All Star

"**All Star**" is a song by American rock band Smash Mouth from their second studio album, *Astro Lounge* (1999). Written by Greg Camp and produced by Eric Valentine, the song was released on May 4, 1999, as the first single from *Astro Lounge*. The song was one of the last tracks to be written for *Astro Lounge*, after the band's record label Interscope requested for more songs that could be released as singles. In writing it, Camp drew musical influence from contemporary music by artists like Sugar Ray and Third Eye Blind, and sought out to create an "anthem" for outcasts. In contrast to the more ska punk style of Smash Mouth's debut album *Fush Yu Mang* (1997), the song features a more radio-friendly style.

The song received generally positive reviews from music critics, who praised its musical progression from *Fush Yo Mang* as well as its catchy tone. It was nominated for the Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals at the 42nd Grammy Awards. Subsequent reviews from critics have regarded "All Star" favorably, with some ranking it as one of the best songs of 1999. The song charted around the world, ranking in the top 10 of the charts in Australia, Canada, and on the *Billboard* Hot 100, while topping the *Billboard* Adult Top 40 and Mainstream Top 40 charts. Its accompanying music video features characters from the superhero film *Mystery Men*, which itself prominently featured "All Star". The song became ubiquitous in popular culture, following multiple appearances in films, most notably in the DreamWorks Animation film *Shrek* (2001). It received renewed popularity in the 2010s as an internet meme and has ranked as one of the most-streamed rock songs from 2017 to 2020 in the United States.

## Lyrics

Somebody once told me the world is gonna roll me

I ain't the sharpest tool in the shed

She was looking kind of dumb with her finger and her thumb

In the shape of an "L" on her forehead

Well, the years start coming and they don't stop coming

Fed to the rules and I hit the ground running

Didn't make sense not to live for fun

Your brain gets smart but your head gets dumb

So much to do, so much to see

So what's wrong with taking the back streets?

You'll never know if you don't go

You'll never shine if you don't glow

Hey, now, you're an all-star, get your game on, go play

Hey, now, you're a rock star, get the show on, get paid

And all that glitters is gold

Only shooting stars break the mold

It's a cool place and they say it gets colder

You're bundled up now wait 'til you get older

But the meteor men beg to differ

Judging by the hole in the satellite picture

The ice we skate is getting pretty thin

The water's getting warm so you might as well swim

My world's on fire. How about yours?

That's the way I like it and I'll never get bored

Hey, now, you're an all-star, get your game on, go play

Hey, now, you're a rock star, get the show on, get paid

And all that glitters is gold

Only shooting stars break the mold

Go for the moon

Go for the moon

Go for the moon

Go for the moon

Hey, now, you're an all-star, get your game on, go play

Hey, now, you're a rock star, get the show on, get paid

And all that glitters is gold

Only shooting stars

Somebody once asked could I spare some change for gas

I need to get myself away from this place

I said yep, what a concept

I could use a little fuel myself

And we could all use a little change

Well, the years start coming and they don't stop coming

Fed to the rules and I hit the ground running

Didn't make sense not to live for fun

Your brain gets smart but your head gets dumb

So much to do, so much to see

So what's wrong with taking the back streets?

You'll never know if you don't go

You'll never shine if you don't glow

Hey, now, you're an all star, get your game on, go play

Hey, now, you're a rock star, get the show on, get paid

And all that glitters is gold

Only shooting stars break the mold

And all that glitters is gold

Only shooting stars break the mold