section 17

Joel Delarosa

Etra Credit Paper

311 and Philosophy

A band that has been around for many years but for some odd reason many people have never heard of them. Some might have heard a song or two off of various movies such as “50 first dates”, and “Surfs Up”. What many people have yet to realize is that this band is way more than a bunch of dudes rocking out and putting on a great show. With their powerful lyrics that pursue their listeners to live a new life, this band has started a religion.

I can tell you from a firsthand experience that this religion is embedded into every 311 fan. This past summer 311 had their first annual music festival. The festival was called the “311 Powwow”. The band wanted to show appreciation to their dedicated fans so they called for their biggest gathering ever. With over 30,000 fans from all around the world gathering by the Suwannee River in northern Florida, I learned that the 311 nation was more than just a name for fans. Being a part of the 311 nation meant that you understood the lyrics, and you were devoted to bettering you own attitude and view of others, for your own good.

The band refers to positivity and unity amongst yourself and others. Their lyrics “Come Original”, and “Trust your instincts and let go of regret”, is their way of telling you to just be yourself and go with the flow. The best person you can be is yourself and you should encourage that not only in the way you act but also in you thought process. 311 has very powerful lyrics when it comes to negativity in your life. They help you through the bad times and attempt to make you look on the bright side of things, with lyrics such as “From chaos comes clarity”, and “If there is a shadow in your life then there is a sunshine”.

When you listen to a lot of their lyrics you soon realize that their biggest pet peeve is pessimistic people. People that doubt, hate, criticize, and choose to be bitter, would not enjoy their lyrics. “Fuck the naysayers ‘cause they don’t mean a thing”, “cruise on by the frowners”, “It’s a waste to be a hater”, “the jaded ones will wither while the optimistic ones grow”, are all lyrics that oppose those people that just want to bring you down.

To do “good” is one thing but to do great is another, and my faith in the lyrics of this band makes me feel as if I am taking strides to that standard. “Nothing in life is above being honest”, “Do what’s right and see the good in everybody”, “give thanks and praise to the things you’ve found, humble people not ashamed or proud”.

A band that reaches out for the best in you is a rare one. Many people look past the lyrics that they listen to and I believe that is what corrupts a lot of people today. For me I will always shoot for the greater good. If negativity tries to follow me I will look beyond it and try to find the silver lining. I will always remember that “life is not a race” and that Living is a journey”