Come Out and Play (The Offspring song)

You gotta keep 'em separated! The Offspring exploded onto the mainstream scene with "Come Out and Play" in 1994. This iconic Punk Rock anthem from their album Smash features an unforgettable guitar riff and driving energy, making it a 90s alternative staple and intense workout song.

Released in 1994 from their independent blockbuster album Smash, "Come Out and Play (Keep 'Em Separated)" was the breakthrough single for California punk band The Offspring. It defined the mid-90s resurgence of Punk Rock for a new generation, blending fast tempos and power chords with Pop-Punk accessibility. Its most distinctive feature remains the exotic, instantly recognizable main guitar riff.

"Come Out and Play" became a massive worldwide hit, dominating MTV and alternative rock radio. Its catchy yet simple structure and the iconic spoken phrase "You gotta keep 'em separated" permeated pop culture beyond music. A high-energy track perfect for workout playlists needing intensity, the song launched The Offspring to multi-platinum success and remains a defining anthem.

SONG MEANING: "Come Out and Play" addresses escalating violence, often interpreted as gang-related or occurring in schools ("Like the latest fashion... It's catching on," "They're like porous pavement"). The famous hook, "You gotta keep 'em separated," serves primarily as a cynical commentary on how society sometimes manages conflict – through segregation and avoidance rather than addressing root causes – reflecting observations of tensions in communities.