Green Day

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Kill the DJ album cover

Kill the DJ

Green Day

Lyrics

[Intro]
Wow! Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh

[Verse 1]
Walking after dark
In the New York City park
Your thoughts are so unholy in the holiest of holes
Onward Christian soldiers filled with jive and mind-control

[Pre-Chorus]
The blood left on the dance floor, running, running red
The bullet that you asked for killing you to death unless you—

[Chorus]
Someone kill the DJ (Shoot the fucking DJ)
Someone kill the DJ (Shoot the fucking DJ)
Someone kill the DJ (Shoot the fucking DJ)
Voices in my head are saying, "Shoot that fucker down!"

[Post-Chorus]
We are the vultures, the dirtiest kind
The culture wars in your heart and your mind
Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh

[Verse 2]
Walking after dark
In the New York City park
Ooh, I'll pick up what's left in the club, a pocket full of pills
Sodom and Gomorrah in the century of thrills
[Pre-Chorus]
The blood left on the dance floor, running, running red
The bullet that you asked for killing you to death unless you—

[Chorus]
Someone kill the DJ (Shoot the fucking DJ)
Someone kill the DJ (Shoot the fucking DJ)
Someone kill the DJ (Shoot the fucking DJ)
Hold him underwater 'til that motherfucker drowns

[Post-Chorus]
We are the vultures, the dirtiest kind
The culture wars in your heart and your mind
Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh
Someone's gonna get you, boy
Shoot that fucker down!

[Instrumental Break]

[Bridge]
Someone kill the DJ (Shoot the fucking DJ)
Someone kill the DJ (Shoot the fucking DJ)
(Walking after dark) Someone kill the DJ (Shoot the fucking DJ)
(Walking after dark) Someone kill the DJ (Shoot the fucking DJ)
(Walking after dark) Someone kill the DJ
Shoot that fucker down, wow!
[Chorus]
Someone kill the DJ (Shoot the fucking DJ)
Someone kill the DJ (Shoot the fucking DJ)
Someone kill the DJ (Shoot the fucking DJ)
Voices in my head are saying, "Shoot that fucker down!"

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When it comes to Green Day's "Kill the DJ," it's easy to see why it's such a unique track. Frontman Billie Joe Armstrong and his bandmates had never really done anything like it before, and even after its release, critics and fans alike found themselves pleasantly surprised by its infectious rhythm and timely lyrics.

About Kill the DJ

"Kill the DJ" was first released in 2012 as part of the band's ninth studio album, titled ¡Uno!. Despite Armstrong's initial reluctance to write a dance track, it's clear that he and his bandmates knocked it out of the park with this one.

One of the most distinguishing features of "Kill the DJ" is the four-on-the-floor rhythm that sets it apart from Green Day's usual punk sound. According to Armstrong, it was bassist Mike Dirnt who first suggested the idea of incorporating this rhythm into one of their tracks. Green Day has always been an ambitious band when it comes to trying new things and breaking out of their comfort zone, and this track was certainly no exception.

Despite the catchy rhythm and danceable beat, the lyrics of "Kill the DJ" are more somber than one might expect. Armstrong was clear in stating that the song was not about killing any specific DJ, but instead served as commentary on the state of the country at the time of its release.

The music video for "Kill the DJ" is just as unique as the song itself. Directed by Samuel Bayer, who had previously worked on all of the videos for Green Day's American Idiot album, the video features a vibrant club setting complete with neon lights and plenty of strobe effects. The overall aesthetic of the video perfectly complements the rebellious spirit of the song.

Despite its unconventional nature, "Kill the DJ" was well-received by both fans and critics. It was even ranked at #2 on Zane Lowe's 100 Hottest Tracks of 2012 list. It's clear that this track resonated with audiences far beyond just the die-hard Green Day fans.

In the end, "Kill the DJ" serves as just one example of the many ways in which Green Day has consistently pushed boundaries and placed a fresh spin on their already iconic sound.

  • Release Date: August 14, 2012
  • Artist: Green Day