Daily Tunes: Stickin In My Eye (NOFX)

For today's Daily Tune I'm playing a few riffs from "Stickin In My Eye" by NOFX.
I switched up the one melodic part and added the root chords since there is no bass or rhythm guitar.

"Stickin' In My Eye" is a punk rock song by the American band NOFX, released in 1992 on their fifth studio album, White Trash, Two Heebs and a Bean. The song, written by lead vocalist and bassist Fat Mike (Mike Burkett), is one of NOFX's most iconic tracks, embodying the raw energy and rebellious spirit of 1990s punk rock. It features fast-paced guitar riffs, aggressive drumming, and a catchy chorus, with a tempo of 153 BPM in the key of A Major. The track marks the debut of guitarist El Hefe, who also brought trumpet to the album, though it’s not featured in this song. Lyrically, the song opens with vivid imagery: “When I look 'round, I only see outta one eye / As the smoke surrounds my head, the sauna,” suggesting disorientation or discomfort, possibly from a physical or metaphorical irritant.
Interpretations of the song’s meaning vary, reflecting its layered punk ethos. Fat Mike has said the song was inspired by watching the news and feeling overwhelmed by distorted information, drawing a loose connection to the Germs’ song “Caught In My Eye.” Some fans, like a commenter on SongMeanings, propose the first verse describes the chaotic atmosphere of a punk show mosh pit, with “smoke” evoking smoky venues, “sauna” referencing the sweaty intensity, and getting “jabbed in the eye with a mohawk” as a literal or symbolic irritation. Others, including Songtell, interpret the “something stickin’ in my eye” as a metaphor for alienation and societal inequality, capturing feelings of isolation amid a confusing world. Lines like “I feel unusual from thinking / About the underground decay, God help me” suggest a deeper reflection on societal decline, a theme NOFX often explores, though some fans argue not every NOFX song carries heavy meaning, citing their playful, pun-driven style.
The song’s cultural impact is notable, resonating with punk rockers, skateboarders, and bikers who used it in videos, helping NOFX build a grassroots following in the early 1990s. It was part of their rise as punk gained mainstream attention post-Nirvana’s Nevermind, with Fat Mike noting Kurt Cobain’s influence in pushing him to write more poetic lyrics. A music video featuring performance footage and fan shots was made but didn’t air on MTV, though it appeared on video compilations. The song’s live performance at the 1993 Bizarre Festival in Germany, where NOFX opened with it, marked a pivotal moment in their career. Rancid also covered the song on a split EP with NOFX, though fans generally prefer NOFX’s version, praising Fat Mike’s bass and vocal delivery over Rancid’s take. “Stickin’ In My Eye” remains a fan favorite, celebrated for its raw sound and defiant attitude, cementing NOFX’s legacy in skate punk and the broader punk rock scene.