrayal of drug addiction has been praised for raising awareness about the issue.
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Popularity Post Bradley’s DeathDespite the death of Bradley Nowell in 1996 due to drug overdose, the popularity of "Badfish" continued to grow, turning it into a cult classic.
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InfluenceThis song helped influence the reggae-rock, or “Beach Rock,” genre, which bands like Pepper, Slightly Stoopid, and Rebelution would go on to popularize.
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TributeIn memory of Bradley Nowell and Sublime, a band called the Badfish: A Tribute to Sublime was formed in 2001. This band's name pays homage to the original song.
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Commercial SuccessDespite not being released as a single, "Badfish" still receives significant airplay on American radio stations, indicating its enduring popularity.
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YouTube ViewsThe song has been viewed millions of times on YouTube, further confirming its status as a fan favorite.
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CoversSeveral artists and bands have covered "Badfish". One of the most notable covers was performed by American rock band Jack's Mannequin.
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Citation
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"Badfish Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2025. Web. 11 Feb. 2025. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/34046539/Sublime/Badfish>.
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