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

Kristian Bush of Sugarland

Kristian Bush of SugarlandSongwriter Interviews

Kristian talks songwriting technique, like how the chorus should redefine the story, and how to write a song backwards.

Ben Kowalewicz of Billy Talent

Ben Kowalewicz of Billy TalentSongwriter Interviews

The frontman for one of Canada's most well-known punk rock bands talks about his Eddie Vedder encounter, Billy Talent's new album, and the importance of rock and roll.

Commercials

CommercialsFact or Fiction

Was "Ring Of Fire" really used to sell hemorrhoid cream?

Name the Character in the Song

Name the Character in the SongMusic Quiz

With a few clues (Works at a diner, dreams of running away), can you name the character in the song?

Richie Wise (Kiss producer, Dust)

Richie Wise (Kiss producer, Dust)Songwriter Interviews

Richie talks about producing the first two Kiss albums, recording "Brother Louie," and the newfound appreciation of his rock band, Dust.

Goodbye, Hello: Ten Farewell Tour Fake-Outs

Goodbye, Hello: Ten Farewell Tour Fake-OutsSong Writing

The 10 biggest "retirement tours" that didn't take.