| Green Day is known for American Idiot and Dookie. Some people say they sold out, but whatever, it's their opinion. This album is sort of a "rock opera", it tells the story of a teenager named Jimmy, who is referred to as "Jesus of Suburbia" and also "Saint Jimmy". Saint Jimmy is Jimmy's darker side. JOS is Jimmy's rebellious and 'innocent' side. Both sides battle the troubles of adolesence, and also battle each other. Another character, Whatsername, plays a part in Jimmy's life. American Idiot- Jimmy's view of America Jesus of Suburbia- Introduces Jimmy as JOS, tells of his childhood and begins his journey. Holiday- Tells he is living in the streets and is running away from everything. Also states some of his political views Boulevard of Broken Dreams- JOS is alone and doesn't have anywhere to go, all his happiness from Holiday is gone. Are We The Waiting- He begins to doubt himself and who he is (ex: "the Jesus of Suburbia is a lie") St Jimmy- Saint Jimmy is introduced and the insanity and anger begins. Saint Jimmy is not afraid to kill and is 'bad to the bone' Give Me Novacaine - Saint Jimmy and JOS bond in JOS's mind. They do drugs together and JOS depends on St Jimmy. She's a Rebel - Whatsername is introduced. JOS falls in love with her. Extraordinary Girl- JOS's feelings about Whatsername Letterbomb - JOS and Whatsername break up. This is a letter to JOS from her, taunting him (ex: "Nobody likes you, everyone left you") Wake Me Up When September Ends- JOS is alone again. (on a side note, this song is also about lead singer, Billie Joe Armstrong's father's death when Armstrong was 10 years old.) Homecoming- JOS realizes he wants to go home, but he has to get rid of St Jimmy. St Jimmy "kills himself" in JOS's mind. He is alone as life moves on around him. He misses Whatsername. He finally begins his journey home. Whatsername- JOS regrets losing Whatsername and wonders about her. The other songs are not directly in the story, although at some points do refer to it. Green Day was quite unsure whether the album would be successful, for the album was originally crafted when nationalism was high. Green Day went against the grain with American Idiot, but it just happened to come at the right time when American sentiment toward the government was beginning to shift. No album by Green Day was more punk (and risky) than American Idiot, and just because it was insanely popular doesn't mean it wasn't punk or authentic. Green Day made punk mainstream, and that is something no other band has been able to do. And that says something. |
