Doin' Time

Sublime's 'Doin' Time' is a song that encapsulates the laid-back vibe of summer with an underlying narrative of a troubled relationship. The track opens with the iconic line 'Summertime and the livin's easy,' setting a scene of carefree days and musical enjoyment. The mention of 'Bradley's on the microphone with Ras MG' refers to Sublime's lead singer, Bradley Nowell, and the DJ Marshall Goodman, also known as Ras MG, highlighting their musical prowess and their connection to the Long Beach, California (LBC) scene.

However, as the song progresses, it delves into the complexities of the singer's romantic relationship. The lyrics 'Me and my girl, we got this relationship' followed by the stark contrast of 'I love her so bad, but she treats me like shit' reveal a deep affection tainted by mistreatment and neglect. The metaphor of being on 'lock down like a penitentiary' suggests a feeling of being trapped or confined within the relationship, while the line 'She spreads her lovin' all over' implies infidelity, leaving the singer feeling deprived and resentful.

The song's chorus returns to the summertime motif, perhaps as a way to escape the pain of the relationship. Yet, the verses continue to express the singer's frustration, with lines like 'Evil, come to tell you that she's evil, most definitely' and the violent imagery of 'I'd like to hold her head underwater.' These lyrics convey a sense of betrayal and the desire for retribution. Despite the upbeat rhythm and melody, 'Doin' Time' is a song that juxtaposes the ease of summer with the turmoil of a love gone sour, reflecting the duality of life's experiences.