Green Day Performs "Good Riddance" (Time Of Your Life) | Letterman

[@MLBNoHitters]

“I knew we could do whatever we wanted after that song. I really did.” - BJA

[@caseyurich9190]

One of the greatest songs ever written.

[@gavinfoote_Music_Surf]

Seriously

[@magg93]

far from it

[@EliaAl-Nims]

@@magg93nah

[@grizmileham7029]

Some would argue this is the moment green day jumped the shark.

[@Tyler-zo6sm]

​@@magg93you're delusional

[@17thknight]

I loved how Letterman was like their dad, who didn't get them but loved them. *EVERY* time they were on his show it was like this, it was really great.

[@SimonGrayDK]

I don't think it's a coincidence that they were on several times. Letterman is a big fan of 90s rock music. His favourite band is Foo Fighters.

[@dsummertime269]

This comment here. Dave is timeless. He spoke to all audiences equally ❤

[@emu_warrior]

This was the anthem of late 1990s school dances lol

[@DrVVVinK]

And overnight camp bonfires.

[@kathyphillips5626]

And now, also funerals

[@Hettepop]

who’s listening to this in August 2024?

[@trevour]

We used it as part of our video montage during our high school graduation ceremony in '98. Apparently the Seinfeld finale had the same idea that month. 😂 That tune truly was everywhere at the time.

[@captsparrowslady]

This was my Senior Class Song in 2004. 🥰🤘🏼

[@MarcJones2742]

The best part of being alive is that pocket of time of hearing something truly perfect

[@paulhammons7077]

Till ya can't. All will fade

[@briankiddcello]

@@paulhammons7077 wow, and I thought I was depressed!!

[@briankiddcello]

Yes, I was about to leave a general comment but I’m going to tail you, because I truly feel like I’ve found the Holy Grail. I’ve been studying this song since I was 16, I’m 36. I Don’t know how I missed this video after all my KZbin and internet searches for a “true to recording” performance of this song. I play cello, upright bass, and am learning viola and violin. I’ve been wondering for years what the actual true string parts are and on what instruments. Here it is! So the actual string ensemble is double bass(obviously, especially toward the end of the recording), two celli, and two “fiddles.” By ear, I would guess one fiddle is a viola and the other fiddle is a violin. But it makes so much sense that this is such an unusual and “bottom heavy” arrangement. It was always such a unique string ensemble to listen to on Nimrod. I have never heard a string ensemble perform this accurately, but when most chamber string orchestras are violin1, violin2, viola and cello with no double bass that would explain why! 1. Bass 2. Cello 3. Cello 4. Viola/violin 5.viola/violin

[@Dudeidgaf]

@@briankiddcelloalso that everyone is teaching the guitar wrong

[@bulltutorials5845]

Damn chill we already depressed​@@paulhammons7077

[@justingarfield2663]

Rare performance with the orchestra in the background! Perfection.

[@Dalzik.]

The world was a lot more fun/simple before social media and everything streaming, I remember watching this the night it aired

[@liberty0831]

We we're all born in the best time period to recognize this song as one of the best ever 💓

[@keefriff99]

That song still gets me.

[@crazygamer241]

I know the chords are simple for this but I still find it impressive he can pick all those strings without looking at the guitar. I always have to look down when playing this.

[@pauljovi8209]

He’s not picking the strings here he’s strumming and only picking the b string for effect seems to only pick on the album , live he’s always doing it this way

[@OdhranMurray]

muscle memory. Best way to practise is to switch chords/pick in the dark. After a while your brain and body get used to where you’re picking/where the strings are. Just takes a while.

[@frederickglasser5617]

Oh do I hear you. Just started learning the song. My teacher has it written put with at least six chords. Gmaj, G5, Dmaj, D5, Cmaj, Emin

[@jengoh3826]

Its such a simple music with simple melody and simple lyrics; and yet, it conveys so much emotions and memories.

[@catejames6453]

It’s a really beautiful song.

[@Hettepop]

superb😊

[@frederickglasser5617]

One of those songs it's hard not to shed a tear. Just so incredibly beautiful.

[@diegobarbarosa]

yes, still crying while listening to this song. life is cruel, but i wish in the end would be fine.

[@MadLFC]

What a truly great song. The simplicity of it but it just hits you in all the right places. It's a beautiful nostalgia piece that takes me back.

[@merseywhogirl3430]

I'll never forget how the Seinfeld finale featured this song. A BEAUTIFUL song!!!! Reminds me of my late husband with a tear and a smile!!! Neil and I watched Seinfeld from day one when it was Seinfeld Cronicles!!! THANK YOU Billy Joe for the TIME OF MY LIFE!!!!! 💕💕

[@MedalionDS9]

Peak Green Day... Nimrod album... I mean I enjoyed Warning and American Idiot but I was the perfect age for this album for songs like to make the most emotional impact on me.

[@DrVVVinK]

Warning is one of my favorite, it is sad it wasn't well received. I think blink 182 had a lot to do with that, because their more poppy music became big at the same time. I was a freshman when Warning came out, but everyone i went to school with seem to think it sucked and like All The Small Things.

[@MedalionDS9]

@@DrVVVinK Green Day was already seen as a thing of the 90's whereas Blink... who also was in the 90's didn't become popular until the late 90's so it was seen as a new band for new fans of pop punk to latch to

[@kristianjohnsen7995]

@@DrVVVinKwhen blink and other pop punk bands blew up, Green Day did the opposite. Starting on Nimrod they was massive influences by the Beatles and other classic bands. They grew up really fast. Good riddance was written when Billie was around 22 years old for the Dookie/Insomniac era. Also released as a B-side in 95, but didn’t made the cut before Nimrod’s variation of arrangements allowed those kind of songs to be there. Billie said it was basically the most punk thing he had done, putting the ballad in the album which was a harder sounding album.

[@danielbriggs8020]

First album I ever bought with my money. Bought a guitar just because of this song and man my parents probably still hate Green Day 😂

[@tomneal1789]

Peak was Dookie, this was a close 2nd.

[@ulfibonkers3205]

A masterpiece

[@kennethhewish2455]

A song that has the ability to have an audience in complete silence, a work of beauty and excellence ✨️ Simply sublime.

[@nisigate]

Yes one of the greatest songs ever

[@Mordecai1399]

Such a great song. Known around my area as “the high school song”

[@toddstowell]

Every graduation song for 1998 and 1999

[@chiefscheider]

I know a guy who had it played at his divorce proceeding.

[@keefriff99]

@@chiefscheider Lol! Here’s to swimmin’ with bowlegged women.

[@toddstowell]

@@chiefscheider as one would

[@billfromEtown]

@@chiefscheider thats actually more in line to what billie wrote the song about. A girl he dates dumped him and the lyrics are actually bitter

[@The_momur]

Green Day fills the hole in my heart The Jam left when they broke up.

[@ultimowildstar]

Still together

[@gisellesinclair6811]

I too love The Jam

[@briankiddcello]

Those low notes at 3:12

[@tomgarify]

Beautiful

[@nickrandles1102]

This how I felt leaving my touring days with bands behind me. I had the time of my life.

[@mattandjackwonderpotion]

Reminds me a bit when Paul McCartney first performed Yesterday

[@edwardhallinan6290]

Let’s not get crazy now 😂

[@azulelala]

The guitar plucking is on point from billie joe. 🤟

[@logicnotfeelings3835]

And he never looks down and he's singing! I play this song on guitar and I have to look down almost the whole time.

[@jimid9240]

@@logicnotfeelings3835it’s beyond simple

[@breakbad9753]

He’s talking about the “picking” part, not the chord progression

[@millieguitarcrasher]

He’s not doing it here. It’s just up and down strokes on certain sets of strings. The picking part on the record takes concentration.

[@azulelala]

@@millieguitarcrasher noted with thanks

[@fordracingron]

So when you get old, the bands you grew up with, fade away with time and, frankly, thier age means they leave us. I mean, I am pushing it. But Green Day, and Billy Joe, talk to me and I really get it. Since American Idiot,, they get me. I get them. This is beautiful.

[@risasklutteredkitchen1293]

I always loved this song. Great version. Love BJA!

[@danettegallaher8493]

Lovely song🥰🌸

[@frederickglasser5617]

Other stunning string arrangements are on Pure Prairie League's Bustin Out. By Mick Ronson. The songs Boulder Skies and Call Me Tell Me.

[@justinchapin9789]

Crushed it! Great job guys

[@zacstoys5561]

Crazy to think this was first released as a bonus song on a single in 1995

[@izzey0729]

i believe it was 1996. i love that version

[@trippyhippie8630]

Felt he was holding back, but still great 🎉🎉🎉❤

[@masterpiecebeta]

Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go So make the best of this test, and don't ask why It's not a question, but a lesson learned in time It's something unpredictable But in the end, it's right I hope you had the time of your life So take the photographs and still frames in your mind Hang it on a shelf in good health and good time Tattoos of memories, and dead skin on trial For what it's worth, it was worth all the while It's something unpredictable But in the end, it's right I hope you had the time of your life It's something unpredictable But in the end, it's right I hope you had the time of your life It's something unpredictable But in the end, it's right I hope you had the time of your life

[@frederickglasser5617]

Thank you

[@Zaxarian]

I remember after the padres lost game 4 of the 1998 World Series this song was played over the stadium speakers at Qualcomm stadium we were sitting out in right field and wanted the padres to win it was very poignant point in my life watching the Yankees celebrate and this song I’ll never forget it

[@timatkinson1698]

That was Perfect

[@josejr.garcia2228]

This has to be the only time it’s been played with strings.

[@Mordecai1399]

Yes, I’ve been looking everywhere for a live version with the string section.

[@frederickglasser5617]

Yet BJA composed the string arrangement.

[@noobkilla3]

green day never miss with their songwriting

[@basketburger]

Great peformance 👍

[@Dreama40]

This song always reminds me of Seinfeld for some reason lol

[@jaimezimmerman1670]

👍😁

[@Pilot646]

Thanks Fox ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@christianwarleyamaralferna4724]

Uohhhhh......... Fabuloso.... Magnífico..... "Greenday.... Bye for Brazil.. ;.)

[@rederik99]

Your thumbnail has a typo. Great clip though.

[@Goatchild90]

Classic tune

[@everysingleguitars]

Underrated guitarist imo

[@Fact-jt6lj]

Still gets me

[@spidermanfan.3161]

Man deadpool and wolverine credits gave a Proper Tribute to the Fox era of x-man in the credits Seinfeld style with this song didn’t they? Yep …they did 🥲🥲

[@diegopenamata]

Nimrod is such a GREAT album.

[@ulfibonkers3205]

I want this at my funeral

[@Hettepop]

who’s listening to this in August 2024?

[@alessandroacerboni7254]

Me

[@picia9554]

Not me Xd

[@darrengladwell]

Yeah deadpool and wolverine really brought me back to this song

[@AmicoLeonard]

Bryan Danielson brought me here.

[@jgperez]

I confess.

[@susanbrown5004]

WOW

[@noorawan6491]

It’s a great song

[@girlfriday9939]

Fave band❤

[@YusukeKnight]

Great performance

[@atx0025]

I've said for decades they are the best 3 person band of all time. First album I knew front to back was Dookie as an 8yr old.

[@robertkemper5338]

Rush is the indisputable best 3-piece band ever. These guys have a good argument for second though.

[@steveodog47]

They can’t touch Rush. Maybe open for them.

[@beyonder1768]

The perfect song doesn't exis................

[@Indicativo-666]

Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go So make the best of this test, and don't ask why It's not a question, but a lesson learned in time It's something unpredictable But in the end, it's right I hope you had the time of your life... So take the photographs and still frames in your mind Hang it on a shelf in good health and good time Tattoos of memories, and dead skin on trial For what it's worth, it was worth all the while It's something unpredictable But in the end, it's right I hope you had the time of your life... It's something unpredictable But in the end, it's right I hope you had the time of your life... It's something unpredictable But in the end, it's right I hope you had the time of your life...

[@andremadeira6916]

Had this song without the violins in a single cd back in 1997, surprised it took so long to come out

[@MultiVince95]

Sunday 5th July 1998

[@Visioncam50]

Who is listening this song in October,2024.

[@AstridRosee]

Im so proud of sheldon being billy joe in real life

[@shaneconnaughton5961]

Everyone can relate to this song

[@JimBob_Joe77]

Weird how Paul McCartney performed "Yesterday" solo like this once for the Beatles... The Beatles played in Ed Sullivan Theatre and thats where this was with Letterman... AND. Billie Joe looks a lot like Paul. I wonder???

[@amandareynolds2781]

❤❤❤

[@marcelorockk]

Nice!

[@ponderwithjess]

hell yeah

[@HenryCasillas]

💚

[@AlexGainChannel]

Basket case and this together is interesting

[@juanleal5146]

For what it's worth, it was worth all the while.........I hope you had the time of your life, These lyrics are beyond powerful man, older you get the closer they becoming to turning into your last words

[@dalladi]

At Central Park the drummer ran around on stage with toilet paper behind the Good Morning America host while they were broadcasting after their performance like some crusty gymnast. Was awesome❤🎉😮😊😊😊

[@syedmatni4148]

❤

[@arturz8192]

What year was it?😮

[@marcosfernandes8786]

#greenday ☘️😎🤟🏻

[@insomeriac5748]

A version with the violin?

[@laserbeamlightning]

Deadpool and Wolverine Credits

[@drewcunningham2]

who wrote the subtitles for this? English is obviously not their first language.............still , truly a great tune by Billy Joe.

[@savannahcarlon7033]

They're auto-generated 😂

[@drewcunningham2]

@@savannahcarlon7033 ....that makes sense.....thanks for the info - cheers!

[@aclacgnom1266]

W❤️🤘

[@breakbad9753]

He should have done 1 more verse to this

[@Robb-l5j]

Bruh why did Trey just dip at the end?😂

[@kyliebreann30]

Here in 2025❤

[@dankim23]

September 1st 2024. Wake me up at the end of the month.

[@mattewmattew9374]

Alguien por DEADPOOL AND WOLWERINE

[@justal4844]

I might be in the minority here, but Nimrod is my favorite album of theirs.

[@phoenixantis6994]

I wanna be in the Minority with you

[@logancady4359]

Same, it’s such a good album.

[@SaffronThurkettle-sm8mo]

I love good riddance time of your life

[@Moondancin]

*Seinfeld Finale*

[@jaimezimmerman1670]

👍❤️

[@thegreathanachu]

Never change Tre lol

[@roryhake5735]

Billie Joe Armstrong will perform while Mike Dirnt and Tre Cool just watch

[@gisellesinclair6811]

Was he high during this show? His eyes were really rolling around.

[@JeffCogswell]

I was going to comment about that… today he freely talks about how difficult it was for him to quit all that. He most likely was. And yet… he sang every pitch perfectly and played the guitar notes right… even though he was likely on any number of substances. A natural musician, and I’m glad he was able to finally get sober. (Watch them on Howard Stern and he talks about it.)

[@Theshark15z]

all this for Amanda????

[@cilliankeane5165]

❤💛 only marvel fans will understand

[@v-g-z3689]

Watch this, Boyce Avenue, and learn.

[@I-Dont-Know-Nothin]

So, some guy named Tom actually wrote this. I always thought this dude was FOS.

[@Albertnolimits]

Ahora vas y lo igualas!

[@buccy55]

Whoever put the words on the screen obviously do not know the lyrics to the song!

[@scottmattern482]

I dont believe for a second that green day had any part of writing this song. They had nothing thst even sounded remotely close, but all of a sudden write a massive commercially successful song. After years and years of making low brow punk albums, they pull this out of thin air? Noway would a giant record label interfere with the artistic direction of a band they are financially tied to, right? If you write one of the biggest hits of the 90s, you would be filthy rich, right? Not struggling through the next 10-20 years, in and out of rehabs, canceled tours, and appearing to be somewhat in need of work. We were so naive back then lol

[@James-Runs-Winnipeg]

Valid point.. how do you explain Under the Bridge from the Chili Peppers?

[@sukmynut]

Kid Billy wrote this don't it's been proven now stop saying lol and grow up 😂

[@autobahntom3578]

God I miss Letterman………

[@andreblomberg67]

Isn't he problematic though?

[@galegrazutis964]

​@@andreblomberg67who cares he was a comic GENIUS!!

[@Jeancarlos18205]

04/01/2025 😊🎉

[@cubing1259]

November 2024

[@thelettermanpodcast]

These guys are looking for day labor.