The Continuous Life

311 · Transistor [1997]

When things are outta whack

And they might collapse

And at the end of the day

You still can't relax

And physically you ache

Like a cavity feelin' the bind

On your mind and the rest

Of your body

Listen to your heartbeat

Flow and imagine

Become Jackson Pollack

Air brush Chinese dragons

On a sky blue convertion

Van or an electra

Buick of the mind full of

Fuminous matter

And slowly all the pressure

Recedes and you stop to decay

Naturally think clearly

Ultimately though your grace

Will give way to traffic jams

Submachine guns in hand

City red-necks who think

Like the Omega man

Feelin' the extremes

Of the times we're livin'

Stockpile spaghetti-o's

And cheerios plannin'

To survive that fall-out shit



It's not ambuguous }

It be continuous }

It's all about us }

It's for real my man } (2x)

The continuous life there is no end }

Movin' through life }

Movin' through death }



My radio emits a signal form

A loud noise the kind of which

I've never heard before

I scan the dial for more stations

But all I get is an eerie feelin'

I'm not dreamin' this is the real dealin'

There's nothin' like this trance

I'm caught in a daze

Cuz I'm finally out of my body

The blue lights are ablaze

Yeah I'm really amazed

And feelin' so light that's right

Lift off and I'm into the sky

As if a hologram were created

To shift my conciousness

Changed again and I'm flung

In the riff

I wanna be free I wanna do right

I move through the portal

To be purified



It's not ambuguous }

It be continuous }

It's all about us }

It's for real my man } (3x)

The continuous life there is no end }

Movin' through life }

Movin' through death }

About The Continuous Life

"The Continuous Life" is a standout track from 311's 1997 album *Transistor*, representing a pivotal moment in the group's evolution toward a more mature, introspective sound. Released during the height of the gangsta rap era, the song blends gritty storytelling with melodic sensibilities that distinguish it from their earlier, more aggressive work. The recording showcases the band's signature vocal harmonies and a production style that balances street authenticity with emotional depth, reflecting the personal struggles and triumphs often explored in their discography. This track stands as a testament to 311's ability to craft complex narratives within the hip-hop genre, influencing subsequent artists who sought to merge lyrical substance with melodic hooks. Its enduring popularity highlights the group's commitment to exploring themes of resilience and identity, making it a defining piece of their catalog from the late 90s. The song remains a critical example of how 311 successfully transitioned from pure aggression to a more nuanced expression of life's continuous journey.