Green Day

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Today's the Macy's Day Parade
The night of the livin' dead is on its way
With a credit report for duty call
It's a lifetime guarantee
Stuffed in a coffin, ten percent more free
Red light special at the mausoleum

[Chorus]
Can give me somethin' that I need
With satisfaction guaranteed to you
What's the consolation prize?
Economy sized dreams of hope

[Verse 2]
When I was a kid, I thought
I wanted all the things that I haven't got
Oh-oh, but I learned the hardest way
Then I realized what it took
To tell the difference between thieves and crooks
A lesson learned to me and you

[Chorus]
Can give me somethin' that I need
With satisfaction guaranteed
'Cause I'm thinkin' 'bout a brand new hope
The one I've never known
'Cause now I know it's all that I wanted
[Interlude]

[Chorus]
What's the consolation prize?
Economy sized dreams of hope
Can give me somethin' that I need
With satisfaction guaranteed
'Cause I'm thinkin' 'bout a brand new hope
The one I've never known, and where it goes
And I'm thinkin' 'bout the only road
The one I've never known, and where it goes
And I'm thinkin' 'bout a brand new hope
The one I've never known
'Cause now I know it's all that I wanted

Green Day is a punk rock band that has been dominating the music industry for over two decades. They have been known for their socially and politically charged lyrics, as well as their unique sounds that have inspired countless musicians around the world. Macy's Day Parade by Green Day, released in 2000, is a testament to the band's creativity and dedication to their craft. The song is a poignant commentary on the consumerist nature of our society and the lies and deceptions that we are faced with as we grow up.

About Macy’s Day Parade

"Macy's Day Parade" is one of Green Day's most important works. It was the fourth and final single released from their 2000 album titled "Warning". The song title takes its name from the famous Thanksgiving parade supported by Macy's, which Billie Joe Armstrong, the lead singer and songwriter, uses to make a point. The song deals with the pitfalls and trappings of a consumerism-dominated culture, as the lyrics detail the various lies and deceptions faced by people growing up in such a society.

The lyrics offer a scathing critique of the way that society operates today. Armstrong's somber observations about consumer culture and its effects on young people are quite pointed:

"It’s sort of about the lies and deceptions that you have growing up and how you have to find your own way around."

This sentiment echoes throughout the song, as Armstrong's candid lyrics about things like Black Friday being the "night of the living dead" hit home with listeners who have grown up with the same kind of messaging.

In terms of instrumentation, the song is decidedly different from Green Day's usual grungy, punk rock sound. Instead, the acoustic guitar and simple, almost monotone drum beat create a serene mood that fits perfectly with the song's sobering lyrics. The music video is also quite striking, with sepia-toned imagery that brings home the point about the stark reality of the issues being addressed.

The transition from Green Day's simple punk sound to the more politically-conscious Green Day of the 2000s is marked in this song. It represents a turning point for the group, as they began to explore more socially relevant expressions of their art.

The song is more than just a piece of music: it's a snapshot of a particular cultural moment in time. It speaks to people who are struggling with the issues raised by Armstrong's lyrics, and it offers hope for those who are looking for a way to break free from the lies and deceptions of consumerism.

All in all, "Macy's Day Parade" is a powerful work of art that captures the essence of Green Day's creative spirit. Through its candid lyrics, simple instrumentation, and striking visuals, the song explores important themes that are still relevant today. It's an essential listen for anyone who wants to delve deeper into the cultural landscape of the early 2000s.

• Release Date: October 3, 2000
• Artist: Green Day