Green Day

Lyrics

[Intro: Billie Joe Armstrong & Tre Cool]
St. Jimmy's comin' down across the alleyway
Up on the boulevard like a zip gun on parade
Lights on the silhouette, he's insubordinate
Comin' at you on the count of one, two
One, two, three, four!

[Verse 1: Billie Joe Armstrong]
My name is Jimmy, and you better not wear it out
Suicide commando that your momma talked about
King of the forty thieves, and I'm here to represent
The needle in the vein of the establishment

[Chorus: Billie Joe Armstrong with Mike Dirnt]
I'm the patron saint of the denial
With an angel face and a taste for suicidal

[Verse 2: Billie Joe Armstrong]
Cigarettes and ramen and a little bag of dope
I am the son of a bitch and Edgar Allan Poe
Raised in the city in the halo of lights
Product of war and fear that we've been victimized

[Chorus: Billie Joe Armstrong with Mike Dirnt]
I'm the patron saint of the denial
With an angel face and a taste for suicidal
[Bridge: Billie Joe Armstrong]
Are you talkin' to me?
I'll give you somethin' to cry about
Shh! Shh! Shh! St. Jimmy!

[Breakdown: Billie Joe Armstrong]
My name is St. Jimmy, I'm a son of a gun
(Ooh, ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh, St. Jimmy)
I'm the one that's from the way outside, now
A teenage assassin executing some fun
(Ooh, ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh, St. Jimmy)
In the cult of the life of crime, now
I really hate to say it, but I told you so
(Ooh, ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh, St. Jimmy)
So shut your mouth before I shoot you down, ol' boy
Welcome to the club and give me some blood
(Ooh, ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh, St. Jimmy)
I'm the resident leader of the lost and found

[Outro: Billie Joe Armstrong]
It's comedy and tragedy
It's St. Jimmy, and that's my name
And don't wear it out!

If there is one thing Green Day is known for, it’s their punk rock sound and in-your-face lyrics. One song that perfectly encapsulates both of these attributes is “St. Jimmy.” This song marks a pivotal point in the album American Idiot, and in the story arc of the protagonist, Jesus of Suburbia. With its fast-paced tempo and explosive energy, it’s no wonder this track has become a fan favorite over the years.

About St. Jimmy

“St. Jimmy” starts abruptly, cutting off the previous track “Are We the Waiting” and immediately immersing listeners into its chaotic world. The song serves to demonstrate how Jesus of Suburbia has officially snapped and created a dual personality called St. Jimmy. The persona of St. Jimmy is an embodiment of Jesus’ rage and frustration, an alter ego that allows him to break free from his mundane life and rebel against conformity.

The lyrics of “St. Jimmy” are filled with angst and rebellion, touching on issues such as loneliness, violence, and the quest for freedom. Lines like “I am the son of a bitch and Edgar Allan Poe,” and “I’m the patron saint of the denial with an angel face and a taste for suicidal” perfectly capture the attitude of the character of St. Jimmy.

The song is notably faster and more upbeat when compared to the previous two tracks on the album, which were slower and more introspective. The fast-paced tempo and heavy guitar riffs give the track a distinctly punk rock feel, harkening back to Green Day’s earlier works. This shift in tone perfectly reflects the evolution of the story and the character of Jesus of Suburbia.

“St. Jimmy” is not just any song, but a crucial turning point in the narrative of American Idiot. Through its fiery energy and rebellious spirit, it highlights the struggle of individuals to break free from the shackles of their mundane lives and find a sense of purpose and belonging.

Over the years, “St. Jimmy” has cemented its place as a fan favorite and a staple in Green Day’s discography. Its anthemic chorus and electrifying energy continue to resonate with audiences today, making it a timeless classic in the world of punk rock.

Conclusion

“St. Jimmy” is a song that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Green Day. With its explosive energy, rebellious attitude, and punk rock feel, it’s no wonder this track has become a fan favorite over the years. Through its lyrics and melody, it highlights the struggle of individuals to break free from societal norms and find a sense of purpose and belonging in the world. It’s an anthem for the misunderstood and the rebellious, a testament to the power of music to lift us up and keep us going in the face of adversity.

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