Rapper FIRST time REACTION to Green Day - 21 Guns!

[@lsarancha]

Great reaction! Green Day's "Wake Me Up When September Ends" and also "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)" are so good! 😊

[@bridgetlewis92]

surrendering doesn’t always have to mean that you’re giving up. But maybe it means you’re just trying to find a little humanity

[@justicedelayed]

21 Gun Salute is a ceremonial ritual, the highest honor an officer receives at their funeral. The origin came from a signal during a war that one side gave to the other that they mean no harm. The side that was calling for peace would fire all of their cannons (which took a long time to reload) thus signalling that they were not poised to strike, as they were without ammo. As weapons progressed, they would empty their ammo into the air, and a fighter would lay his weapon on the ground as a symbol of peace. (Lay down your arms, give up the fight). It's the origins of the ritual that the song is referring to. The song is about inner conflict and finding your own humanity (according to Billy Joe). He doesn't go into much detail, so I'll try. The best recent reference I could give, that I know you would be familiar with, would be the ending monolog from Hi Ren. "It was never really a battle for me to win..." Back to the lyrics of 21 Guns, "do you know what's worth fighting for if it's not worth dying for." ("You've gotta kill you if you wanna kill me.") We are constantly at war with ourselves, trying to kill the parts that we don't understand or like, but when you realize that it's not a battle to win, but "an eternal dance," you lay down your arms as a sign of peace within yourself, and in doing so, you embrace your own humanity. Think about this: we consistently dehumanize ourselves when we strive for perfection, when we try to rid ourselves of our "darker side" rather than seek balance. Human beings are not perfect, and can never be. And when we try to control it all, we dehumanize ourselves and consistently feel inner turmoil. The more we fight, the more exhausted we are, the more we feel like giving up altogether. Back to the lyrics of 21 Guns, "when you're at the end of the road, and you've lost all sense of control, and your thoughts have taken thejr toll, when your mind breaks the spirit of your soul..." When you try to control it all, you will inevitability lose ALL control. It even further explores the theme of duality in the bridge: "Did you try to live on your own when you burned down house and home?" Essentially, did you get really close to actually killing that part of you that is undeniably essential? Did you actually try to live on your own? ("You think that you can amputate me? I am you, you are me, we are I, I am we...") Did you try to keep the superego without the id, leaving no room for middle ground? In doing so, you're only lying to yourself (like a liar looking for forgiveness from a stone) because that part of you is still a necessity. "One 21 Gun (salute) lay down your arms, give up the fight (surrender)". The song is intentionally making a distinction between surrendering for the sake of peace and just giving up (quitting, be that through ending your life, or just succumbing to the pain and no longer trying anymore). We can lay down our arms, give up that fight (surrender), throw our arms into the sky and acknowledge the freedom that comes with embracing our humanity, ALL of it, and "learning to soften" and dance the dance that all humans must dance. It's the eternal pendulum, swaying from the dark to the light. The final verse is one last word of warning, going back to the lyrics of 21 Guns, "when it's time to live and let die and you can't get another try, something inside this heart has died. You're in ruins." If you've actually fought yourself so hard that you successfully kill a part of yourself, you're literally in ruins. But, as a sign of hope, the chorus repeats one final time, which lets us know it's not too late. We can still surrender and embrace our humanity in its fullest and learn to let go, stop trying to control it all and just "throw your arms into the sky, YOU AND I" (you and I would signify both parts of yourself). So, essentially, surrender to your own humanity, embrace your duality, and learn to dance. I hope that helps.

[@EvilSnipa]

Holy Shit! What an awesome post! Thanks for that info!

[@hk45c62]

You don't have to be an officer to get a 21 gun salute at your funeral.

[@justicedelayed]

@EvilSnipa Aw, thanks! Glad you found it interesting. ❤️

[@justicedelayed]

@hk45c62 No, you don't. It can be heads of state, royal family, president, former president, and I'm sure a few others I didn't list. I didn't say it's only given to officers, though that's the most common (officers of the military or police officers). I just said it's the highest honor that an officer can receive. I didn't find it necessary to dwell much on that part since it was the origin of the ritual that was more important to the story.

[@sherribrock2726]

The great thing about music is that we can interpret the lyrics to mean something that fits into our life! Most lyricists say that is what they hope people get from their music, something everyone can relate it to their life.

[@Cchan53]

Yes Wake Me Up When September Ends...one of their best...their live performance in Reading Festival in Britain really good...crowd was amazing...2014 ,I think.

[@gavinlocke800]

that was about his father passing ..... i hope i remember it correctly

[@Searles007]

@@gavinlocke800 You are correct. 🤙🏼

[@I_ll_beer_back]

I hardly know any bad songs by Green Day. 😎 PS: Billie Joe Armstrong's voice is incredible.

[@richardkennedy7941]

I don’t think they’ve had a good song since the album twentieth century breakdown, the albums after that was terrible I think, I can’t listen to them, all their early stuff I still love from smoothed out slappy hours and kerplunk up to American idiot, I’ve even saw them on the bullet in a bible tour and they were amazing live and got an autographed set list from the twentieth century breakdown tour but it could just be me though as I started getting into metalcore bring me the horizon, electric callboy, asking Alexandria and heavy shit like slipknot doing a complete 180 from me pop punk love of green day, blink 182, bowling for soup, new found glory, sun 41 etc

[@anonymousone2843]

Has always been one of my top, all-time favorite Green Day songs for multiple reasons. Ine of those reasons is my parents. Who are both Vietnam Veterans- a 21 gun salute is something reserved for the funeral of a military member/veteran. Just a great song on so many levels.

[@rachaddle6581]

Green Day from my day 10th grade and on😊 Green Day was HUGE! Sooooooooooooooooooooooo HUGE.

[@american_cosmic]

For me it was 5th grade, '94 or '95, when i saw the Basket Case video on MTV. One of the first CDs i remember owning.

[@annemaclean6634]

There's a great live video of Green Day at the Reading Festival in 2013 singing 'Boulevard of Broken Dreams', well actually the crowd are doing most of the singing and it's amazing!

[@kenneth2875]

Wikipedia-21 Guns" addresses the topic of patriotism. Frontman and chief songwriter Billie Joe Armstrong told Q, in May 2009: "It brings up 21st Century Breakdown in a lot of ways, and the 21-gun salute for someone that's fallen, but done in an arena rock 'n' roll sort of way." According to Q, the song is "a mammoth power ballad with a chorus like Mott the Hoople's 'All the Young Dudes'." William Goodman from Spin agreed, also comparing the song to "All the Young Dudes". Entertainment Weekly's Simon Vozick-Levinson described it as a "sensitive arena rock cut that made us think of Toto's 'Africa'. While the chorus sounded more like ELO's 'Telephone Line.' A Rolling Stone article commented that it "has a dash of 'Boulevard of Broken Dreams' to it." Spin's Goodman agreed, writing: "This track covers a lot of territory in its five minutes, from a solo acoustic guitar (reminiscent of "Boulevard of Broken Dreams") to Brian May-worthy electric riffage. But the chorus holds the killer hook, [because] Armstrong hits highs with his voice in a thrilling moment."

[@nosliwec]

I have been a fan of Green Day back when I was in high school back in 1994-5 with their album Dookie.

[@ruesparks]

I always felt it was saying some things AREN’T worth fighting for. Whether a relationship that isn’t working, a belief you used to hold that is being challenged, a dream you had that no longer fits, etc. He talks about brain vs heart, and pain vs pride. Sometimes we cling to things out of habit, pride, or simply to not get hurt. Those are the times to question whether it’s worth the fight. Or if it was even your fight to begin with.

[@gregcobb4066]

Hey....just for fun...veiw 21 Guns from the cast of American Idiot...the Broadway Cast was Amazing....went 3 times and my daughter 6 times.....this show left me in tears even now

[@mil2k11]

the beauty of music is how you interpret it. There really is no wrong because it works with you reason & opinion. Nobody's really right and nobody's really wrong. Take it in how you prefer.

[@chelseahaley8350]

Wake me up when September ends should be next!! 😊

[@melissafortuin9500]

Love the lyrics and it gets me through dark days❤

[@jeffewart4381]

It's the phrasing "one, twenty-one gun" It's that 1 moment when you give in to somebody.

[@chrissyclifton6324]

Dont go down and take yourself out fighting...staying hard to the world. Lay down your arms, its ok to give up and let others support you for a while

[@KarriSimone]

Should do some earlier GreenDay like "BrainStew" or "Basket Case"😅

[@kaynesheldon4905]

Facts

[@jernejulcar8325]

Yeah. Or "Hollyday" or "When i come around". This newer stuff is so boring and repetative. They went from punk to emo pop.

[@HolyRiotSoldier330]

Billy Joe Armstrong is such a good singer, especially for rock music.

[@rimisark]

I like this song much, one of my Green Day favorites.

[@maryboyle5712]

I love this song.❤

[@dakotachristensen3397]

Favorite song of Green Day

[@TehZombish]

BP, if you wanna dive down the Green Day rabbit hole, I think it kind of branches off into two different directions. Their older stuff was pure pop punk... and arguably some of the best of that genre... Like, the whole Dookie album (yes it's called Dookie), as well as super older more underground stuff like Kerplunk... but then as they got older, the music changed... American Idiot it one of my top 5 favorite albums of all time. It is a total rock opera, and in fact they turned it into a Broadway show. It came from them having a whole album ready to go, and then someone stole it. Like, broke in and stole all the stuff for that album... so Green Day said screw it, and ended up writing American Idiot. I would love to see you react to some of that... especially "Jesus of Suburbia" But again, it's an amazing album form beginning to end, so even if you just listened to it yourself, that would also be great. It's not to be missed is what i'm saying.

[@xxKaTxx]

Dookie is the BEST. That's the green day I love personally. Not the things after the direction changed lol thanks for putting this info - definitely two "types" of green day songs. My vibe is the stuff I expected to see on American history x or slc punk 🤘

[@mil2k11]

i think my boy's gonna like this one. One of my favorite GD tunes they've ever done. Love seeing BP do this. Great vibes!

[@bradleyrogers8073]

Old Movie Stars Dance To Uptown Funk - You'll love it

[@PopularMonsterUSA]

I highly recommend that also!!

[@gavinlocke800]

my goto band......shout out from South Africa my bru

[@ArianaH3ART]

Can never go wrong with Green Day man, most every single song they put out is a banger for sure. Also I consider them (most do) more on the pop punk side of things nowadays tbh.

[@mammuchan8923]

This is a stunner of a song, weird this is the first time I have thought about the lyrics and the meaning. I gathered it was tied to the video but it actually isn’t. Green Day took a lot of flak from their fans because this song was such a commercial success. They were called sell outs which is really not fair. Saw them live in New Zealand, outstanding, my 46 yr old self dancing and singing like I was 18. They treat their audience with such respect. Going to see them again in January when they come to SA can’t wait! Thanks for the reaction, I love listening to you 💜

[@melissatomlin13]

I have always loved this song. If you listen to the words it talks about the shift from young adult to adult reality. Time to bury the childhood rebellion…salute and ‘grow up’

[@PunkMarioBros]

This album (21st Century Breakdown) was released 15 years ago today (15th May 2009)

[@TanyaQueen182]

God I love this song so much.

[@QualityRN]

My daughter did a musical with this song and other Green Day songs. It was one of my fave performances.

[@billie-joedwards7418]

My favorite and most hated song is Time of Your Life. Our youngest daughter LOVED this song (favorite), when she passed away at 7yrs 11months , her siblings wanted this played at her funeral along with other songs that they could remember her by (hated) now when i hear it, it makes me cry even more

[@aura81295]

I think this is likely one of those lyrically broad enough in scope songs that can be applied to so many contexts giving it widespread appeal. When artists do this, it doesn't even matter what might have inspired it at the time. Sometimes it is better not to have the specifics so listeners/viewers can interpret in ways that relate to them.

[@baron7755]

I think of my fellow veterans who have taken their lives when I hear this song now, I didn’t when it first came out, mainly because back then no one I knew had killed themselves then

[@adamfanalways]

Great reaction, lots of comments answering your questions and by the way these guys are still incredible live🤟🎶🥰

[@RockinMamaT]

When September ends is a must my friend. If you want to see something cool check out The Fans singing Queens's Bohemian Rapsody at the Greenday concert. So cool. Peace out ✌️ ☮️

[@robinseitz6911]

It couldn't have been explained any more perfectly. Well done!

[@latech7671]

From what I can tell, many GreenDay songs (this included) are quite open to interpretation and often mean different things to different people. For me personally I think this song is about endurance but there are many other ways to interpret it as well. There are however also songs that very much have a clear message and which show GreenDays standing (socially and politically) like "American Idiot". That combined with their actions puts them very much in the left political spectrum of America (to generalize though there is obviously a lot more distinctions than just "left", "right" and "center" in politics)

[@jiyoo6109]

Ive been listening to this song since I was a kid and I just didn't pay attention to its lyrics until now and I think this song is about the topic of patriotism, on how a person is having conflicted thoughts whether he'll serve his country or succumb to his own ideals and pride.. as the lyric states about having a choice to fight or not about something that's not worth fighting for, talking about if the pain you'll get is better than your own pride etc. and 21 gun or also known as 21 gun salute is a kind of a ceremonial procedure given to a fallen soldier who served his country

[@MichelleAlexandria-EM]

The brilliance in the song is its multi layered. It's basically about getting over your shit (whatever that may be) and moving on/forward. That you don't have to be stuck in a downward spiral. Whether that's relationship drama, depression, wars, etc.

[@Leks3777]

I'm seeing them this year, and they're just as relevant today as they message of yesterday. I think this song is about radicalism on both espectrums! Right and left! It's not worth the pain left of or with your loved ones!

[@laurawelker9025]

Took my son to see Green Day for his 14th birthday. So much fun.

[@IvIidnight]

Verse 1) Is it really worth putting yourself to sleep over? Put it down and get some help. 2) If you're caught, you're caught, it's not worth it. Put it down and let them arrest you. 3) If you're in a relationship, lower your defenses and let them in. 4) When it's time for peace, put down your pews and be open to it.

[@xxKaTxx]

I absolutely love this song... Tbh forgot all about it I'm so glad to hear this today ❤️🤗 I prefer their old old old songs versus things like when Sept ends (basket case for example or when I walk around)

[@BonnieHrinya]

Love them

[@jeffreyconey6597]

The secret to this song is in the first few verses. You are asked what's worth fighting for if it's not worth your life. How much are you willing to sacrifice for pride? Can you simply surrender and accept that you lost without escalating a problem to life or death?

[@andrewstacey4868]

I’m a 40 yo. FUQ. Boy from 82. Green Day was one of the first exposures to west coast punk w Doockie. This is that sound you’re looking for

[@Chris_Topher2319]

I think it intertwines with their other anti-war songs saying we should lay down our arms and give up these global wars we find ourselves in. At that point being the war in Afghanistan and now somewhat indirectly in Ukrain and Israel.

[@VideosbyLisaLisa]

Good song that's best understood knowing it's part of a bigger story (a punk rock opera about a coming-of-age antihero disillusioned by the politics and news media of the time (think post-9/11, Bush/oil baron/corporation ascendancy), and how that can make one disenfranchised youth evaluate their own morals and character.

[@edbluez99]

Check out the version with the Broadway cast in studio. Yes they made a musical based on Green Day songs called American Idiot.

[@christianbrothers7250]

A twenty one gun salute for fallen soldiers.

[@amandabearss797]

Green Day Still Breathing off of Revolution Radio

[@twistedpixel756]

I really enjoyed this album. it's kind of a short story following a central character. And while he is named, it's sort of the antithesis of that, he's meant to represent the faceless youth; think James Dean in Rebel Without A Cause. There were plans to make a movie out of it, i think HBO was gonna pick it up, but it fell through twice, and sadly, i think that dream has died for now.

[@dipenkatwall2944]

Gods favorite band

[@EzScrumptious]

Back in the days, this song makes every single phone playlists has it

[@HufflepuffsAngel]

I love this song. You gotta listen to the Broadway version, the harmonies are 🤯

[@twhitebear5742]

If you enjoyed this song, just listen "Wake me up when September ends". Great song from Green Day 😇Good Riddance is an awesome song too

[@emilywalker1389]

A band that kinda reminds me of Green day is Black Veil Brides one of my favourite songs from them is Knives and Pens another good one but is way older is Wake Up

[@shanegooding4839]

It's an anti-war song. Including how vets are effected by ptsd.

[@scottluvisi9941]

Tommy Makem and Liam Clancy "Whatever you say, say nothing", a nice funny song that fits the idea of the restriction of KZbin.

[@williamparrish9954]

please do Greenday when September ends

[@96ChickenFried]

Definitely should check ou The Hammer by Kublai Khan TX

[@OwiggumX]

This isn't really a typical song from them. But low key, if listened to from start to finish, 21st Century Breakdown is their best album. It's absolutely beautiful. Due to coming after the huge success of American Idiot, it didn't get the praise it should have.

[@factcheck5017]

I should be your consultant when selecting any songs from 1985 to 2010 in rock alternative metal genre.

[@_whatsername1911]

GD writes a lot of songs that can be about multiple things. It can be about anything you're fighting. Emotionally or physically, like an addiction.

[@rachaddle6581]

Green Day from my day 10th grade and on😊

[@JeremyBone1980]

I think "put up your arms and give up the fight" is symbolic of a relationship. I know from personal experience that if you are going to fight in a relationship it is going to be rocky. That's not saying you shouldn't fight FOR the relationship, but in a relationship you have to work together to make it a lasting thing. Fighting against it only causes hurt and conflict as represented by the girl in the beginning of the video. She stood off distant and unsure of what was going to happen. Sometimes people need reassurance that everything is going to be okay and that is represented by her throwing the phone into the fish tank and walking towards him and embracing him.

[@chrisgajski1662]

Transformers 2 2009 made me love this songs

[@jannakins1]

You should listen to Godsmack "Voodoo"

[@wishtheyunderstoodme]

it's the 21 gun salute

[@IvIidnight]

If you want an amazing song that is deep AF and touches a sensitive subject (self sleep), "Ghost" by Badflower. Badflower is definitely one of those amazing bands that more people need to know.

[@Leks3777]

You can look at the direct link in the hook! Is 1 twenty one gun solute worth a life on both ends! They person who gives his life & the person who takes your life! Devastation on both ends! This is so New Testament!

[@essac1]

I would love for you to react to the song "Rise above this by Seether" It is about shaun morgan's (the singer) brother eugene who committed suicide and the song is just so beautiful.

[@beautifullyfractured]

To me it's like having an inner struggle. Part of you is saying "I tap out of this life. I give up. I can't do this anymore…" Then when the chorus hits, it's another part of you saying "you know, I just need to keep going. it does get better. just let go of this current situation you're in go, and you'll see there's life at the end of the tunnel." Just my take on it.

[@hernandariogingins4999]

HI! check out the "cast version" of this song... is so much powerful!

[@hedgehogofdeath6666]

Im pretty sure they released an album a few months ago

[@StrongAndRaw]

Don't waste time kicking against the pricks as it won't matter and will only get you hurt (confused, overwhelmed), let it go, let love in and find peace (love, acceptance). There is no payoff, just loss...for nothing. So much is noise, especially when we are young. With growth and maturity we see that and wish we wouldn't have spent so much time kicking against the pricks.

[@LaurieKron]

Wake me up when September ends!

[@EvilSnipa]

Benny Mardones - Into the Night Original Music Video LOL Let's get uncomfortable!

[@karenmandeville7116]

i've always loved their video for Minority! you should check it out.

[@Zonderxx]

Watch Green day - Dilemma

[@IvIidnight]

You want to get a whole new group of viewers, go down the Twenty One Pilots rabbit hole. And, turns out, it's one of those rare occasions when there is substance behind the hype.

[@melissagrover9727]

Being overseas and in the military when they hit - it was walking political edge, but in the end when we’d listen we all took different meanings away. And at least back then the consensus was - that meant it was good music. Because it spoke to everyone differently.

[@esteban280889]

One of their better song from this album, pretty much the start of their mid period

[@jeremyandrews3567]

Greenday was the Tupac of the punk scene in the same era

[@squarebarrel]

This song is always awesome live when they play it. The album this song is on is so incredibly underrated. But other Green Day songs worth listening to is the entirety of Dookie and American Idiot. Songs for sure Jesus of Surburbia. Good Riddance Dilemma Look Ma, No Brains Minority Brain Stew/Jaded Some obscure ones that I personally love: Viva La Gloria! Back in the USA Too Dumb To Die Before the Lobotomy Last American Girls Way back machine must watch is their Woodstock ‘95 set. Set that actually made them blow the fuck up. There’s so many songs to suggest. I mean they didn’t get a first ballot induction in to the RnR Hall of Fame for nothing.

[@snoodlegirl1794]

Chic o cherry cola

[@TalklikeAPirate]

Green day is pop-punk

[@1877Sabajean]

If I remember right, 21 guns salute is for a lost soldier, military burial

[@EpochWin]

Would HIGHLY recommend Ghost of You by My Chemical Romance- incredible song with one of the best music videos ever created.

[@robinseitz6911]

Think 21 gun salute....

[@jayruss89]

Hey man check out some Good Charlotte! The anthem would be a good one to do first!

[@Leks3777]

Also Jesus said cast the first stone! There's no righteousness in the one who cast that 1st stone! I asked my Aunt Penny if there is such a thing as Modern Day profits! Modern for the exact times we live in! She was soooo spot on with that interpretation!

[@nilonearth5987]

Wake Me Up When September Ends and Jesus Of Suburbia full music videos (not the shortcuts) should be next!❤

[@mhankehanke]

Try listening to "You'll never leave Harlan alive" by Patty Loveless

[@spazbog123]

Getting into a fight is easy, sometimes you don't even realise you got into one. Fight could be within you, with a partner or even all the way up to a war. Every now and then you should ask if the fight is worth fighting for, is it worth dying for? If not maybe you should consider laying down your arms put your hands in the air and give up that fight. It is far harder to give up a fight after expending effort in it though.

[@fatimasoares7261]

My Chemical Romance

[@marbella135]

You be got to react to Jesus of Suburbia by green day! It’s a masterpiece!

[@gretchenvincent2349]

Please look into Garth Brooks ( River). Thank you. I know you like a good story.