Let the Bad Times Roll (song)
"Let the Bad Times Roll" | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Single by the Offspring | ||||
from the album Let the Bad Times Roll | ||||
Released | February 23, 2021 | |||
Recorded | 2020[1] | |||
Genre | Pop rock[2] | |||
Length | 3:18 | |||
Label | Concord | |||
Songwriter(s) | Dexter Holland | |||
Producer(s) | Bob Rock | |||
The Offspring singles chronology | ||||
|
"Let the Bad Times Roll" is a song by American
Background
Originally written in 2016, the song was recorded in 2020 for the band's tenth studio album of the same name.[1] According to lead vocalist Dexter Holland, the song's lyrics recount the ongoing socio-political obstacles of the time when it was written. "I feel like we're in a unique period in history where instead of our world leaders saying 'we're doing our best,'" Holland said. "It's more like they're saying 'fuck it,' and it's really scary."[1] In particular, the song enjoys some political humor about Donald Trump, with lyrics such as "gonna build a wall" with references to Hillary Clinton "That bitch won't get in my way" "Lock Her Up, Lock Her up"."Hey Lincoln, how does your grave roll?", referencing the common idiom of a deceased person rolling in his/her grave.
Music video
The music video for "Let the Bad Times Roll" premiered on March 25, 2021, a month after the song was released as a single. It shows an exaggerated view of life during the COVID-19 quarantine, with the video's characters experiencing bizarre and frightening situations while stuck at home.[3] As of September 2021, it has gained over 4.6 million views.
Critical reception
In a positive review, Ash Anders of Spinnaker called the song's chorus "catchy and fun" and noted that the song had "a very distinct sound" compared to the rest of the album.[4] Tim Hoffman of Riff Magazine praised the song, describing it as having "a pop-rock aesthetic with a more upbeat and bouncy melody to contrast the cynical lyrics".[2]
Charts
Weekly charts
|
Year-end charts
|
Personnel
Credits adapted from YouTube video.[9]
The Offspring
- Dexter Holland – lead and backing vocals, rhythm guitar, bass guitar
- Noodles – lead guitar, backing vocals
Additional musician
- Josh Freese – drums
- Jason "Blackball" McLean – additional vocals[10]
- Ricardo "Tiki" Pasillas – additional percussion
References
- ^ a b c Benitez-Eves, Tina (April 16, 2021). "The Offspring Return to Maddening Days with 'Let the Bad Times Roll'". American Songwriter. Retrieved September 25, 2021.
- ^ a b Hoffman, Tim (April 15, 2021). "REVIEW: The Offspring return ready to 'Let The Bad Times Roll'". Riff Magazine. Retrieved September 25, 2021.
- Consequence of Sound. Retrieved September 25, 2021.
- ^ Anders, Ash (September 1, 2021). "Let the Bad Times Roll – 'The Offspring' album review". Spinnaker. Retrieved September 25, 2021.
- ^ "The Offspring Chart History (Canada Rock)". Billboard. Retrieved September 25, 2021.
- ^ "The Offspring Chart History (Hot Rock & Alternative Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved September 25, 2021.
- ^ "The Offspring Chart History (Rock Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved September 25, 2021.
- ^ "Rock Airplay Songs – Year-End 2021". Billboard. Retrieved December 2, 2021.
- ^ Let The Bad Times Roll, retrieved 2023-10-15
- ^ "Let The Bad Times Roll - Music Video Live Q&A". YouTube.