Green Day

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
She, she screams in silence
A sullen riot penetrating through her mind
Waiting for a sign
To smash the silence with the brick of self-control

[Chorus]
Are you locked up in a world that's been planned out for you?
Are you feeling like a social tool without a use?
Scream at me until my ears bleed
I'm taking heed just for you

[Verse 2]
She, she's figured out
All her doubts were someone else's point of view
Waking up this time
To smash the silence with the brick of self-control

[Chorus]
Are you locked up in a world that's been planned out for you?
Are you feeling like a social tool without a use?
Scream at me until my ears bleed
I'm taking heed just for you

[Instrumental Bridge]
[Chorus]
Are you locked up in a world that's been planned out for you?
Are you feeling like a social tool without a use?
Scream at me until my ears bleed
I'm taking heed just for you

Green Day's “She” is a feminist punk rock song that was released as the last single from the band's third studio album, Dookie. Written by Billie Joe Armstrong, the lead vocalist and the guitarist, the song was inspired by a poem shared with him by his then-girlfriend. Despite the break-up, the song became a favorite of the singer and a staple in Green Day's shows.

About She

“She” is a song that speaks about feminism and is uniquely colored by the punk rock vibe of the 90s. The song opens with a strong riff played by the guitar and is followed by the vocals of Armstrong, who sets the tone for the song throughout. Armstrong, in the guitar solo, adds a melodic flavor that complements the rebellious spirit of the song.

The lyrics of “She” are marked with feminist elements. Billie Joe was inspired to write the song after his then-girlfriend handed him a poem with the title “She.” The song speaks about the female experience in a male-dominated society. The chorus of the song speaks to the need for women to stand up and do things for themselves without relying on their male counterparts. Armstrong's voice in this song is a reflection of the message of the song: resolute and determined.

“She” was delivered with the same energy that characterizes punk rock, the sub-genre of rock music that hardly conforms to traditional musical norms. In a music genre that prides itself on standing up against the status quo, “She” was a song that perfectly embodied all the elements that punk rock stood for. Billie Joe, the principal songwriter of the song, drew inspiration from the feminist experience and channeled that into a song that remains popular decades after its initial release.

The songwriting in “She” is top-notch. The lyrics are straightforward and speak to the experience of women in society. The melody of the song is also well crafted, with the guitar riff working in tandem with the drumbeat. The mix is well done, too, with the vocals of Armstrong coming through crystal clear. The song builds up to a guitar solo that captures a listener's emotions and gives them a feeling of rebelliousness.

Green Day's “She” remains an important feminist anthem in the rock music community. The song speaks to the struggles that women experience in a male-dominated society, advocating for women's empowerment and the need for self-reliance. It's a song that has aged well, and one that still resonates with audiences to this day. The track "She" was an expression of Billie Joe's passion, distilled into a punk rock song that will always be remembered.

The final single from Dookie, “She,” captured the punk rock spirit of the 90s and made a lasting impression on the music industry. With its message of female empowerment, the song was revolutionary in its time, and remains a classic track for Green Day and punk rock enthusiasts alike. The song is a testament to the power of music, which can inspire change and impact people across generations.

• Release Date: May 5, 1995
• Artist: Green Day