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

Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull

Ian Anderson of Jethro TullSongwriter Interviews

The flautist frontman talks about touring with Led Zeppelin, his contribution to "Hotel California", and how he may have done the first MTV Unplugged.

80s Music Quiz 1

80s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

MTV, a popular TV theme song and Madonna all show up in this '80s music quiz.

Ron and Russell Mael of Sparks

Ron and Russell Mael of SparksSongwriter Interviews

The men of Sparks on their album Hippopotamus, and how Morrissey handled it when they suggested he lighten up.

Brian Kehew: The Man Behind The Remasters

Brian Kehew: The Man Behind The RemastersSong Writing

Brian has unearthed outtakes by Fleetwood Mac, Aretha Franklin, Elvis Costello and hundreds of other artists for reissues. Here's how he does it.

Melanie

MelanieSongwriter Interviews

The singer-songwriter Melanie talks about her spiritual awakening at Woodstock, "Brand New Key," and why songwriting is an art, not a craft.

Metallica

MetallicaFact or Fiction

Beef with Bon Jovi? An unfortunate Spandex period? See if you can spot the true stories in this Metallica version of Fact or Fiction.