Despite it’s upbeat, ska punk vibe, “Time Bomb”’s subject matter is actually quite dire. The meteoric ascendance of a young boy to prominence within a gang followed by his equally swift demise as he is replaced via murder.

The first verse’s lyrics were taken from “Motorcycle Ride” off the Let’s Go album.

“Time Bomb” is the second single from Rancid’s third album, …And Out Come the Wolves; it reached number 8 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks. It was later featured on the multi-band compilation album CBGB Forever. As well as being featured in S1E4 of Netflix Original show Everything Sucks!.

“Time Bomb” was featured in the fifth episode of the Gilmore Girls, “Cinnamon’s Wake.” In the 19th episode of Season 4, “Afterboom,” a character’s band performed a cover. It was also used in the 2005 movie Fun with Dick and Jane.

“Time Bomb” was released in the Rancid 01 track pack for Rock Band 2.