Green Day

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Seventeen, and strung out on confusion
Trapped inside a role of disillusion

[Chorus]
I've found out what it takes to be a man
Well, Mom and Dad'll never understand

[Verse 2]
Secrets collecting dust, but never forget
Skeletons come to life in my closet

[Chorus]
I've found out what it takes to be a man
Well, Mom and Dad'll never understand
What's happening to me?

[Bridge]
Oh-oh-oh

[Verse 3]
Seventeen, and coming clean for the first time
I finally figured out myself for the first time

[Chorus]
I've found out what it takes to be a man
Well, Mom and Dad'll never understand
What's happening to me?See Green Day LiveGet tickets as low as $110

Green Day’s “Coming Clean” is a song about lead vocalist and guitarist, Billie Joe Armstrong, coming out as bisexual. The song was released in 1994, when Billie Joe was 21 and only a few months before his marriage to his wife, Adrienne. It reflects on the difficulties he faced as a teenager when he came out as bisexual.

The punk rock band’s third studio album, Dookie, is an album that revolutionized the industry and continues to inspire young musicians. The band is known for their rebellious and political lyrics, and “Coming Clean” is no exception. In this article, we will take a closer look at this song and explore the story behind it.

About Coming Clean

In an interview with The Advocate in 1995, Billie Joe shared that he received letters from people who could identify with the lyrics in the song “Coming Clean.” The song opened up conversations about coming out and being true to oneself, which was uncommon in mainstream media at the time.

The album Dookie was critically acclaimed and received a prestigious Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album, cementing Green Day's place in the music industry. The band is known for its punk rock style music, often with political or emotional lyrics. “Coming Clean” is a standout track on this groundbreaking album, and it offers a rare glimpse into the personal struggles of Billie Joe.

At just 18 years old, Billie Joe Armstrong came out as bisexual to his bandmates and close friends. He struggled for some time with his identity and feeling like he had to hide who he was. In an interview with The Advocate, he talked about how he felt that he wasn't ready to come out to the world until he had written the song “Coming Clean.” The song was a way for him to express his feelings and come to terms with his bisexuality.

The lyrics of “Coming Clean” are raw, emotional, and relatable. The song begins with a soft guitar riff, and Billie Joe’s voice gently croons, “Seventeen and strung out on confusion.” The lyrics describe the confusion and angst of a young Billie Joe who was struggling to accept his bisexuality. The chorus of the song is a powerful declaration of his identity, as he sings, “I'm taking pride in telling you to fuck off and die.”

Throughout the song, Billie Joe sings about the fear and anxiety that come with coming out, “I've got a knack for fuckin' everything up, my temper flies and I get myself all wound up,” he says. The song ends on a hopeful note, with Billie Joe singing, “I'll never forget. I'll never regret. I'll never forget where I came from.” These lyrics are a testament to the strength and determination of the young artist.

“Coming Clean” is an important song because it challenges the norms and prejudices that existed in the music industry at the time. Billie Joe's confession was a bold move and helped to pave the way for other musicians to come out and be themselves without fear of judgement or rejection.

The song is full of raw emotion and truth, which is what makes it so special. It is a song that tells a personal story but also speaks to a broader audience, particularly those struggling to find their place in the world. The theme of self-acceptance is one that has resonated with many over the years and will continue to do so in the years to come.

Conclusion

Green Day has never been afraid to tackle difficult issues through its music, and “Coming Clean” is no exception. The song is a powerful autobiographical account of Billie Joe's struggle to come to terms with his bisexuality in a time where it was not widely accepted. The song’s introspective lyrics and memorable melody blend perfectly to create an unforgettable track that resonates with everyone.

In the end, “Coming Clean” is a testimony to the strength, courage, and resilience of the human spirit. It inspires us all to be true to ourselves, embrace our identities, and live life on our own terms, regardless of what others may think or say. And that is precisely what makes it such an enduring and universal anthem even today.

• Release Date: January 28, 1994
• Artist: Green Day