Green Day

Lyrics

[Part I]

[Verse 1]
(Ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh)
Born into Nixon, I was raised in hell
A welfare child where the teamsters dwelled
The last one born, and the first one to run
My town was blind from refinery sun

[Pre-Chorus]
My generation is zero
I never made it as a working class hero

[Chorus]
21st century breakdown
I once was lost, but never was found
I think I'm losin' what's left of my mind
To the 20th century deadline

[Verse 2]
(Ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh)
I was made of poison and blood
Condemnation is what I understood
Video games to the tower's fall
Homeland security could kill us all
[Pre-Chorus]
My generation is zero
I never made it as a working class hero

[Chorus]
21st century breakdown
I once was lost, but never was found
I think I'm losin' what's left of my mind
To the 20th century deadline
[Part II]

[Intro]
We are the class of, the class of '13
Born in the era of humility
We are the desperate in the decline
Raised by the bastards of 1969

[Verse 3]
My name is no one, the long lost son
Born on the 4th of July
Raised through the era of heroes and cons
That left me for dead or alive
I am a nation, a worker of pride (Pride!)
My debt to the status quo
The scars on my hands and a means to an end
It's all that I have to show
[Interlude]
Hey!
Hey!
Hey!

[Verse 4]
I swallowed my pride and I choked on my faith
I've given my heart and my soul
I've broken my fingers and lied through my teeth
The pillar of damage control
I've been to the edge and I've thrown the bouquet (Hey!)
Of flowers left over the grave
I sat in the waiting room wasting my time
And waiting for judgement day

[Bridge]
I praise liberty
The freedom to obey
It's the song that strangles me
Well, don't cross the line...
[Part III]

[Outro]
Oh, dream, America, dream
I can't even sleep from the light's early dawn
Oh, scream, America, scream
Believe what you see from heroes and cons...

Green Day's 21st Century Breakdown is the title track of the rock band's second rock opera, released in 2009. The song sets the main theme of the album - addressing the "breakdown" that occurred in the first decade of the century. The song encapsulates the spirit of underdogs and is a narration of the struggles, hopes, and optimism prevalent in the 21st century.

About 21st Century Breakdown

Green Day's message in the song is relevant to everyone in the 21st century. Lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong spoke about the song and its meaning in a 2009 interview with Q magazine. He said the song takes on issues ranging from his own personal experiences to the economic woes experienced by many Americans.

Armstrong further went on to discuss the political and social environment during that period. He highlighted the excitement of the first African-American President's election and how it collided with the new president inheriting the most substantial financial mess since the depression era. Despite the difficult times, Armstrong's statement on "collateral damage" and "hope" describes the optimism and resilience of most Americans, who despite losing their jobs, continue marching forward.

The song is a raw and emotional story about the changing times and uncertainty that the world faces when moving on to a new period. Armstrong passionately exposes the current condition of the economy, politics, and social life, pointing out the sense of bewilderment and chaos. Nonetheless, he moves away from hopelessness and into the belief that the beginning of better times is now imminent.

Musically, the song shows Green Day's creative prowess, blending different types of music genres, reflections of "American Idiot," and "Jesus of Suburbia." The opening guitar riff, with its punchy chords and harmonics, immediately captivates the listener's attention, with the drum groove establishing an energetic pulse.

The song seems to tell the story of the post-9/11 era that marked the beginning of the century, with Green Day presenting their perspicacity on the state of affairs. It is easy to understand the appeal of the song, with its clear, punchy, and powerful lyrics that encapsulate the heart and soul of modern America. In summary, 21st Century Breakdown is a song full of vibrancy, power, and versatility that speaks to everyone living in this era.

Conclusion

The song's lyrics include words from Armstrong like "the class war's misleading," which resonate with many people today. His song doesn't shy away from the hard conversations or the difficult topics it represents in the 21st century. The song's raw and honest lyrics offer a glimpse into the feelings of modern Americans and their expression of hope and optimism despite the difficulties faced by society.

The song's positive message has spoken to millions globally, with it becoming one of Green Day's greatest hits. Fans love the powerful statements and the impactful music presented in the song. 21st Century Breakdown is proof of Green Day's vast music repertoire, their exceptional writing skills, and the ability to deliver a message that resonates universally.

• Release Date: November 13, 2009
• Artist: Green Day