Green Day

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Do you know what's worth fightin' for
When it's not worth dyin' for?
Does it take your breath away
And you feel yourself suffocatin'?
Does the pain weigh out the pride
And you look for a place to hide?
Did someone break your heart inside?
You're in ruins

[Chorus]
One, twenty-one guns
Lay down your arms and give up the fight
One, twenty-one guns
Throw up your arms into the sky
You and I

[Verse 2]
When you're at the end of the road
And you lost all sense of control
And your thoughts have taken their toll
When your mind breaks the spirit of your soul
Your faith walks on broken glass
And the hangover doesn't pass
Nothin's ever built to last
You're in ruins
[Chorus]
One, twenty-one guns
Lay down your arms and give up the fight
One, twenty-one guns
Throw up your arms into the sky
You and I

[Bridge]
Did you try to live on your own
When you burned down the house and home?
Did you stand too close to the fire
Like a liar looking for forgiveness from a stone?

[Guitar Solo]

[Verse 3]
When it's time to live and let die
And you can't get another try
Somethin' inside this heart has died
You're in ruins

[Chorus]
One, twenty-one guns
Lay down your arms and give up the fight
One, twenty-one guns
Throw up your arms into the sky
One, twenty-one guns
Lay down your arms and give up the fight
One, twenty-one guns
Throw up your arms into the sky
You and I

If you're a Green Day fan, then you're no stranger to "21 Guns," the second single off the band's critically acclaimed album, 21st Century Breakdown. Whether you're a rocker or a pop music lover, this song's power ballad nature is undeniable. Even more remarkable is how it delves deeply into the complex questions surrounding war and the search for peace. But do you know the story behind the name or the song's interpretation? That's what this article is all about. So, buckle up and get ready for a deep dive into the world of "21 Guns."

About 21 Guns

Released on May 25, 2009, "21 Guns" is a definite standout on Green Day's 21st Century Breakdown album. The song's lyrics deeply question the societal "game" with destructive stakes that sometimes plays with the lives of ordinary people. It shows a narrator who is looking for peace amid life's many conflicts. Although the song's lyrics seem to be anti-war on the surface, the song itself is far more nuanced when it is applied to the story of Christian and Gloria. Christian and Gloria are two characters in Green Day's rock opera that spans the album 21st Century Breakdown, and when their story is considered, the true meaning of the song becomes far more personal, as we'll discuss below.

The name "21 Guns" is derived from the honorific military practice; a customary gun salute, performed at military funerals and other occasions to honor significant national celebrations. It's a hallmark of the commitment, sacrifice, and courage required in serving in the military, which connects intimately with the song's sentiments.

When asked about the song's meaning, Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong stated that the song's title aims to reference the album, “21st Century Breakdown” by betraying a concept to the listener related to the protagonists in the story of the album Christian and Gloria. The song has a feeling of an arena rock anthem, building up to a grand crescendo, intensified by the sound of overdriven guitars and heavy drums, forming a wall of sound that shatters the silence of space.

"21 Guns" works as an excellent showcase for Green Day's talent for crafting a powerful ballad. It quickly entered the US Alternative Songs Chart, peaking at No. 3 and reaching No. 17 on the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. On the Billboard Pop Songs chart, it soared to #7.

The story behind 21 Guns

The song begins with a poignant question, "Do you know what's worth fighting for, when it's not worth dying for?" It's a question we've all struggled with in one way or another. The lyrics go on to paint a picture of Christian, seemingly a soldier or someone with military ties, sitting in a room as he watches the world outside burning. The feeling of angst and frustration in the picture is palpable. Christian seems to have a sense of hopelessness, wondering what he has been fighting for and whether it has all been worth it.

The chorus of the song changes the tempo, breaking into a powerful and explosive crescendo. As the guitars and drums kick into overdrive, Christian rails against the destructive nature of battlegrounds, urging people to put down their arms and embrace peace.

When the bridge enters, Gloria, Christian's love interest in the rock opera, enters the narrative. The lyrics shift toward the more personal as he expresses his pain and how he tries to protect her from the world's brokenness. He sings, "When it's time to live and let die, and you can't get another try, something inside this heart has died." The emotion and pain are palpable as he tries to cope with losing his sense of direction both personally and with the wider world.

"21 Guns" ends as powerfully as it opens, culminating in a thrilling performance that showcases Green Day's impressive flair for composition.

Conclusion

It's hard not to get swept up in the emotion and passion of "21 Guns" when listening to it. This song is proof of the power of thoughtful songwriting and the magic that a talented band like Green Day can bring to the table. With powerful lyrics, an unforgettable melody, and some of the most heart-wrenching performances you'll ever hear, this song has firmly earned its place in the annals of rock history.

Whether you're a die-hard Green Day fan, someone who likes to think deeply about the world's problems or simply someone who loves a good ballad, there's no doubt that "21 Guns" will continue to resonate for generations to come.

• Release Date: May 25, 2009
• Artist: Green Day