Silver
by 311

Album: Grassroots (1994)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • At the beginning of the song you can hear lead singer Nick Hexum saying, "Bobby you be quiet out there!" Bobby is his dog, who was barking loudly outside of where it was being recorded. He is also mentioned in the song "Outside." >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Nate - Cincinnati, OH
  • This song contains lyrics that clearly bash racism and racist institutions such as the KKK. After the Blue Album, rumors flew that 311 stood for the KKK; K being the 11th letter in the alphabet and 3 implying three times the letter. This is a blatant lie, as 311 got their name from an inside joke regarding the Omaha police code for indecent exposure. Songs such as "Silver" and "Electricity" go to prove that their message has been for unity and positivity since the very beginning. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Jules - W. Bloomfield, MI

Comments: 4

  • Chris from Omaha, Nethis song is a great description of the people that use racism to go against whats different from themselves. cliques and gangs are groups of people that need everyone else to agree with them so they feel that their beleifs are right. not going with what their heart says. its about people that cant be confident with themselves.
  • Mike from East Bruns, Njtrue... the song electricity off Transistor starts as "this song started as a rant against haters but that'd be giving into the instigators". that was said because electricity was originally set to be called "F**k the KKK" because people thought 311 was a racist band. however the band decided against that name and set it as Electricity.
  • Jeremy from Sioux Falls, SdI think you're confused Duane though Jules saying Electricity goes to disprove the rumors is incorrect since it came out on Transistor way after Grassroots, but you're right in saying 311 is down for the unity.
  • Duane from Bowling Green, KyThat is a little misleading...the Blue Album came out after Grassroots...so...anyone who had been listening....would've well...you get the picture.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Is That Song Public Domain?

Is That Song Public Domain?Fact or Fiction

Are classic songs like "Over The Rainbow" and "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" in the public domain?

A Monster Ate My Red Two: Sesame Street's Greatest Song Spoofs

A Monster Ate My Red Two: Sesame Street's Greatest Song SpoofsSong Writing

When singers started spoofing their own songs on Sesame Street, the results were both educational and hilarious - here are the best of them.

Amanda Palmer

Amanda PalmerSongwriter Interviews

Call us crazy, but we like it when an artist comes around who doesn't mesh with the status quo.

Jello Biafra

Jello BiafraSongwriter Interviews

The former Dead Kennedys frontman on the past, present and future of the band, what music makes us "pliant and stupid," and what he learned from Alice Cooper.

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17Songwriter Interviews

Martyn talks about producing Tina Turner, some Heaven 17 hits, and his work with the British Electric Foundation.

Charlotte Caffey of The Go-Go's

Charlotte Caffey of The Go-Go'sSongwriter Interviews

Charlotte was established in the LA punk scene when a freaky girl named Belinda approached her wearing a garbage bag.