The meaning of Hive by 311

"Hive" is a song by the American rock band 311, from their self-titled album released in 1995. The song's lyrics are a commentary on the conformity and superficiality of modern society, with the "hive" serving as a metaphor for the masses that are blindly following each other.

The song's opening lines, "We're all just a bunch of bees, makin' some noise, gettin' nowhere fast", set the tone for the rest of the track, which is a critique of the way people tend to follow the crowd without questioning or thinking for themselves. The lyrics go on to describe how individuals become trapped in this cycle of conformity, "We're all just a bunch of bees, buzzin' 'round the hive, makin' some noise, gettin' nowhere fast", and how they fail to realize that there is more to life than just following the herd.

The song also touches on themes of social pressure and peer influence, with the lyrics "We're all just a bunch of bees, gettin' caught up in the swarm, makin' some noise, gettin' nowhere fast", serving as a warning about the dangers of blindly following what others are doing. The chorus, "Get outta the hive, find your own way, break free from the mold, come what may", can be seen as a call to action, urging listeners to take control of their lives and not get swept up in the crowd.

Throughout the song, 311's lead vocalist, Nick Hexum, delivers his signature blend of rap and rock vocals, with guitarist Tim Mahoney adding atmospheric guitar textures. The result is a high-energy track that is both catchy and thought-provoking, making "Hive" a standout track on the album.