Incubus is an American rock band formed in 1991 in Calabasas, California. Best known for their genre-blending style, they mix alternative rock with funk, metal, electronic, and even jazz.
The band gained mainstream popularity with albums like Make Yourself and Morning View, led by frontman Brandon Boyd’s thoughtful lyrics and distinctive vocals.
They are celebrated for their musical evolution, moving from raw nu-metal roots to more melodic, mature compositions. Over the years, they’ve built a loyal fan base and remain one of the most creative acts in modern rock.
About the Song
Pardon Me is about feeling overwhelmed and on the edge of breaking down from life’s struggles. It expresses frustration, pain, and the need to release built-up emotions to find healing and change. It shows how difficult moments can lead to personal growth and transformation.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | October 26, 1999 |
| Album | HQ Live (Deluxe Edition) (2012) |
| Writer | Chris Kilmore, José Pasillas, Mike Einziger, Alex Katunich & Brandon Boyd |
| Producer | Scott Litt, Incubus |
Complete Pardon Me Lyrics by Incubus
Intro
Pardon me while I burst
Pardon me while I burst
Verse 1
A decade ago, I never thought I would be
At 23 on the verge of spontaneous combustion, woe is me
But I guess that it comes with the territory
An ominous landscape of never-ending calamity
I need you to hear, I need you to see
That I have had all I can take
And exploding seems like a definite possibility
To me
Chorus
So pardon me while I burst into flames
I’ve had enough of the world and its people’s mindless games
So pardon me while I burn and rise above the flame
Pardon me, pardon me, I’ll never be the same
Verse 2
Not two days ago, I was having a look
In a book and I saw a picture of a guy fried up above his knee
I said, “I can relate,” ’cause lately, I’ve been
Thinking of combustication as a welcome vacation from
The burdens of the planet Earth
Like gravity, hypocrisy and the perils of being in 3D
But thinking so much differently, yeah
Chorus
Pardon me while I burst into flames
I’ve had enough of the world and its people’s mindless games
So pardon me while I burn and rise above the flame
Pardon me, pardon me, I’ll never be the same
Never be the same, yeah
Bridge
Pardon me while I burst into flames
Pardon me, pardon me, pardon me
Chorus
So pardon me while I burst into flames
I’ve had enough of the world and its people’s mindless games
So pardon me while I burn and rise above the flame
Pardon me, pardon me, I’ll never be the same
Outro
Pardon me, never be the same, yeah
Live Performances of the Song
1. Live in New York City, 2001
2 . Live at Red Rocks DVD, 2004
3 . Live on Letterman
Similar Songs Like Pardon Me
Here are some other songs with the same strong feelings and energy as “Pardon Me.” If you like powerful guitar sounds, honest lyrics, or smooth tunes, these tracks are worth a listen.
- Drive: This mellow and thoughtful song is all about choosing your own path in life. It has calm energy and inspiring lyrics throughout.
- Stellar: Starting with dreamy guitar sounds, this love song feels spacey and emotional. It mixes soft verses with a powerful, rising chorus.
- Wish You Were Here: With a peaceful vibe and catchy melody, this track celebrates life’s simple moments. It’s both thoughtful and inspiring in a beautiful way.
Similar Artists Like Incubus
These artists also combine heavy sounds with softer, emotional moments and aren’t afraid to experiment. Each group brings its own twist to alternative rock, making them great choices for fans of Incubus.
- 311
Genre: Alternative Rock / Funk Rock
Top albums: Transistor (1997), From Chaos (2001), Music (1993), Evolver (2003) - Deftones
Genre: Alternative Metal / Experimental Rock
Top albums: White Pony (2000), Around the Fur (1997), Diamond Eyes (2010), Koi No Yokan (2012) - Hoobastank
Genre: Post-Grunge / Alternative Rock
Top albums: The Reason (2003), Hoobastank (2001), Every Man for Himself (2006), Fight or Flight (2012) - Audioslave
Genre: Hard Rock / Alternative Rock
Top albums: Audioslave (2002), Out of Exile (2005), Revelations (2006) - Lostprophets
Genre: Alternative Rock / Nu-Metal
Top albums: Start Something (2004), Liberation Transmission (2006), The Fake Sound of Progress (2000)
Frequently Asked Questions
What Inspired the Lyrics of Pardon Me?
The lyrics were inspired by a photo of alleged spontaneous human combustion in Life magazine, which the songwriter connected to personal struggles and emotional challenges.
What is the Meaning Behind Pardon Me?
The song’s meaning centers on the metaphor of “bursting into flames” to show reaching a breaking point, transforming, and overcoming negativity and fear.
How did Pardon Me Perform on the Charts?
Pardon Me was indeed the band’s first big radio hit, reaching number three on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart, number seven on Mainstream Rock Tracks, and number two on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart.
