Blink-182’s “Dammit” Lyrics Meaning

These lyrics of “Dammit” revolve around a realistic breakup narrative, one that Mark Hoppus was able to construct despite not going through such an ordeal personally. That said, there really isn’t anything ultra-complex going on here. But the song features a couple of ear-catching metaphors and other types of lyrical symbolism as far as the well-worn ideas presented are concerned.

As implied, the vocalist was the victim of a dumping at the hands of addressee. Moreover, while still reeling emotionally or perhaps even before they officially broke up, she proceeded to move on to another guy.

And as it currently stands, he’s anticipating crossing paths with her one day – maybe while she’s on a date with her new boyfriend – and basically fronting like everything is okay, even though with him it isn’t. 

Mark also seems to anticipate that one day in the future, when the addressee realizes that the new guy isn’t genuine or loves her as much, she will want to come back. But even though he doesn’t reveal this to her directly, as far as the vocalist is concerned their relationship is done for good.

Key Theme of “Dammit”

The key theme of this song would be one of romantic disappointment and the associated pain. However, in the chorus, Hoppus also observes how now, with a decent amount of time having apparently elapsed post-breakup, that the people in his life aren’t interested in hearing him talk about his ex anymore. 

He’s still in his feelings and perhaps talks about homegirl so much that now that his friends are tired of hearing about her, themselves adopting a you-need-to-move-on type of response. But of course people telling you that you need to get over an ex doesn’t make the feelings magically disappear. So the way Mark sees it, this is all part of him maturing in a manner of speaking, i.e. being forced “to face” this emotional turmoil without anyone there to comfort him.

Mark Hoppus talks about “Dammit”

According to Mark Hoppus, this song basically is about the painful situation where after breaking up with someone, you literally seem them with someone else. The pain is even worse when you really loved that person.

Success of “Dammit”

“Dammit” holds the distinction of being considered Blink-182’s first hit, seemingly being their earliest song to ever appear on Billboard charts. Here, it most notably peaked at number 11 on the Hot Modern Rock Tracks list. Accordingly, down the line it went on to be featured on the band’s first compilation album, 2005’s “Greatest Hits”.

“Dammit” also experienced some success in Canada and Australia. It was a top-40 hit in Australia.

Date of Release

This track was originally released on 23 September 1997 via RCA Records and Cargo Music, i.e. the small label which initially backed, albeit reluctantly, backed Blink-182.

Credits

Mark Hoppus and Tom DeLonge wrote this song alongside their Blink-182 bandmate Scott Raynor, i.e. the drummer who preceded Travis Barker. Its producer is Mark Trombino. Actually it was Mark who presided over the entirety of “Dude Ranch”, the Blink-182 album that this track is derived from.

Mark Hoppus, the band’s frontman, is noted as being the primary author of this song. At the time he would have been in his early-to-mid twenties. It has been pointed out that the narrative featured in Dammit was not based on his personal experience.

Some More Interesting Facts

Activision’s 2008 outing Guitar Hero World Tour features this track.

Darren Doane directed the music video to Blink-182’s very first single, “M+M’s” (1995). He is the same director that held down said responsibility for “Dammit”, alongside Ken Daurio.

At the time Blink-182 recorded “Dude Ranch”, Mark Hoppus was suffering from vocal issues due to him not following proper procedure when it came to strengthening his output. And the straw that broke the camel’s back proved to be the recording of “Dammit”. And why? Because this song was written slightly beyond his vocal range. That is to say that laying down this track actually caused severe vocal-chord damage in Hoppus. The damage was so serious that the recording of the album had to put on hold. 

Relatedly, during live performances the chorus has been rendered by other members of the band, especially Tom DeLonge.

Has “Dammit” appeared in movies?

Yes. It has been featured in a number of films. One notable example is its appearance in the late 1990s comedy film titled “Can’t Hardly Wait”.