Green Day

Lyrics

[Intro]
Say hey!
Cha!

[Verse 1]
Hear the sound of the fallin' rain
Comin' down like an Armageddon flame (Hey!)
The shame, the ones who died without a name
Hear the dogs howlin' out of key
To a hymn called "Faith and Misery" (Hey!)
And bleed, the company lost the war today

[Chorus]
I beg to dream and differ from the hollow lies
This is the dawning of the rest of our lives
On holiday!

[Verse 2]
Hear the drum poundin' out of time
Another protester has crossed the line (Hey!)
To find the money's on the other side
Can I get another Amen? (Amen!)
There's a flag wrapped around a score of men (Hey!)
A gag, a plastic bag on a monument

[Chorus]
I beg to dream and differ from the hollow lies
This is the dawning of the rest of our lives
On holiday! (Hey!)
[Guitar Solo]

[Bridge]
Three, four!
"The representative from California has the floor"

[Breakdown]
Sieg Heil to the president Gasman
Bombs away is your punishment
Pulverize the Eiffel towers
Who criticize your government
Bang bang goes the broken glass, and
Kill all the fags that don't agree
Trials by fire, settin' fire
Is not a way that's meant for me
Just 'cause (Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey!)
Just 'cause, because we're outlaws, yeah!
(Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey!)

[Chorus]
I beg to dream and differ from the hollow lies
This is the dawning of the rest of our lives
I beg to dream and differ from the hollow lies
This is the dawning of the rest of our lives
This is our lives on holiday!

Green Day’s “Holiday” is an anti-war anthem that takes jabs at America’s war on Iraq and reflects on the main character of their album, American Idiot. The song underscores the frustration of Jesus of Suburbia as he tries to navigate society and find his place in it. The song is a powerful critique of the Bush administration and their hawkish worldview, conveyed through powerful lyrics that leave a lasting impact on the listener.

About Holiday

The song begins with a rage-filled intro that sets the tone of the song. The song hits hard with the lyrics, “Hear the sound of the falling rain, coming down like an Armageddon flame, the shame, the ones who died without a name”, signaling that the song is about war and its devastating effects on individuals. The song follows the tale of the protagonist, Jesus of Suburbia, who is on a quest to find himself and his place in society. The song emphasizes how war is a tool of the privileged and powerful, who never bear the brunt of their decisions.

The song’s powerful lyrics take direct jabs at the Bush administration and their hawkish ideology. The lyrics, “Zieg Heil to the president gasman”, are a thinly veiled reference to the Nazis and their use of gas chambers during the Holocaust. This lyrical choice is not arbitrary, as it speaks to the Bush administration’s cold, calculating worldview, in which the lives of innocent people are expendable. Through its lyrics, “Holiday” is a scathing commentary on the Iraq war and its devastating effects on the world.

Musically, the song is a testament to Green Day’s prowess and their ability to convey complex emotions through their sound. The song has an energetic, punk-rock vibe that fits perfectly with the rebellious, anti-establishment theme of the song. The instrumentation is tight and well-executed, with powerful guitar riffs and a tight drumbeat that drives the song forward. The song’s ending, where the band’s car breaks down, is the perfect metaphor for the breakdown of society and the need to find a new way forward.

Overall, Green Day’s “Holiday” is a powerful, anti-war anthem that speaks to the need to question authority and stand up for what’s right. The song’s lyrics are a scathing critique of the Bush administration and their willingness to sacrifice innocent lives for their own gain. The song’s powerful lyrics and energetic sound make it a classic in the punk-rock genre, and a must-listen for anyone who wants to understand the toll of war on humanity.

• Release Date: September 20, 2004
• Artist: Green Day