Frontman Billie Joe Armstrong’s delivery is almost plaintive, as he sings, ‘So go do what you like/ Make sure you do it wise/ You may find out that your self-doubt means nothing was ever there/ You can’t go forcing something if it’s just not right.’
And that unforgettable riff – punk rock simplicity married to classical toccata. The mid-tempo rhythm creates a laid-back yet steady momentum, setting it apart from the usual frenetic Green Day pace.
The beauty of the song is undeniable, as it makes a yearning to be independent sound like desperately looking forward to the Second Coming. Whether you’re navigating the turbulence of young love or simply seeking out space as a boomer, this glorious, deceptively calm track offers comfort and restlessness. It’s Green Day at their most authentic.
