Green Day

Lyrics

[Verse]
I'm all busted up
Broken bones and nasty cuts
Accidents will happen
But this time I can't get up
She comes to check on me
Making sure I'm on my knees
After all, she's the one
Who put me in this state

[Chorus]
Is she ultra-violent? Is she disturbed?
I better tell her that I love her
Before she does it all over again
Oh God, she's killing me!

[Post-Chorus]
For now, I'll lie around
Hell, that's all I can really do
She takes good care of me
Just keep saying my love is true

[Guitar Solo]

[Chorus]
Is she ultra-violent? Is she disturbed?
I better tell her that I love her
Before she does it all over again
Oh God, she's killing me!
[Bridge]
Looking out my window for someone that's passing by
No one knows I'm locked in here, all I do is cry

[Post-Chorus]
For now, I'll lie around
Hell, that's all I can really do
She takes good care of me
Just keep saying my love is true

Green Day, the punk rock band hailing from California, often creates music that pushes boundaries and addresses topics that are controversial or difficult to talk about. The song Pulling Teeth is no exception, as it takes on the dark subject of domestic abuse.

The lyrics are written from the perspective of a man who is in an abusive relationship with his girlfriend, and he is unable to leave the situation. Despite the serious nature of the topic, the song maintains a bit of dark humor throughout. It's a unique take on a serious issue, and it showcases Green Day's ability to delve into complex topics through their music.

About Pulling Teeth

Pulling Teeth is a track off Green Day's 1994 album Dookie. The song was written by bassist Mike Dirnt, with lyrics penned by lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong. The inspiration for the song came from a real-life incident that occurred between Dirnt and his then-girlfriend. Dirnt was having a pillow fight with her when he ran around a corner, hit his head, and ended up breaking both of his elbows as he fell. Dirnt felt trapped in the situation because he was unable to care for himself during his recovery, which inspired Armstrong to write the lyrics for Pulling Teeth.

Throughout the song, the narrator describes the lengths that he has gone to in order to make his relationship work. He has tried being understanding, he has tried giving her space, and he has tried talking to her - but nothing has worked. The chorus of the song repeats the line "I'm all busted up, broken bones and nasty cuts," underscoring the physical violence that is occurring in the relationship. Despite everything, the narrator can't seem to break free from the cycle of abuse.

The music of Pulling Teeth is fast-paced, aggressive, and intense. The guitar riffs are driving, and the drumbeat is relentless. The energy of the music matches the intensity of the subject matter, and adds to the overall impact of the song.

Listening to Pulling Teeth can be a difficult experience, as it is a stark reminder of the prevalence of domestic abuse. However, it is also a powerful statement on the importance of recognizing and ending abusive relationships. By presenting the issue in a unique and unexpected way, Green Day has added to the conversation about domestic abuse and pushed the boundaries of punk rock music at the same time.

Overall, Pulling Teeth is an impactful song that addresses a significant and difficult issue through music. It showcases Green Day's ability to delve into complex subjects, and it has left a lasting impact on their fans for over two decades.

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