Grassroots
311 · Grassroots
So I can check shit not in a daily style
But once in every while so I can
File check file check the files of my brain
Many of meaning manage to come from the insane
And the butcher the baker the fabulous drama maker
A cracker on a truck goin' breaker breaker
Listen to everyone then disregard it
The maningful shit comes back back to where it started
In your cranium surrounded by pot like a geranuim
A capital 2 burns in my mind give me some peace
I looked at her I looked at him and neither one did know
Where the wild thoughts grow check it out
I look to absolutes and there absolutely none
The truth is what you shoot for not one
Nothing brings it all together the journeys never done
I'd sing you Stormy Weather but it's been sung so
Let's have some fun
Three Eleven hass grass roots
Challenge comes and goes and there will be another
I say bring it on
The roots that grow underground are as big as the tree
That you see if not it will fall down
We waste so many moments standing on convention
The only survey is when our heart pays no attention
Move with persistence cover much distance
Knowing no perdition that's my game for instance
Three Eleven true to no tradition
And the Three Eleven crew not dow with convention
But a hundred different people already told what we about
So I make not attempt to try and suss the stupid out
I'd turned into a roughneck that was not my intention
It doesn't even really matter unless I fail to mention that
Peace to all crews that want some peace
First the Mid then the West then we slide through the East
A piece to any crew that want a peice
But peace to all crews that want peace
Check it out
I look to absolutes and there absolutely none
The truth is what you shoot for not one
Nothing brings it all together the journeys never done
I'd sing you Stormy Weather but it's been sung so
Let's have some fun
Three Eleven hass grass roots
Challenge comes and goes and there will be another
I say bring it on
The roots that grow underground are as big as the tree
That you see if not it will fall down
We waste so many moments standing on convention
The only survey is when our heart pays no attention
Grassroots by 311
Grassroots is a track by the American alternative rock band 311, appearing on their self-titled 1998 album. The song is a representative example of the band's mid-career sound, blending alternative rock, funk, and hip-hop influences into a groove-driven arrangement. 311, formed in San Francisco in the late 1980s, became known for their distinctive vocal harmonies and the band's ability to fuse diverse musical styles. By the time of the Grassroots album, the group had already established a significant following with earlier works such as Daughters and From Chaos, and this record marked a continuation of their experimental approach to rock music.
Musically, Grassroots features the band's characteristic interplay between rhythm and melody, with a steady beat that supports the vocal lines. The track reflects the band's interest in rhythmic complexity and groove, elements that were central to their identity during this period. The album itself was a commercial and critical success, further solidifying 311's place in the alternative rock landscape of the late 1990s. The song's title and thematic focus suggest a connection to the band's broader interest in community, authenticity, and grounded musical expression, themes that often appeared in their work during this era.
The recording of Grassroots was part of a broader trend in 311's discography where the band continued to refine their sound, moving away from the more polished production of their earlier albums toward a slightly rawer, more organic feel. This shift was evident in the album's overall aesthetic, which emphasized live instrumentation and a sense of spontaneity. The song's placement on the album, as a title track, underscores its importance in defining the record's identity and the band's artistic direction at the time.
In terms of public reception, the Grassroots album was well-received by both fans and critics, with praise for its musical diversity and the band's continued innovation. While specific critical reviews of the song Grassroots may vary, the album as a whole was noted for its strong performances and the band's ability to maintain their unique style while evolving. The song's groove and melodic hooks contributed to its appeal, making it a standout track on the album and a reflection of 311's enduring influence in the alternative rock genre.