the official title of the song references the date april 29, 1992; however, the lyric is sung as "april 26, 1992." it has been said this was a mistake, but the take was strong enough the band kept it. theories have developed about the true integrity of the song's lyrics. the acts of crime including arson, robbery and vandalism referred to in the lyrics were purportedly committed by bradley nowell and other sublime band members during the 1992 la riots. the lyrics also offer a justification for the band's participation in the unrest: