Songfacts®:

• Blink-182's Take Off Your Pants And Jacket album explores many of the trials of adolescence that are still relatable in adulthood, from the anxiety of a "First Date" to the frustration of a toxic relationship in "Shut Up." In the latter track, bassist Mark Hoppus is in the midst of breaking up with his controlling girlfriend, who criticizes him until he finally leaves.
  
  Hoppus explained the song's meaning in a 2001 tour program: "Throughout life, people will try to control you, tell you how you should live, what you should think, how you should act. This is my message to those people. Like Bad Religion says: 'Everybody knows what's best for you.'" >>>

  Suggestion credit:
  Tim - Pittsburgh, PA
• Blink's popularity exploded after the release of their previous album, Enema Of The State, which led to the typical accusations of selling out for fame and fortune. Those same people who preferred the band remain obscure and poor really got angry when, just prior to their Take Off Your Pants And Jacket Tour, Blink embarked on the 2001 Honda Civic Tour, sponsored by the American motor company. The band pointed out that the corporate connection helped them maintain lower ticket prices for the fans.