Green Day

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Don't wanna be an American idiot
Don't want a nation under the new media
And can you hear the sound of hysteria?
The subliminal mind-fuck America

[Chorus]
Welcome to a new kind of tension
All across the alienation
Where everything isn't meant to be okay
In television dreams of tomorrow
We're not the ones who're meant to follow
For that's enough to argue
[Verse 2]
Well, maybe I'm the faggot, America
I'm not a part of a redneck agenda
Now everybody, do the propaganda
And sing along to the age of paranoia

[Chorus]
Welcome to a new kind of tension
All across the alienation
Where everything isn't meant to be okay
In television dreams of tomorrow
We're not the ones who're meant to follow
For that's enough to argue
[Guitar Solo]
[Bridge]
Don't wanna be an American idiot
One nation controlled by the media
Information age of hysteria
It's calling out to idiot America

[Chorus]
Welcome to a new kind of tension
All across the alienation
Where everything isn't meant to be okay
In television dreams of tomorrow
We're not the ones who're meant to follow
For that's enough to argue

American Idiot is one of the most popular and recognizable songs by the American punk rock band Green Day. Released in 2004, it is the title track of their seventh studio album, American Idiot. This song was one of their biggest hits, and it achieved worldwide success, receiving mainly positive reviews and earning several prestigious awards. The song is provocative and political, highlighting American culture and events that occurred following the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001.

About American Idiot

American Idiot is a powerful and politically charged song that resonates with listeners. It captures the zeitgeist of the early 2000s, reflecting the social and political climate in America around the time the song was released. The song is a scathing critique of American culture, particularly the political and social situations surrounding the presidency of George W. Bush in the early 2000s. The song features heavily distorted guitars and pounding drums that contribute to its powerful and energetic beat that captures the audience's attention.

Billie Joe Armstrong, the lead singer of Green Day, wrote 'American Idiot' after hearing Lynyrd Skynyrd’s song 'That’s How I Like It' on the way to the studio. Armstrong was surprised and horrified to hear how proud the singer was to be a "redneck." This experience inspired him to write a song that spoke out against the patriotic fervor that gripped America, particularly after the 9/11 attacks. The song is a call-to-arms for young people to reject the status quo and fight against the system that was holding them down.

With lyrics such as "Don't want to be an American Idiot / Don't want a nation under the new media / And can you hear the sound of hysteria? / The subliminal mind-fuck America," this song was a rejection of the political, social, and cultural systems that dominated American society in the early 2000s. The lyrics challenge the notion of blind patriotism, consumerism, and mass propaganda that was rampant at the time.

Green Day broke new ground with this song by using a powerful and theatrical style that imitated the 'rock opera' structure, enabling them to amplify their message. With this album, they became one of the few bands in recent history to successfully create something beyond merely a music piece, as they infused their music with a broader social and political vitality that became an instant classic.

The song quickly became a classic among American punk anthems, enjoying tremendous success all over the globe. The song has been used in various advertisements; it has also been referenced in other songs and used in films, attesting to its enduring popularity over the years. Today, fifteen years after its release, the song still resonates with contemporary events, proving its timeless relevance and impact.

Overall, 'American Idiot' is an intense, politically motivated song with a distinct style that Green Day has successfully strived to maintain over the decades. As the title song of their seventh studio album, it set the tone for the album, showcasing their willingness to challenge social, political, and cultural norms. Their achievements in expressing a message beyond the music itself will undoubtedly continue to inspire and move artists and music fans alike for many years to come.

• Release Date: August 6, 2004
• Artist: Green Day