Burritos by Sublime Lyrics Meaning – Unwrapping the Layers of Apathy and Escape

You can view the lyrics, alternate interprations and sheet music for Sublime's Burritos at Lyrics.org.

Lyrics

I don’t want to go and party,
I don’t want to shoot the pier,
I don’t want to take the doggie for a walk,
I don’t want to look at naked chicks and drink beer,
I don’t want to do a bong load, go and wrench on a car,
I don’t want to hose the dog shit down,
‘Cause I ain’t even gonna get out of bed,

I ain’t gettin’,
I ain’t gettin’ out of bed today,
I ain’t gettin’,
I ain’t gettin’ out of bed today,

Keep on skankin’ Ronnie,
Skank the night away,
But the time is coming,
For us all to pay.

I don’t want to watch no porno,
And I don’t want to play guitar,
I don’t want to spank the monkey,
I don’t want to go down to the corner bar,
And I ain’t even got to listen
To all the stupid shit you got to say.
I don’t want to do a goddamn thing.
I don’t want to,
Want to leave my bed today
I don’t want
Want to leave my bed today
I don’t want
I don’t want to leave my bed today

Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey

Keep on skankin’ Ronnie,
Skank the night away,
But the time is coming,
For us all to pay

I don’t want to eat burritos,
Or read about OJ
No I don’t want to get a head rush
‘Cause I ain’t even gettin’ out of bed today

I ain’t gettin’,
I ain’t gettin’ out of bed today,
I ain’t gettin’,
I ain’t gettin’ out of bed today,
I ain’t got to leave my bed today
No, no, no, no, no, no

Keep on skankin’ Ronnie,
Skank the night away,
But the time is coming,
For us all to pay

In the annals of Sublime’s storied discography, ‘Burritos’ stands out not just for its catchy tune, but for its deep-seated lyrical confession of lethargy and the desire to push the boundaries of society’s expectations away. Nestled within their self-titled third album, ‘Burritos’ encapsulates a moment of overwhelming indifference against the backdrop of a world demanding continuous engagement.

With lyrics that are both humorous and disconcerting, ‘Burritos’ serves as an anthem for those seeking to escape everyday mundanity and the incessant pressures of adult responsibilities. The character within the song seeks solace in the embrace of his bed, cutting off the outside pain, commitments, and even simple pleasures.

Unplugging from the Rat Race: Understanding Sublime’s Slacker’s Anthem

In an era that has romanticized busyness and productivity, ‘Burritos’ stands as a countercultural manifesto. Through the list of activities that Bradley Nowell’s protagonist refuses to partake in, the lyrics speak volumes about the exhaustion that comes with the high-paced modern life. Whether it’s partying, surfer culture, or just plain old household chores, the song casts a wide net over the things that society tells us are necessary for a fulfilling life.

To delve into this track is to explore the nuances of rebellion against expectations. Sublime places their main character in a position many secretly yearn for – a day with absolutely no responsibilities, no societal noise, just the comfort of one’s own sanctuary.

Escaping the Mundane: ‘Burritos’ and the Quest for Inner Peace

While the repeated mantra of not wanting to leave bed might initially seem like pure laziness, ‘Burritos’ provides a deeper narrative about seeking mental health days before they became a part of public discourse. The detachment articulated by the lyrics underscores the importance of stepping back from the mental clutter and finding peace within one’s own confines.

Moreover, Nowell’s proclamation of refusal to confront even the most standard leisure activities such as watching porn, playing guitar, or enjoying a beer, is a stark declaration of need for personal space and time to recuperate, even from activities generally considered enjoyable.

Rebellion in Repose: The Hidden Meaning Behind the Skanking Refrain

Between the lines of escapism and the refusal to leave bed, the repeated line ‘Keep on skanking Ronnie, skank the night away’ serves as both recognition and a rebuttal of the ska scene that Sublime was a part of. It captures the paradox of embracing the music and lifestyle while simultaneously recognizing the eventual need to face reality – ‘the time is coming, for us all to pay.’

The character’s plea for Ronnie to continue skanking is layered with irony. On one hand, it promotes the continuation of the skanking lifestyle that Sublime’s music often encouraged. On the other hand, it serves as a sobering reminder that escapism is often temporary and consequence is inevitable.

A SoCal Soundtrack to Isolation: The Irony of Upbeat Melodies

Sublime has a knack for pairing upbeat rhythms with somber themes, a technique that’s in full force in ‘Burritos.’ The playful melody of the song belies the serious nature of wanting to withdraw from the world, turning the seeming rhythm of relaxation into a cacophony of silent struggle.

The juxtaposition of the lively instrumentals with the anti-motivational lyrics mirrors the conflict between internal despair and the external façade of nonchalance – a phenomenon all too familiar in everyday life. It’s this contrast that makes ‘Burritos’ a relatable, albeit distressing, spin on Southern California’s usually sunny disposition.

Memorable Lines that Dare the Status Quo

‘I don’t want to eat burritos, Or read about OJ’ – with these words, Sublime taps into the zeitgeist of the 90s, referencing a media circus that devoured public attention. It’s a direct hit at the era’s fascination with tabloid culture and a reminder that sometimes, insulating oneself from the noise of the world is an act of quiet rebellion.

‘I ain’t gettin’, I ain’t gettin’ out of bed today.’ There’s a raw honesty in the repetition of these lines. It’s both a declaration and a refusal, a simple statement that resonates with anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by the demands of the day-to-day grind. It’s not just a lyric—it’s a candid glimpse into the soul of anyone who’s ever longed for a moment of peace in a chaotic world.