Nimrod
1.
Nice Guys Finish Last
Posted by BM on February 13 2010
This song is about being nice, which is a good thing, until you get left in the dust,
1/7
Posted by Jos!e on October 19 2009
This song is about needing to be a strong individual to get what u want instead of being weak and getting stepped on.
2/7
Posted by Jaques on September 17 2009
This song's meaning is dead obvious - if you don't do what you want, you won't get what you want. The song may also be directly or indirectly related to the famous quote "Nice guys finish last" - said by American baseball infield player and manager Leo Durocher.
3/7
Posted by Scott Ramsay on August 10 2009
The title pretty much explains it. To get what you want in life, you have to put yourself first. Be selfish or you won't get what you want.
4/7
Posted by rachelle on August 01 2009
If you're nice to everybody just so that you don't hurt their feelings, it isn't gonna get you anywhere
5/7
Posted by Corey Ward on June 11 2009
This is about getting the shit end of the deal. It's typical too for example when you're nice to and for a girl you seem to get the shitty deal but if you're a typical dick they'll stay around.
6/7
Posted by haushinka98 on June 03 2009
It's about getting the shitty end of the deal.
7/7
Nice Guys Finish Last
Posted by BM on February 13 2010
This song is about being nice, which is a good thing, until you get left in the dust,
Posted by Jos!e on October 19 2009
This song is about needing to be a strong individual to get what u want instead of being weak and getting stepped on.
Posted by Jaques on September 17 2009
This song's meaning is dead obvious - if you don't do what you want, you won't get what you want. The song may also be directly or indirectly related to the famous quote "Nice guys finish last" - said by American baseball infield player and manager Leo Durocher.
Posted by Scott Ramsay on August 10 2009
The title pretty much explains it. To get what you want in life, you have to put yourself first. Be selfish or you won't get what you want.
Posted by rachelle on August 01 2009
If you're nice to everybody just so that you don't hurt their feelings, it isn't gonna get you anywhere
Posted by Corey Ward on June 11 2009
This is about getting the shit end of the deal. It's typical too for example when you're nice to and for a girl you seem to get the shitty deal but if you're a typical dick they'll stay around.
Posted by haushinka98 on June 03 2009
It's about getting the shitty end of the deal.
2.
Hitchin' a Ride
Posted by TheSaintJimmy1998 on March 06 2010
The meaning of this song sounds like a redemption film to me. Its about a guy trying to give up on alcoholism, but eventually gives in, but is lying to everyone about it, and that he's OK. ("Troubled times / You know I cannot lie). One of my favourite Green Day songs.
1/4
Posted by Zack on July 24 2009
Hitchin' a Ride is about someone who tried to let go of alcohol and drugs, but gave in and wants more. "I'm off the wagon and I'm Hitchin' a Ride"
2/4
Posted by Katherine on June 02 2009
It's about abstaining from alcohal for a long time and then finally giving in. The lyrics tell the story of a person who is trying to get a lift to a bar to get some booze.
3/4
Posted by 4thWarmasterKais on June 01 2009
'Hitchin' A Ride' is about being an alcoholic, and just wanting to keep drinking. Alternately, you could say it's about needing a drink to get away from not having the life you wanted.
4/4
Hitchin' a Ride
Posted by TheSaintJimmy1998 on March 06 2010
The meaning of this song sounds like a redemption film to me. Its about a guy trying to give up on alcoholism, but eventually gives in, but is lying to everyone about it, and that he's OK. ("Troubled times / You know I cannot lie). One of my favourite Green Day songs.
Posted by Zack on July 24 2009
Hitchin' a Ride is about someone who tried to let go of alcohol and drugs, but gave in and wants more. "I'm off the wagon and I'm Hitchin' a Ride"
Posted by Katherine on June 02 2009
It's about abstaining from alcohal for a long time and then finally giving in. The lyrics tell the story of a person who is trying to get a lift to a bar to get some booze.
Posted by 4thWarmasterKais on June 01 2009
'Hitchin' A Ride' is about being an alcoholic, and just wanting to keep drinking. Alternately, you could say it's about needing a drink to get away from not having the life you wanted.
3.
The Grouch
Posted by Henrique on January 19 2010
This song talks about dreams that Billie Joe had when he was a kid. He "Was a young boy that had big plans." But the things around him, made him give up about many things he dreamed. "I had a young and optimistic point of view," explains what he wants and what really happened.
1/6
Posted by DeAnna on September 06 2009
Billie Joe wrote this song after getting in a fight with his wife, Adrienne. It's about the fear our generation has about turning into our parents.
2/6
Posted by dig on August 14 2009
this is who billie joe was afraid he was gunna grow up to be and he doesnt want to. just a cranky unhappy man.
3/6
Posted by Steven on August 02 2009
It's about feeling older than you really are. Like how old people are always being grouchy and assholes ''Now I'm just another just a shitty old man.''
4/6
Posted by Jake on June 01 2009
It's about an "old crank" who grew up as a good looking young boy who had great plans but because of his selfishness and cranky attitude he is now just another "shitty old man".
5/6
Posted by 4thWarmasterKais on June 01 2009
It's about growing old, feeling inadequate, and being pissed off about it. The viewpoint seems very negative about how the years has gone by.
6/6
The Grouch
Posted by Henrique on January 19 2010
This song talks about dreams that Billie Joe had when he was a kid. He "Was a young boy that had big plans." But the things around him, made him give up about many things he dreamed. "I had a young and optimistic point of view," explains what he wants and what really happened.
Posted by DeAnna on September 06 2009
Billie Joe wrote this song after getting in a fight with his wife, Adrienne. It's about the fear our generation has about turning into our parents.
Posted by dig on August 14 2009
this is who billie joe was afraid he was gunna grow up to be and he doesnt want to. just a cranky unhappy man.
Posted by Steven on August 02 2009
It's about feeling older than you really are. Like how old people are always being grouchy and assholes ''Now I'm just another just a shitty old man.''
Posted by Jake on June 01 2009
It's about an "old crank" who grew up as a good looking young boy who had great plans but because of his selfishness and cranky attitude he is now just another "shitty old man".
Posted by 4thWarmasterKais on June 01 2009
It's about growing old, feeling inadequate, and being pissed off about it. The viewpoint seems very negative about how the years has gone by.
4.
Redundant
Posted by Sleah2 on February 03 2010
This is a a song Billie Joe wrote when he was going through a rough spot in his marriage. 'I love you's not enough' means that he and Adrienne said 'I love you' too each other but it didn't mean anything, like it was a routine.
1/6
Posted by Pliskin on December 18 2009
This song is about how society is stuck in the constant cycle or 're-run' of everyday life. Hence the line 'we're living in a repetition, content in the same old shtick again." and "like a production line going over and over..." In the music video you see a woman going through the same routine everyday, including picking up a paper every morning, at the end of the song billie joe takes the paper and when the woman can't find it, she screams. this suggests that we are so stuck in this way of life, we wouldn't know what to do if it failed us.
i think the line "i cannot speak, ive lost my voice" refers to how most people are too scared to speak out about the world they live in. but the ideas others have mentioned are likely to be true as well
2/6
Posted by Ashley on November 16 2009
The song "Redundant" is basically a break up song. You fall in love with someone that you know and say I love you so many times. Saying "I love you" is not enough. You have to actually say more than one thing besides saying those three words
3/6
Posted by Words-I-Might-Have-Ate on August 11 2009
It's about how when you say things too much, they don't mean anything. Billie wrote it for his wife.
4/6
Posted by Katherine on June 02 2009
Billie Joe sings about a relationship that has become boring and rehersed, to the point where saying "I Love You" doesn't have a profound meaning. ("I'm speechless and redundant, 'cause 'I love you' is not enough...")
5/6
Posted by Brittany on May 26 2009
Redundant's meaning, to me, is living life in a re-run type manner. Doing the same things over and over & saying the same things. Until one day your words and actions don't really have a meaning behind them anymore.
6/6
Redundant
Posted by Sleah2 on February 03 2010
This is a a song Billie Joe wrote when he was going through a rough spot in his marriage. 'I love you's not enough' means that he and Adrienne said 'I love you' too each other but it didn't mean anything, like it was a routine.
Posted by Pliskin on December 18 2009
This song is about how society is stuck in the constant cycle or 're-run' of everyday life. Hence the line 'we're living in a repetition, content in the same old shtick again." and "like a production line going over and over..." In the music video you see a woman going through the same routine everyday, including picking up a paper every morning, at the end of the song billie joe takes the paper and when the woman can't find it, she screams. this suggests that we are so stuck in this way of life, we wouldn't know what to do if it failed us.
i think the line "i cannot speak, ive lost my voice" refers to how most people are too scared to speak out about the world they live in. but the ideas others have mentioned are likely to be true as well
Posted by Ashley on November 16 2009
The song "Redundant" is basically a break up song. You fall in love with someone that you know and say I love you so many times. Saying "I love you" is not enough. You have to actually say more than one thing besides saying those three words
Posted by Words-I-Might-Have-Ate on August 11 2009
It's about how when you say things too much, they don't mean anything. Billie wrote it for his wife.
Posted by Katherine on June 02 2009
Billie Joe sings about a relationship that has become boring and rehersed, to the point where saying "I Love You" doesn't have a profound meaning. ("I'm speechless and redundant, 'cause 'I love you' is not enough...")
Posted by Brittany on May 26 2009
Redundant's meaning, to me, is living life in a re-run type manner. Doing the same things over and over & saying the same things. Until one day your words and actions don't really have a meaning behind them anymore.
5.
Scattered
Posted by Corey Ward on June 11 2009
This is about how your life is scattered apart in one meaning relationship and your trying to find the pieces to fix things. As if you don't want to give up hope on that one special girl
1/2
Posted by 4thWarmasterKais on June 01 2009
It's about trying desparately to mend a broken relationship. This could be a romantic one, but it could equally be true of friendship.
2/2
Scattered
Posted by Corey Ward on June 11 2009
This is about how your life is scattered apart in one meaning relationship and your trying to find the pieces to fix things. As if you don't want to give up hope on that one special girl
Posted by 4thWarmasterKais on June 01 2009
It's about trying desparately to mend a broken relationship. This could be a romantic one, but it could equally be true of friendship.
6.
All The Time
Posted by 4thWarmasterKais on June 01 2009
It's about getting kicks whenever you feel low, be it an activity or substance. Whatever it is, it is implied that it may have negative impacts in your life ("Guess I shoulda read between the lines")
All The Time
Posted by 4thWarmasterKais on June 01 2009
It's about getting kicks whenever you feel low, be it an activity or substance. Whatever it is, it is implied that it may have negative impacts in your life ("Guess I shoulda read between the lines")
7.
Worry Rock
Posted by Katherine on June 02 2009
This song was written about a loveless relationship and Billie Joe questions if it will last or weither or not he should stay in it and keep trying to work it out.
1/3
Posted by Andy on June 02 2009
This song is about how, perhaps a reationship, gets to an end, like when you are stuck in a point you can't get out of. You start looking for ways to make a change to go back where you were, and in your desperation you will do things wrong and the situation will get worse, until you realize you just can do it if you and that special person work together.
2/3
Posted by 4thWarmasterKais on June 01 2009
This song is like a row between a couple, and about trying to weather the tough times they are having. It is similar in meaning to Scattered and Church On Sunday..
3/3
Worry Rock
Posted by Katherine on June 02 2009
This song was written about a loveless relationship and Billie Joe questions if it will last or weither or not he should stay in it and keep trying to work it out.
Posted by Andy on June 02 2009
This song is about how, perhaps a reationship, gets to an end, like when you are stuck in a point you can't get out of. You start looking for ways to make a change to go back where you were, and in your desperation you will do things wrong and the situation will get worse, until you realize you just can do it if you and that special person work together.
Posted by 4thWarmasterKais on June 01 2009
This song is like a row between a couple, and about trying to weather the tough times they are having. It is similar in meaning to Scattered and Church On Sunday..
8.
Platypus (I Hate You)
Posted by THEamericanidiot04 on September 05 2009
This song is talking about a guy that really pissed a lot of people off, including Billie Joe. If you listen to the lyrics they are really mean and harsh. Its basically saying, "I hate you, and i hope you die!!" This song is awesome!
1/8
Posted by Words-I-Might-Have-Ate on August 11 2009
It's about a music critic who wrote a nasty review about Dookie. Billie heard he died from lung cancer and wrote a song about him.
2/8
Posted by aylaKay on July 20 2009
As everyone else has said, it's a typical hate song, though Billie's mouth adds a little more to it. Billie said in some interview that he named it Platypus because he had always wanted to name a song that and he thought that I Hate You would be too expected. :)
3/8
Posted by Ethan D. on June 03 2009
I've listended to this song a lot of times and i beleive the meaning is that there is a guy who everyone hates and he pretends to hear what he wants too instead of what everyone is telling him. Also the majority of the lines in this song is from the peoples point of view e.g dont pretend that we all love you and tell you all the things you wanna hear.
4/8
Posted by Mari on June 03 2009
Billie Joe wrote this song about someone he truly hated. This guy must have down something to Billie Joe because he is also talking about karma ("What goes around is coming back and haunting you")
5/8
Posted by XxVivaLaLostXx on June 02 2009
A typical hate song. About hating someone and wishing that you never knew them, or that they were dead so you can piss on their grave.
6/8
Posted by Jake on June 01 2009
As the title reads (the second one of course). It's a hate song about someone who has broken your heart and made you so angry you want that person to die.
7/8
Posted by 4thWarmasterKais on June 01 2009
This song is about really hating someone, to the extent you wish they were dead.
8/8
Platypus (I Hate You)
Posted by THEamericanidiot04 on September 05 2009
This song is talking about a guy that really pissed a lot of people off, including Billie Joe. If you listen to the lyrics they are really mean and harsh. Its basically saying, "I hate you, and i hope you die!!" This song is awesome!
Posted by Words-I-Might-Have-Ate on August 11 2009
It's about a music critic who wrote a nasty review about Dookie. Billie heard he died from lung cancer and wrote a song about him.
Posted by aylaKay on July 20 2009
As everyone else has said, it's a typical hate song, though Billie's mouth adds a little more to it. Billie said in some interview that he named it Platypus because he had always wanted to name a song that and he thought that I Hate You would be too expected. :)
Posted by Ethan D. on June 03 2009
I've listended to this song a lot of times and i beleive the meaning is that there is a guy who everyone hates and he pretends to hear what he wants too instead of what everyone is telling him. Also the majority of the lines in this song is from the peoples point of view e.g dont pretend that we all love you and tell you all the things you wanna hear.
Posted by Mari on June 03 2009
Billie Joe wrote this song about someone he truly hated. This guy must have down something to Billie Joe because he is also talking about karma ("What goes around is coming back and haunting you")
Posted by XxVivaLaLostXx on June 02 2009
A typical hate song. About hating someone and wishing that you never knew them, or that they were dead so you can piss on their grave.
Posted by Jake on June 01 2009
As the title reads (the second one of course). It's a hate song about someone who has broken your heart and made you so angry you want that person to die.
Posted by 4thWarmasterKais on June 01 2009
This song is about really hating someone, to the extent you wish they were dead.
9.
Uptight
Posted by cletrab45 on December 27 2009
I do think this song is about suicide, especially with lines like "future just ain't what it used to be".
1/2
Posted by 4thWarmasterKais on June 01 2009
This song is about being on the verge of suicide. Or at least contemplating it.
2/2
Uptight
Posted by cletrab45 on December 27 2009
I do think this song is about suicide, especially with lines like "future just ain't what it used to be".
Posted by 4thWarmasterKais on June 01 2009
This song is about being on the verge of suicide. Or at least contemplating it.
10.
Last Ride In
Posted by Micah on June 09 2009
An instrumental song written during a soundcheck.
Last Ride In
Posted by Micah on June 09 2009
An instrumental song written during a soundcheck.
11.
Jinx
Posted by Jaques on September 05 2009
Jinx is about being stuck in a relationship where you can't stop fucking it up, as the start of the song says. The whole song is moaning about how Billie feels he's a jinx to his other half, and that he should be punished for it - he states it's all his fault, and asks to "torture me, I've been a bad boy," because he feels he's dragging her down. Basically, the idea is that he feels he's with an angel, but all he can do is pull at her wings.
1/5
Posted by smart person on July 30 2009
this one's a little obvious. it's about fucking up in the same way and knowing you deserve what you get every time. the end seems like it's implying a relationship in there but you can figure that one out.
2/5
Posted by St. J!mmy on July 18 2009
I believe Billie Joe wrote this song for his wife Adrianne after getting in a fight with her. He says, "I fucked up again it's all my fault, so turn me around to face the wall"
3/5
Posted by brandon on June 16 2009
Well, i have listened to this song several times, and, as far as i am concerned, it is about constantly fucking up without trying to. He doesn't want to but happens, and its like for every little thing that happens he gets blamed for, and when it is him they talk to him until they are blue in the face, but nothing is getting through, proven in the verse "Read me my rights and tell me I'm wrong. Until it gets into my thick skull." Also, its like everything bad happens to him (him being Billie), and he's just jinxed and all the bad shit in his life falls onto him, stated in the line as follows "I'm hexed with regrets and bad luck.Keep your distance 'cause it's rubbing off.Or you will be damned to spend your life in hell.Or earth with me tangled at your feet."
4/5
Posted by Adam Henderson on June 15 2009
judging by the lyrics alone I'd say the song is about someone who is always in trouble with the law and is telling his other half to stay away from him because it's likely to affect her too
5/5
Jinx
Posted by Jaques on September 05 2009
Jinx is about being stuck in a relationship where you can't stop fucking it up, as the start of the song says. The whole song is moaning about how Billie feels he's a jinx to his other half, and that he should be punished for it - he states it's all his fault, and asks to "torture me, I've been a bad boy," because he feels he's dragging her down. Basically, the idea is that he feels he's with an angel, but all he can do is pull at her wings.
Posted by smart person on July 30 2009
this one's a little obvious. it's about fucking up in the same way and knowing you deserve what you get every time. the end seems like it's implying a relationship in there but you can figure that one out.
Posted by St. J!mmy on July 18 2009
I believe Billie Joe wrote this song for his wife Adrianne after getting in a fight with her. He says, "I fucked up again it's all my fault, so turn me around to face the wall"
Posted by brandon on June 16 2009
Well, i have listened to this song several times, and, as far as i am concerned, it is about constantly fucking up without trying to. He doesn't want to but happens, and its like for every little thing that happens he gets blamed for, and when it is him they talk to him until they are blue in the face, but nothing is getting through, proven in the verse "Read me my rights and tell me I'm wrong. Until it gets into my thick skull." Also, its like everything bad happens to him (him being Billie), and he's just jinxed and all the bad shit in his life falls onto him, stated in the line as follows "I'm hexed with regrets and bad luck.Keep your distance 'cause it's rubbing off.Or you will be damned to spend your life in hell.Or earth with me tangled at your feet."
Posted by Adam Henderson on June 15 2009
judging by the lyrics alone I'd say the song is about someone who is always in trouble with the law and is telling his other half to stay away from him because it's likely to affect her too
12.
Haushinka
Posted by Anna on July 15 2009
it's about a girl Billie met in Japan (named Haushinka) while touring. He told her that he'd write a song about her. It was written in 1992.
1/2
Posted by Stan on June 08 2009
I believe that this was a hot girl that Billie Joe once met the day before his birthday. When he was gonna ask her out, he couldn't because she was already gone, and he got mad at himself because he didn't get to ask her.
2/2
Haushinka
Posted by Anna on July 15 2009
it's about a girl Billie met in Japan (named Haushinka) while touring. He told her that he'd write a song about her. It was written in 1992.
Posted by Stan on June 08 2009
I believe that this was a hot girl that Billie Joe once met the day before his birthday. When he was gonna ask her out, he couldn't because she was already gone, and he got mad at himself because he didn't get to ask her.
13.
Walking Alone
Posted by Karen:] on December 21 2009
This song is about how keeping your mouth shut can avoid a lot of fights and arguments. Because then you realize you were wrong and have to apologize.
1/3
Posted by Lyndsey McNitt on May 27 2009
This is a song about letting so many people down, embarassing so many people, upsetting so many people, that you feel you're alone. That you're so damn drunk on alcohol, fake pride, or anything else you can't recognize the difference between the heroes and cons. And then, you realize sometimes you have to apologize, sometimes it was your fault, sometimes you did mess it up.
2/3
Posted by Devin McCrea on May 27 2009
Walking Alone is about the morning after the homecoming party. You came home, got drunk, punched your best friend in the mouth, then screwed his girl, and now it almost seems like it would have been better if you stayed away. You sit and watch as the people you once loved and placed all your trust in rot and stagnate over the years, and hate you for not willing to suffer that same fate. So, when you do go home, you walk on eggshells, you keep your eyes to the ground, almost as if looking upon the damned will make you one as well. In reality, though, if you had shut your mouth and let bygones be bygones, nobody would have stood in your way. So you blame yourself for the rapidly decaying state of every relationship you ever felt was important in your life. And you drink. And smoke. And it's not until alot later that you realize that these things aren't, in fact, your fault. That people grow apart, and sometimes choose to walk different paths then the ones they love. But you realized it a little bit too late...so now you walk alone.
3/3
Walking Alone
Posted by Karen:] on December 21 2009
This song is about how keeping your mouth shut can avoid a lot of fights and arguments. Because then you realize you were wrong and have to apologize.
Posted by Lyndsey McNitt on May 27 2009
This is a song about letting so many people down, embarassing so many people, upsetting so many people, that you feel you're alone. That you're so damn drunk on alcohol, fake pride, or anything else you can't recognize the difference between the heroes and cons. And then, you realize sometimes you have to apologize, sometimes it was your fault, sometimes you did mess it up.
Posted by Devin McCrea on May 27 2009
Walking Alone is about the morning after the homecoming party. You came home, got drunk, punched your best friend in the mouth, then screwed his girl, and now it almost seems like it would have been better if you stayed away. You sit and watch as the people you once loved and placed all your trust in rot and stagnate over the years, and hate you for not willing to suffer that same fate. So, when you do go home, you walk on eggshells, you keep your eyes to the ground, almost as if looking upon the damned will make you one as well. In reality, though, if you had shut your mouth and let bygones be bygones, nobody would have stood in your way. So you blame yourself for the rapidly decaying state of every relationship you ever felt was important in your life. And you drink. And smoke. And it's not until alot later that you realize that these things aren't, in fact, your fault. That people grow apart, and sometimes choose to walk different paths then the ones they love. But you realized it a little bit too late...so now you walk alone.
14.
Reject
Posted by NoPride_6 on March 04 2010
Reject is based on a letter that Billie Joe Armstrong received from a disturbed, concerned parent. She heard her 9-year-old son listening to a song from Insomniac with inappropriate lyrics, after the child received the CD from his grandmother for his 9th birthday. She wrote a complaint letter, and Billie Joe Armstrong wrote an insulting letter and an insulting song dedicated to her.
1/6
Posted by Brandon on January 30 2010
The song was written after some asshole of a mom complained about the language on Insomniac in a letter. Billie Joe actually wrote a letter back saying: "I do what I want, and you do what you're told." That mom should have let her kid off and complained to her kid's grandma, who bought the album for his 8th birthday.
2/6
Posted by She*Loves*Green*Day* on June 09 2009
It was written when Billie Joe (as well as the other members of Green Day) received a letter from a disturbed parent that was angry because her son had been singing a song of theirs with vulgar language from the previous album, Insomniac. Billie Joe wrote back in response and even contributed the words "I do what I want and you do what you're told" as said in the song itself.
3/6
Posted by Randal Wright on June 03 2009
This song is kind of a response to a bitchy mom that complained that Insomniac was garbage after catching her 8 year old son listening to the tape that his grandmother got him for his birthday. There is actually a a scan of the letter to Bille Joe and a letter back to the mom.
Just a fun fact: It is believed that All American Rejects got their name from this song
4/6
Posted by The Dude on June 02 2009
Came from a letter that a mom sent to Green Day concerning how bad music has become and why her son shouldn't be listening to them. In which Billie Joe replied that he made the music for his own enjoyment, and he also insulted her.
5/6
Posted by _Maisie_ on June 01 2009
This song is about when a kid's monther wrote to Billie Joe complaining about the content on Insomniac, which her son had received from his grandma for his birthday. Billie wrote a letter back to her and Reject is based on his letter.
6/6
Reject
Posted by NoPride_6 on March 04 2010
Reject is based on a letter that Billie Joe Armstrong received from a disturbed, concerned parent. She heard her 9-year-old son listening to a song from Insomniac with inappropriate lyrics, after the child received the CD from his grandmother for his 9th birthday. She wrote a complaint letter, and Billie Joe Armstrong wrote an insulting letter and an insulting song dedicated to her.
Posted by Brandon on January 30 2010
The song was written after some asshole of a mom complained about the language on Insomniac in a letter. Billie Joe actually wrote a letter back saying: "I do what I want, and you do what you're told." That mom should have let her kid off and complained to her kid's grandma, who bought the album for his 8th birthday.
Posted by She*Loves*Green*Day* on June 09 2009
It was written when Billie Joe (as well as the other members of Green Day) received a letter from a disturbed parent that was angry because her son had been singing a song of theirs with vulgar language from the previous album, Insomniac. Billie Joe wrote back in response and even contributed the words "I do what I want and you do what you're told" as said in the song itself.
Posted by Randal Wright on June 03 2009
This song is kind of a response to a bitchy mom that complained that Insomniac was garbage after catching her 8 year old son listening to the tape that his grandmother got him for his birthday. There is actually a a scan of the letter to Bille Joe and a letter back to the mom.
Just a fun fact: It is believed that All American Rejects got their name from this song
Posted by The Dude on June 02 2009
Came from a letter that a mom sent to Green Day concerning how bad music has become and why her son shouldn't be listening to them. In which Billie Joe replied that he made the music for his own enjoyment, and he also insulted her.
Posted by _Maisie_ on June 01 2009
This song is about when a kid's monther wrote to Billie Joe complaining about the content on Insomniac, which her son had received from his grandma for his birthday. Billie wrote a letter back to her and Reject is based on his letter.
15.
Take Back
Posted by Jos!e on October 19 2009
This song for me is about "Revenge" because the lyrics for example say "You Pushed me once to far AGAIN!" & that is when Billie or whoever can relate wants to TAKE BACK their pride by getting back at the person who pushed them to far.
1/3
Posted by Ethan Decker on June 04 2009
This about a guy who is really hated. With lines like you better grow some eyes in the back of your head cause ill stab you in the back and ill piss over your grave its kinda obvious that this fellow was never liked.
2/3
Posted by 4thWarmasterKais on June 01 2009
This song is about being betrayed, and thus really hating someone.
3/3
Take Back
Posted by Jos!e on October 19 2009
This song for me is about "Revenge" because the lyrics for example say "You Pushed me once to far AGAIN!" & that is when Billie or whoever can relate wants to TAKE BACK their pride by getting back at the person who pushed them to far.
Posted by Ethan Decker on June 04 2009
This about a guy who is really hated. With lines like you better grow some eyes in the back of your head cause ill stab you in the back and ill piss over your grave its kinda obvious that this fellow was never liked.
Posted by 4thWarmasterKais on June 01 2009
This song is about being betrayed, and thus really hating someone.
16.
King for a Day
Posted by Ben Cl. on December 27 2009
All the interests, desires, and glories of the world are not just restricted to certain types of people, genders, or races. This song gives off the message that we can do whatever we want to to or want to be and wear whatever we want. "Sugar, spice, and everything nice wasn't made for only girls."
1/3
Posted by Lucky on June 03 2009
It's about having a secret liking (fetish?) for dressing in drag. I don't think they needed to write a song about it, have a browse through the Picture Vault in here and it's obvious enough :]
2/3
Posted by The Dude on June 02 2009
Is about a kid who dresses in women's clothes(G.I. Joes and pantyhose)
3/3
King for a Day
Posted by Ben Cl. on December 27 2009
All the interests, desires, and glories of the world are not just restricted to certain types of people, genders, or races. This song gives off the message that we can do whatever we want to to or want to be and wear whatever we want. "Sugar, spice, and everything nice wasn't made for only girls."
Posted by Lucky on June 03 2009
It's about having a secret liking (fetish?) for dressing in drag. I don't think they needed to write a song about it, have a browse through the Picture Vault in here and it's obvious enough :]
Posted by The Dude on June 02 2009
Is about a kid who dresses in women's clothes(G.I. Joes and pantyhose)
17.
Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)
Posted by Raven on February 06 2010
This song is about Billie Joe. Although this would make for a great break-up song, its mostly about Billie realizing that he has a family, and the days of him going out and getting smashed aren't yet gone, but behind him. This song expresses that he's liked the ride, now he's at the end of his adolescence, he's reflecting upon it. 'Its something unpredictable, but in the end is right, I hope you had the time of your life.' is saying that 'Life has been fun so far, and I have no clue whats happening next, but when the end comes, I hope it all turned out fun.'
1/15
Posted by Raquel V. on January 14 2010
This song is about living and knowing the same people all your life and then all of a sudden you have to move and your entire life changes in many different ways.
2/15
Posted by Unknown on January 11 2010
This song applies to everyone, no matter what situation they're in. It can mean a lot of things. It could be a break up song, it could be saying "Good, Riddance, now get the heck out of here!" Or (what i think) its saying, is life's unpredictable, so make the best of it. Its a gift live it to the fullest, my best wishes to you and hope you had the time of your life.
3/15
Posted by Ben Cl. on December 27 2009
I think in life no matter what happens we just have to focus on what we accomplished, live out strong from our mistakes, and have no regrets. Always hold your memories and never forget the great times you have because you can't live with yourself if you always focus and remember how you screwed up and made mistakes. Good riddance to that and remember that you had the time of your life.
4/15
Posted by Mollie on December 18 2009
Billie wrote this song about his then girlfriend moving to Ecuador (I think that's where she moved). He never believed he would ever write someones prom song, and couldn't believe it when people started playing this for it. He's said in many interviews that it was about him trying to be mature about the split but the song still turning out bitter (probably because that was how he was still feeling really).This song sounds so sweet on first hearing but sometimes you can just feel that undertone that this ending wasn't that...nice. This is about the same girl that 'She' was. (P.S this IS the best acoustic song ever!)
5/15
Posted by Ashley Ondriezek on December 14 2009
I think it is about moving forward in life and leaving what is now old news for new people to regain...
6/15
Posted by Kyel on November 18 2009
This song is a break-up song. Billie Joe wrote it when he was breaking up with a girl that was moving away to Ecuador, and he was trying to be understanding. "It's something unpredictable, but in the end it's right" would be describing what happens when a couple breaks up. You don't know when it will happen, but it is usually for the better. "I hope you had the time of your life" is like saying it was fun while it lasted or something similar. That's my interpretation; but as far as Billie's goes, he thought Time Of Your Life to be too...level-headed or straightforward, so he came up with something different. This song is a break-up song and kind of a goodbye.
7/15
Posted by Alex on October 28 2009
I think this song is about a final goodbye. I recently lost a great friend and this song made me rethink life. I think Billie Joe is talking to a deceased wife or girlfriend and mourning while saying "its something unpredictable but in the end is right i hope you had the time of your life" like saying that God needed another angel or that the good ones always die first because the person was the best person he ever knew.
8/15
Posted by Amber on October 20 2009
I think there can be two ways of interpreting "Good Riddance": some think that the band's "saying good riddance to their fans after a concert; but they still hope they had the time of their lives." Yes, that could be it. But I believe the story behind this song was that Billie Joe wrote this song about a girlfriend that moved to, I think it was, Ecuador? "Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road," The turning point could be the girl deciding to move to Ecuador. "Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go," Maybe they were together for a long time? She would've had to have time to decide, right? "It's something unpredictable, but in the end is right," You can't read someone else's mind; so maybe she just sprung her decision on him on the last moment? "But in the end is right," I guess Billie would never have met Adrienne, on the bright side. "I hope you had the time of your life," Pretty self-explanitory, isn't it? Just like the "concert theory", he's telling her good riddance, but he still hopes she had the time of her life. "So take the photographs and still frames in your mind," Hmm, memories? To remember him by? "Hang it on a shelf in good health and good time," Maybe means to hang the memories on a mental shelf, because they were taken in her mind, after all. "Tattoos of memories and dead skin on trial," Might mean just that. Dead skin? I don't know. "For what it's worth, it was worth all the while," Ahh, my favourite line. I guess Billie's telling the girl that, if she cares, everything they had together was worth all the while. Everything. What they had together meant a lot to him.
9/15
Posted by Gary Santangelo on July 29 2009
I thought the song is about Green Day saying Good Riddance to their original fan base in Berkeley, CA who accused the band of selling out after "Dookie". Billie Joe is telling the bitter fans that he hoped they had the time of their lives, because Green Day was moving on.
10/15
Posted by alvin seymour on June 06 2009
Billie wrote this song for an old girlfriend he was saying goodbye to.
What I think the song means is that you always come to this point in life where you have to make decisions, you may not be happy with the choices you have, but you have to choose one, sometimes you don't know where you're going, like the expression "you cant control the wind but you can set your sails" and you have to make the best of the situation that confronts you.
11/15
Posted by Nevermind my name. on June 04 2009
Billie Joe said that was about a girl who had to move to Ecuador, so they broke up, and he was trying to be mature and all, and trying not to sound bitter, and he ended up writting "Time of your life", but he decided to change it to "Good Riddance" because time of your life was too much for him.
12/15
Posted by DetonateNow on June 02 2009
This song is about leaving your home place, or previous place! I heard somewhere that it was about when they left the place they were living in that welcome to paradise was based on! some punk settlement thing !
13/15
Posted by Kristen on June 01 2009
I read somewhere that Billie wrote this song for his ex. Billie is basically telling her, sarcastically, that he hopes she had the time of her life. Despite it sounding sweet, it's quite a bitter song.
14/15
Posted by Known Enemy on May 27 2009
This song is about someone who is leaving and yes you are angry you just tell them "I hope you have the time of your life."
15/15
Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)
Posted by Raven on February 06 2010
This song is about Billie Joe. Although this would make for a great break-up song, its mostly about Billie realizing that he has a family, and the days of him going out and getting smashed aren't yet gone, but behind him. This song expresses that he's liked the ride, now he's at the end of his adolescence, he's reflecting upon it. 'Its something unpredictable, but in the end is right, I hope you had the time of your life.' is saying that 'Life has been fun so far, and I have no clue whats happening next, but when the end comes, I hope it all turned out fun.'
Posted by Raquel V. on January 14 2010
This song is about living and knowing the same people all your life and then all of a sudden you have to move and your entire life changes in many different ways.
Posted by Unknown on January 11 2010
This song applies to everyone, no matter what situation they're in. It can mean a lot of things. It could be a break up song, it could be saying "Good, Riddance, now get the heck out of here!" Or (what i think) its saying, is life's unpredictable, so make the best of it. Its a gift live it to the fullest, my best wishes to you and hope you had the time of your life.
Posted by Ben Cl. on December 27 2009
I think in life no matter what happens we just have to focus on what we accomplished, live out strong from our mistakes, and have no regrets. Always hold your memories and never forget the great times you have because you can't live with yourself if you always focus and remember how you screwed up and made mistakes. Good riddance to that and remember that you had the time of your life.
Posted by Mollie on December 18 2009
Billie wrote this song about his then girlfriend moving to Ecuador (I think that's where she moved). He never believed he would ever write someones prom song, and couldn't believe it when people started playing this for it. He's said in many interviews that it was about him trying to be mature about the split but the song still turning out bitter (probably because that was how he was still feeling really).This song sounds so sweet on first hearing but sometimes you can just feel that undertone that this ending wasn't that...nice. This is about the same girl that 'She' was. (P.S this IS the best acoustic song ever!)
Posted by Ashley Ondriezek on December 14 2009
I think it is about moving forward in life and leaving what is now old news for new people to regain...
Posted by Kyel on November 18 2009
This song is a break-up song. Billie Joe wrote it when he was breaking up with a girl that was moving away to Ecuador, and he was trying to be understanding. "It's something unpredictable, but in the end it's right" would be describing what happens when a couple breaks up. You don't know when it will happen, but it is usually for the better. "I hope you had the time of your life" is like saying it was fun while it lasted or something similar. That's my interpretation; but as far as Billie's goes, he thought Time Of Your Life to be too...level-headed or straightforward, so he came up with something different. This song is a break-up song and kind of a goodbye.
Posted by Alex on October 28 2009
I think this song is about a final goodbye. I recently lost a great friend and this song made me rethink life. I think Billie Joe is talking to a deceased wife or girlfriend and mourning while saying "its something unpredictable but in the end is right i hope you had the time of your life" like saying that God needed another angel or that the good ones always die first because the person was the best person he ever knew.
Posted by Amber on October 20 2009
I think there can be two ways of interpreting "Good Riddance": some think that the band's "saying good riddance to their fans after a concert; but they still hope they had the time of their lives." Yes, that could be it. But I believe the story behind this song was that Billie Joe wrote this song about a girlfriend that moved to, I think it was, Ecuador? "Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road," The turning point could be the girl deciding to move to Ecuador. "Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go," Maybe they were together for a long time? She would've had to have time to decide, right? "It's something unpredictable, but in the end is right," You can't read someone else's mind; so maybe she just sprung her decision on him on the last moment? "But in the end is right," I guess Billie would never have met Adrienne, on the bright side. "I hope you had the time of your life," Pretty self-explanitory, isn't it? Just like the "concert theory", he's telling her good riddance, but he still hopes she had the time of her life. "So take the photographs and still frames in your mind," Hmm, memories? To remember him by? "Hang it on a shelf in good health and good time," Maybe means to hang the memories on a mental shelf, because they were taken in her mind, after all. "Tattoos of memories and dead skin on trial," Might mean just that. Dead skin? I don't know. "For what it's worth, it was worth all the while," Ahh, my favourite line. I guess Billie's telling the girl that, if she cares, everything they had together was worth all the while. Everything. What they had together meant a lot to him.
Posted by Gary Santangelo on July 29 2009
I thought the song is about Green Day saying Good Riddance to their original fan base in Berkeley, CA who accused the band of selling out after "Dookie". Billie Joe is telling the bitter fans that he hoped they had the time of their lives, because Green Day was moving on.
Posted by alvin seymour on June 06 2009
Billie wrote this song for an old girlfriend he was saying goodbye to.
What I think the song means is that you always come to this point in life where you have to make decisions, you may not be happy with the choices you have, but you have to choose one, sometimes you don't know where you're going, like the expression "you cant control the wind but you can set your sails" and you have to make the best of the situation that confronts you.
Posted by Nevermind my name. on June 04 2009
Billie Joe said that was about a girl who had to move to Ecuador, so they broke up, and he was trying to be mature and all, and trying not to sound bitter, and he ended up writting "Time of your life", but he decided to change it to "Good Riddance" because time of your life was too much for him.
Posted by DetonateNow on June 02 2009
This song is about leaving your home place, or previous place! I heard somewhere that it was about when they left the place they were living in that welcome to paradise was based on! some punk settlement thing !
Posted by Kristen on June 01 2009
I read somewhere that Billie wrote this song for his ex. Billie is basically telling her, sarcastically, that he hopes she had the time of her life. Despite it sounding sweet, it's quite a bitter song.
Posted by Known Enemy on May 27 2009
This song is about someone who is leaving and yes you are angry you just tell them "I hope you have the time of your life."
18.
Prosthetic Head
Posted by Raven on February 07 2010
This song is about these barbie dolls that have infected all of America. 'You're synthentic. You're pathetic.' Is saying if you're more plastic than human, something's wrong with you.
1/6
Posted by Tayra Velez on June 10 2009
This song is talking about a girl that has done plastic surgery all over her body making her "synthetic" .It says how stupid it is to actually even think about doing plastic surgery.
2/6
Posted by Rafael Signago on June 08 2009
This song is about Billie thinking how everyone in hollywood is a total phoney.
3/6
Posted by Stan on June 08 2009
I believe this is a person Billie Joe once knew who he just hated. He thought they were an absolute fake and everything about them was crap. Nothing about them was real and he just couldn't stand them.
4/6
Posted by Mari on June 03 2009
This song is about all the fake people out there in the world, for example, the celebrities in Hollywood. The song is basically saying that these people are fake inside and outside
5/6
Posted by 4thWarmasterKais on June 01 2009
This song is about someone who is completely fake, and how Billie Joe thinks they suck.
6/6
Prosthetic Head
Posted by Raven on February 07 2010
This song is about these barbie dolls that have infected all of America. 'You're synthentic. You're pathetic.' Is saying if you're more plastic than human, something's wrong with you.
Posted by Tayra Velez on June 10 2009
This song is talking about a girl that has done plastic surgery all over her body making her "synthetic" .It says how stupid it is to actually even think about doing plastic surgery.
Posted by Rafael Signago on June 08 2009
This song is about Billie thinking how everyone in hollywood is a total phoney.
Posted by Stan on June 08 2009
I believe this is a person Billie Joe once knew who he just hated. He thought they were an absolute fake and everything about them was crap. Nothing about them was real and he just couldn't stand them.
Posted by Mari on June 03 2009
This song is about all the fake people out there in the world, for example, the celebrities in Hollywood. The song is basically saying that these people are fake inside and outside
Posted by 4thWarmasterKais on June 01 2009
This song is about someone who is completely fake, and how Billie Joe thinks they suck.
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