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blink-182's 'All the Small Things' Overview

May 9, 2025

blink-182 - All the Small Things Lyrics

Overview

  • Artist: blink-182
  • Song: All the Small Things
  • Album: Enema of the State (1999)
  • Producer: Jerry Finn
  • Writers: Tom DeLonge, Mark Hoppus, Travis Barker
  • Release Date: June 1, 1999
  • Views: 1.4M

Song Inspiration & Background

  • Written by Tom DeLonge for his then-girlfriend, Jenna Jenkins.
  • The song features real anecdotes, such as leaving roses on the stairs.
  • Tom DeLonge aimed to create a simple song with "na na nas," inspired by punk idols, the Ramones.
  • Known for its catchy chorus and pop-punk style.

Music Video

  • Parodies the Backstreet Boys' "I Want It That Way" video.
  • Mark Hoppus met his wife, Skye Everly, during the video shoot.

Song Themes

  • Focuses on small, meaningful gestures in relationships.
  • Emphasizes the importance of presence and support.

Lyrics Breakdown

Verse 1

  • Highlights small gestures that bring true care.
  • Mentions the reliability and presence of a partner.

Pre-Chorus

  • A denial and request for support ("Say it ain't so, I will not go").
  • Imagery of being carried home.

Chorus

  • Repetitive "Na-na" chorus, emphasizing simplicity and catchiness.

Verse 2

  • Expresses the routine of coming home late.
  • Mentions a surprise gesture of love (roses by the stairs).

Bridge

  • Repeated themes of denial and support.
  • Encouragement to keep steady and enjoy the moment.

Outro

  • Reiteration of the pre-chorus and bridge themes.
  • Ends with the line "The night will go on, my little windmill."

Reception & Legacy

  • Considered a staple of pop-punk music.
  • Achieved significant mainstream success.
  • Acknowledged by the band as both a blessing for its success and a challenge due to its simplicity.

Fun Facts

  • Last song recorded for the album "Enema of the State."
  • The song's success helped propel blink-182 into the mainstream spotlight.
  • Despite its success, Tom DeLonge and Travis Barker have expressed mixed feelings about the song over time.

Related Releases

  • Part of the "Greatest Hits" and various compilation albums.
  • Covered and remixed by multiple artists.