Down In Flames

Album: Why Do They Rock So Hard? (1998)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song about the passing popularity of Reel Big Fish and other ska bands. Ska had a moment in 1997 when The Mighty Mighty Bosstones were on the radio with "The Impression That I Get" and Reel Big Fish with "Sell Out." These bands had been around for a while, and it was obvious even to them that the ska craze wouldn't last.

Comments: 1

  • Ray from Bronxville, Ndthis song isnt about that, it is actually about how all people who are fans of bands when they are unknown or "underground" get mad when bands succeed, so the song is all about how people who call themselves true fans just want to see bands fail, or go down in flames
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Steve Morse of Deep Purple

Steve Morse of Deep PurpleSongwriter Interviews

Deep Purple's guitarist since 1994, Steve talks about writing songs with the band and how he puts his own spin on "Smoke On The Water."

Angelo Moore of Fishbone

Angelo Moore of FishboneSongwriter Interviews

Fishbone has always enjoyed much more acclaim than popularity - Angelo might know why.

Modern A Cappella with Peder Karlsson of The Real Group

Modern A Cappella with Peder Karlsson of The Real GroupSong Writing

The leader of the Modern A Cappella movement talks about the genre.

Sub Pop Founder Bruce Pavitt On How To Create A Music Scene

Sub Pop Founder Bruce Pavitt On How To Create A Music SceneSong Writing

With $50 and a glue stick, Bruce Pavitt created Sub Pop, a fanzine-turned-label that gave the world Nirvana and grunge. He explains how motivated individuals can shift culture.

Songs Discussed in Movies

Songs Discussed in MoviesSong Writing

Bridesmaids, Reservoir Dogs, Willy Wonka - just a few of the flicks where characters discuss specific songs, sometimes as a prelude to murder.

Christmas Songs

Christmas SongsFact or Fiction

Rudolf, Bob Dylan and the Singing Dogs all show up in this Fact or Fiction for seasonal favorites.