The Meaning Behind The Song: Walkin’ On The Sun by Smash Mouth
Released in 1997, Smash Mouth’s “Walkin’ On The Sun” became a smash hit almost immediately. The song stayed on Billboard’s Hot 100 for an impressive 21 weeks, peaking at number 1 on the Adult Top 40 chart. The sunny and upbeat tune is a perfect example of the band’s signature sound, blending elements of ska, surf rock, and pop.
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However, there’s more to “Walkin’ On The Sun” than just a catchy melody. The lyrics are both poetic and thought-provoking, leaving many listeners wondering about the meaning behind them. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the lyrics and dissect the song’s underlying message.
Verse 1:
It ain’t no joke I’d like to buy the world a toke
And teach the world to sing in perfect harmony
And teach the world to snuff the fires and the liars
Hey, I know it’s just a song but it’s spice for the recipe
This is a powerful opening verse that sets the tone for the rest of the song. The opening line, “It ain’t no joke,” implies that the message of the song is something serious and important. In the next line, the lyrics mention wanting to “buy the world a toke,” which refers to smoking marijuana, a nod to the counterculture movement of the 1960s.
The following line, “Teach the world to sing in perfect harmony,” suggests the desire to create a world where everyone can come together in unity and peace. The next line, “Teach the world to snuff the fires and the liars,” represents the need to eliminate falsehoods and dishonesty in the world.
Finally, the last line of the verse, “Hey, I know it’s just a song but it’s spice for the recipe,” indicates that the song is the band’s way of contributing to the betterment of the world, even if it’s just in a small way.
Chorus:
This is walking on the sun
This is walking on the sun
The chorus is the most well-known part of the song and also the most enigmatic. The phrase “Walking on the sun” is a metaphor that could mean a lot of things. It could represent something that is very difficult to achieve, such as world peace. It could also be a reference to the feeling of being on top of the world, like the feeling one gets after accomplishing something great.
Verse 2:
The refrain is “Wasn’t that fun?” / But that’s no reason to forget / And I think it’s not too late / To recollect
The second verse talks about the importance of memories. When the band sings, “The refrain is ‘Wasn’t that fun?’ But that’s no reason to forget,” they’re acknowledging that it’s easy to get caught up in the moment and forget about the past. However, it’s important to remember where we came from and how far we’ve come.
The final line of the verse, “And I think it’s not too late to recollect,” suggests that it’s never too late to reflect on our past and use it as a means of inspiration for the future.
Bridge:
Somebody once asked could I spare some change for gas?
“I need to get myself away from this place”
I said, “Yup, what a concept
I could use a little fuel myself
And we could all use a little change”
The bridge of the song is probably the most famous part of the song. It’s a reference to “The Sixties” It portrays a conversation between the songwriter and a homeless man. The homeless man asks for some money to buy gas so that he can escape his current situation. The songwriter responds positively and uses the situation as an opportunity to speak about his idea of the betterment of the world.
The line, “I could use a little fuel myself, and we could all use a little change,” is a powerful statement about the need for change in our society. It suggests that we all need to work together to create a better world for ourselves and future generations.
Verse 3:
The song ends with a final verse that ties together all the themes that were presented throughout the song. The lyrics read:
The future’s so bright
I gotta wear shades
I said, “The future’s so bright
I gotta wear shades”
The future’s so bright
I gotta wear shades
I said, “The future’s so bright
I gotta wear shades”
This final verse is a reference to the famous song, “The Future’s So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades,” by Timbuk 3. The use of this reference is symbolic of Smash Mouth’s belief in the power of positivity and hope for the future.
The repetition of the line, “The future’s so bright, I gotta wear shades” is a powerful statement of optimism in the face of uncertainty. The lyrics suggest that despite the challenges that lie ahead, we can continue to move forward with confidence and a positive attitude.
Conclusion
Smash Mouth’s “Walkin’ On The Sun” is a song that continues to resonate with listeners over 20 years since its release. Its combination of thoughtful lyrics, upbeat melody, and sophisticated message allow it to transcend through generations and maintain its relevancy .
The song is a call to action for the betterment of the world, encouraging people to come together in unity and peace. The band’s use of metaphors and symbolism creates a depth of meaning that allows the lyrics to speak to everyone in different ways.
“Walkin’ On The Sun” is a testament to the power of music to inspire change and make a meaningful impact in the world. It is both a timeless anthem and a reminder of the importance of striving for a better future.
