Politics in the Music of Green Day

1698 Words4 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: How music interacts with politics

Politics in Music

Every day we live our lives exercising the right of freedom of expression. In our country, everyone is entitled to his/her own opinions and are allowed to express those opinions freely and openly except in different circumstances where the state determines when (if) a limitation of this freedom is necessary. What happens when this threshold is breached? How has the freedom of expression affected the music industry? How has this all affected society?

Green Day is punk rock musical trio from California that features Billie Joe Armstrong on guitar and lead vocals, Mike Dirnt on bass guitar and backing vocals, and Tré Cool on the drums. Green Day is widely credited, along with fellow California bands The Offspring and Rancid, with reviving mainstream interest in and popularizing punk rock in the United States during the mid 1990s. The band has sold over 30 million albums in the United States, and over 63.5 million records worldwide, “making them the most successful punk band of all time” (Bruen, par. 4). Green Day currently has three Grammy Awards under their belt including Best Alternative Album for Dookie, Best Rock Album for American Idiot, and Record of the Year for their single “Boulevard of Broken Dreams.” They are also second to the Red Hot Chili Peppers for the most number-ones on Billboard’s Modern Rock Tracks with eight, and most collective weeks at number one on the Modern Rock Tracks with 39.

“American Idiot is a 57 minute politically charged epic depicting a character named Jesus of Suburbia as he suffers through the decline and fall of the American Dream” (Moss, par. 2). The album cover for American Idiot, which is pictured above, illustrates a transparent hand snatching a blood-dripping gr...

... middle of paper ...

...y mixes punk and politics.” TheDailyCampus.com

23 September 2004. 15 October 2006. < http://www.dailycampus.com/media

/storage/paper340/news/2004/09/23/Focus/Green.Day.Mixes.Punk.And.Politics-728545.shtml?norewrite200610291921&sourcedomain=www.dailycampus.com>

Malakian, Daron Vartan. “B.Y.O.B. (Bring Your Own Bombs).” Mezmorize. Colombia,

2005.

Mattingly, David. “Dixie Chicks begin tour amid controversy.” CNN.Com/Entertainment 1 May 2003. 15 October 2006.
01/dixie.chicks.tour/index.html>

Moss, Corey. “Why Idiot Was The Smart Move For Green Day.” VH1.COM 01 October 2004. 15 October 2006. green_day.jhtml> Tyrangiel, Josh. “In the Line of Fire.” Time.com 21 May 2006. 15 October 2006.

Show More
Related

  • A Philosophical Discussion in Contemporary Music: Jane's Addiction and Bush

    2400 Words  | 5 Pages

    The purpose of this paper is to examine philosophical and theological themes in the work of two modern musical groups. The alternative rock bands Jane’s Addiction and Bush will be the focus of this study. I have chosen these two artists since I have observed what I believe to be contrasting ideas in their work. Perry Farrell was the songwriter for Jane’s Addiction. His band’s release in 1988, titled Nothing’s Shocking contains views on God, man’s place in the world, and instruction on living a life that adheres to Zen philosophical views. Songs on the album include “Ocean Size," a memoir about how life should be lived; “Had A Dad," Perry Farrell’s beliefs about God; and “Ted, Just Admit It...", that will be discussed in more detail below. Bush’s lyrics, written by Gavin Rossdale on the album Sixteen Stone, argue directly with the ideas contained on Nothing’s Shocking. I believe that his song “Everything Zen” is a response to Perry Farrell’s beliefs.

    Read More

  • Irwin Toy Limited Case

    1473 Words  | 3 Pages

    Allowing freedom of expression to everyone was not an easy step to take, because some thought that depending on someone's colour, and or race their opinion did not matter. The beginning steps began with the expression of religion allowing everyone to practise their religion in peace, with reasonable limits, soon all colours around the country were expressing their opinions to problems that took place in their society, and government. This human right may easily be more important than the other human right, saving lives from discrimination, and hate. The near future looks well organized as “freedom of expression” is passed on and used by everyone, prevents arguments due to the fact that everyone has a say, not considering one's class. Freedom of expressions is a fundamental right, which in most times is greatly used over all the other human rights. The right to speak plays a vital role in the healthy development of any society, without it the rich become richer, and the poor become more poor. The days of that have passed, now freedom of expression has moved on from Canada, and travels around the world to countries, where people are put to work against their will. The change will be drastic for the better and freedom of expression provides importance for the other human rights in the near

    Read More

  • We Are Free To Be You Me Stupid And Dead Summary

    1357 Words  | 3 Pages

    If limitations are placed on some things, but not others, then it will lead to a great deal of conflict. Freedom of expression is a great thing, however it does come along with a few negative side effects. This including, hateful, ignorant, and rude individuals who do not care what they say. Some want to be able to control these hateful people and restrict what they are permitted to do or say. But, where is the gray line?

    Read More

  • The Right to Freedom of Expression: R. v. Keegstra

    2813 Words  | 6 Pages

    The case, R. v. Keegstra, constructs a framework concerning whether the freedom of expression should be upheld in a democratic society, even wh...

    Read More

  • We are Free to Be You, Me, Stupid and Dead by Roger Rosenblatt

    1178 Words  | 3 Pages

    Freedom of speech has been a controversial issue throughout the world. Our ability to say whatever we want is very important to us as individuals and communities. Although freedom of speech and expression may sometimes be offensive to other people, it is still everyone’s right to express his/her opinion under the American constitution which states that “congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or the press”. Although this amendment gave people the right express thier opinions, it still rests in one’s own hands as how far they will go to exercise that right of freedom of speech.

    Read More

  • Radiohead and the Jubilee 2000 Campaign

    1014 Words  | 3 Pages

    When the music group Radiohead first burst on to the music scene seven years ago, it became immediately evident through information means such as music articles, album covers, and an extensive website, that this particular band was not just another long-haired, head-bobbing grunge group only out to sell as many albums as they could. This band had a much greater mission than that. It was to inform as many people as they could of their political, social and economic convictions through their personal website. While dozens of other websites have cropped up about Radiohead, this website remains uniquely their own because of its direct listing name and multi-faceted page within a page of personal comentaries, many written in a barely legible free-hand style, of such issues as upcoming protest rallies, animal testing, predictions on Middle East genocides, wrongful government spending, and barely sqeezed in daily journal entries on their current music progress. With Radiohead's political accusations constantly being updated in oversized bold print, their political cartoons of talking teddy bears appearing on a vast amount of web pages, and an often rushed-looking hand-written on their musical progress, it becomes evident that this website was created more as a world news commentary than a self-indulgent display case of itself.

    Read More

  • The Pros and Cons of Music Censorship

    559 Words  | 2 Pages

    Many bills have been passed to stop explicit messages in music from getting out. Censorship limits the amount of lyrics that get out to the community about violence. (History of Music Censorship) It may also limit anything in music that a community might find offensive to its values or beliefs. The lyrics presented in some songs are not appropriate for young adults. Some say music censorship goes against the First Amendment. It stops artists from expressing how they may feel. The profit on albums often goes down because of censorship. Censorship constantly targets rap and hip hop, and they are usually hit the hardest. (Forms of Music Censorship)

    Read More

  • American Idiot

    363 Words  | 1 Pages

    The Song “American Idiot” by Green Day uses techniques to engage the audience to interoperate the issues. Green day through their style of music convey issues such as the medias over powering effect on society, greed and the division of the United States of American over political issues. Green Day’s negative stance on the issues through these techniques conveys the audience to agree with the main issues being focused.

    Read More

  • Hotel California: The Californian Lifestyle

    1518 Words  | 4 Pages

    “Hotel California” by The Eagles has been the recipient of much speculation since its release in 1976. Although many other interpretations exist including some which claim this song to be referencing drugs, much evidence suggests that “Hotel California” is, at least partly, making a statement about the lifestyle of drug and alcohol users particularly in the large cities of California. As with many songs, duality of meaning exists in “Hotel California.”

    Read More

  • America's Decline of Freedom of Speech

    1492 Words  | 3 Pages

    Freedom of speech is the right of civilians to openly express their opinions without constant interference by the government. For the last few years, the limitations and regulations on freedom of speech have constantly increased. This right is limited by use of expression to provoke violence or illegal activities, libel and slander, obscene material, and proper setting. These limitations may appear to be justified, however who decides what is obscene and inappropriate or when it is the wrong time or place? To have so many limits and regulations on freedom of speech is somewhat unnecessary. It is understood that some things are not meant to be said in public due to terrorist attacks and other violent acts against our government, but everything should not be seen as a threat. Some people prefer to express themselves angrily or profanely, and as long as it causes no har...

    Read More

  • American Pie Rhetorical Devices

    1158 Words  | 3 Pages

    I see the form of Pathos in the album cover because at this time there was the Cold War going on, and we had just gotten out of southeast asia, so there was lots of patriotism that was being portrayed here. The way the thumb is pointed up seems that America is on the climb, and that everyone in America should feel that sense of, “America is a great country, and I am proud to live here.” Also, in the music video for this song, the “American Dream” seems to be portrayed very well because it shows, I can get a great new car and I can get a pretty girl to love me. Also you just seem to feel the patriotism from the video from how happy everyone seems and all the scenes happening, there are people dancing, and celebrating birthdays and playing lots of

    Read More

  • Radical Feminism and Hip Hop

    1536 Words  | 4 Pages

    Since its emergence in the South Bronx in the 1970’s, hip hop has spread to both urban and suburban communities throughout the world. Once an underground genre of music, it is seen in commercials, movies, television shows, etc. It has transformed from music and expanded into a full culture. It has even made its way into fashion and art. Men have always been on the front line of Hip Hop. However, the lyrics and images have changed tremendously. Lyrics and images that once spoke upon the injustices and empowerment for the African American people is now filled with money, cars, jewelry, and of course women.

    Read More

  • Edward Snowden Debate

    1556 Words  | 4 Pages

    Ingrained in human nature is the desire to express one’s ideas, whether it is through writing, singing, poetry, or other means. In fact, the basis of the individual argument for free expression is that “we must have liberty of expression if life is to be worth living” (Herbeck and Tedford 416). Even if the audience disagrees with one’s comments, it is the mere act of stating one’s views that is relevant. Thus, it remains the crucial right of citizens to express themselves in a self-satisfactorily

    Read More

  • Freedom Of Speech Should be Limited

    1338 Words  | 3 Pages

    Freedom of speech has many positive things, one of which is the help it gives on decision-making. Thanks to freedom of speech it is possible to express personal ideas without fear or restraints; therefore, all the perspectives and options will be on the table, giving people more opportunities to choose from. Nevertheless, everything in life has a limit, and the limit of freedom of speech depends directly on the consideration of the rights of others. People is free of believing what they want, thinking what they want, and even saying what they want, everything as long as they do not intrude or violate anyone else's rights. Under certain circumstances freedom of speech should be limited, and this is more than just a political action, this acts represent the urge for tolerance and the need for respect.

    Read More

  • The Importance Of Censorship On Music

    1380 Words  | 3 Pages

    Today in every country around the world there exists censorship laws regarding what is appropriate to be broadcast on television and radio for consumption by the general public. Things such as inappropriate or offensive language, references to drugs, criminal activities or even references to sex can be deemed inappropriate and not broadcast. The question arises, is this something done for the good of the public, or is this censoring a violation of our freedom to hear or see what we want to, and is it also a violation of the freedom of the artist to not play their music or to force them to change and compromise their art if they want it to be played on the radio.

    Read More

More about Politics in the Music of Green Day

Open Document