Green Day

Lyrics

[Intro]
This is definitely not the first video to surface of an execution
The blue stash of men, they claimed responsibility for the executions
Described as severely mentally disturbed
It appears to show another hostage executed by the terrorist group
Deserve to be annihilated

[Verse 1: Billie Joe Armstrong]
I get my kicks, and I wanna start a rager
I wanna dance like I'm on the video
I got a fever for the violent behavior
I'm sweatin' bullets like a modern Romeo

[Chorus: Billie Joe Armstrong with Mike Dirnt]
Bang! Bang! Gimme fame!
Shoot me up to entertain (Ah-ah)
I am a semi-automatic lonely boy
You're dead! I'm well fed!
Give me death or gimme head (Ah-ah)
Daddy's little psycho, and Mommy's little soldier

[Verse 2: Billie Joe Armstrong]
I testify like a lullaby of memories
Broadcasting live, and it's on my radio
I got my photobomb
I got my Vietnam
I love a lie just like anybody else
[Chorus: Billie Joe Armstrong with Mike Dirnt]
Bang! Bang! Gimme fame!
Shoot me up to entertain (Ah-ah)
I am a semi-automatic lonely boy
You're dead! I'm well fed!
Give me death or gimme head (Ah-ah)
Broadcasting from my room and playin' with my toys

[Bridge: Billie Joe Armstrong with Mike Dirnt]
I wanna be a celebrity martyr (Ah-ah)
The leadin' man in my own private drama
Hoorah! (Bang! Bang!) Hoorah! (Bang! Bang!)
The hero of the hour
Daddy's little psycho, and Mommy's little soldier
[Breakdown: Billie Joe Armstrong with Mike Dirnt]
I wanna be like the soldiers on the screen
It's my private movie (Holy War!)
Oh, baby, baby, this is Viva Vendetta
For this is love, or it's World War Zero!
Ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah

[Drum Solo]

[Outro: Billie Joe Armstrong with Mike Dirnt]
I wanna be a celebrity martyr (Ah-ah)
The leadin' man in my own private drama
Hoorah! (Bang! Bang!) Hoorah! (Bang! Bang!)
The hero of the hour
Daddy's little psycho, and Mommy's little soldier
I wanna be a celebrity martyr (Ah-ah)
The leadin' man in my own private drama
Hoorah! (Bang! Bang!) Hoorah! (Bang! Bang!)
The hero of the hour
Daddy's little psycho, and Mommy's little soldier!

Bang Bang is one of the most popular songs of the American rock band Green Day. It is the lead single and second track from their twelfth studio album, Revolution Radio, which was released on August 11, 2016. The song combines fast-paced punk vibes with the band's signature sound, making it a favorite of fans worldwide. It offers a powerful commentary on mass shootings in America while also addressing the role of social media in perpetuating and exacerbating such violence.

About Bang Bang

When asked about the inspiration behind the song, Green Day's vocalist and guitarist, Billie Joe Armstrong, revealed that it is a commentary on the culture of mass shootings in America, mixed with the narcissistic world of social media. The song reflects the way in which people have started filming and sharing their violent acts, which is a twisted phenomenon. The lyrics of the song portray the twisted mentality of a person who goes on a shooting spree, highlighting the need for society to understand, recognize and avert such dangerous behavior. Armstrong has revealed in various interviews that writing Bang Bang freaked him out, giving a fair idea about the sheer level of intensity and emotion behind the track.

The song's lyrics describe the mentality of a person who is on the verge of undertaking a mass shooting, explaining the narcissistic urge behind filming and sharing such violent acts. The song describes the precursor to a mass shooting and the twisted thought processes behind the act. As such, the song is a nod towards the darker side of human nature, highlighting the consequences of unchecked violence and hatred.

The lyrics of Bang Bang are known for their similarities to the song 'Having a Blast' by Green Day, where the narrator wants to take out their anger on innocent people through violence. However, the reasons behind the violent acts are different. While the latter focuses on a sense of disillusionment with the society, Bang Bang is about capturing the toxic undercurrents of modern society that has led to the rise in mass shootings around the world.

The song's fast-paced punk vibe is reminiscent of Green Day's signature sound. With its loud and gritty riffs and lyrics dripping with irony, Bang Bang comes across as a statement piece about the current state of society. The song opens with bangs, simulating gunshots, building the tension and the sense of urgency in the song. It further goes on to capture the frustration of the intergenerational divide and the resultant hopelessness that drives some youth to take extreme actions.

Green Day has been known for using their music to make bold political statements. Bang Bang is no exception. The band members have always been vocal about their social and political views, and Bang Bang raises pertinent questions about issues that plague society. The music video of the song shows the band members dressed up in masks and performing in front of a backdrop of chaos and destruction, symbolizing the great divide that has engulfed the world in recent times.

In summary, Bang Bang is a poignant rendition of the darker undercurrents of modern society, highlighting the consequences of unchecked hatred and violence. Green Day speaks out against the culture of mass shootings with its fast-paced punk vibes and satirical lyrics. Overall, it is a song that evokes strong emotions and shines a light on vital issues of our time.

• Release Date: August 11, 2016
• Artist: Green Day