Letterbomb

Album: American Idiot (2004)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song follows Jesus Of Suburbia, who is the main character of the album, as he is dumped by Whatsername (a girl who appears on the album in the song of that name) because she doesn't like what he has become. She thinks he is too over the top and dumps him before he self-destructs. This makes Jesus Of Suburbia kill his alter ego, St. Jimmy, and go back to how life was before he left home and got into drugs. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Mark - Walsall, England
  • This was used in the action-adventure comedy Journey 2: The Mysterious Island (2012), starring Dwayne Johnson, Michael Caine, and Vanessa Hudgens.
  • Punk rocker Kathleen Hanna (Bikini Kill, Le Tigre) provided guest vocals on this track.

Comments: 15

  • Paul from Fremont Ca.I don't really like the intro.. But the steadiness of noise is superb.. Some lyrics is a little punky for me. But I like the drama it's nice and cold.
  • Jack from Tokyo, JapanThis song is really cool! At first, I was like, "Is this song gonna be great?". When I first listened to it, I was like, "Holy f***! This song is my s**t!". I was astonished by its raging sound, the lyrics, bridge, and especially the outro. Ever since, I always play this at least once a day.
  • Hayes from Newark, OhThis song is about when J.O.S and St. Jimmy go out partying! and Whatsername gets P.O'd! so shes like "WHERE HAVE ALL THE B------S GONE?" shes all upset and start saying things that r supposed to be insulting. the play was amazing! girls sing this way better than B.J himself!
  • Sc from Anchorage, AkJesus of Suburbia (J.O.S.) DOES kill St. Jimmy, in a way.
    Billie explained that St. Jimmy isn't an actual person; J.O.S. makes him up. He's a symbol of J.O.S's rebellious side. Jimmy's death in 'Homecoming' is J.O.S's way of breaking away from the destructive side of his split personality. The lyrics say, "In this state of mind / It's my own private suicide".
  • Jacob from Rocky Mount, Ncnotice that the guitar part and the overall melody of this tune is very similar to that of one of their newer songs "Viva La Gloria"
  • Jacquie from Cheshire, CtOkay I've been spending a bunch of time listening to this song. The part that comes after the lines "Where will all the martyrs go when the virus cures itself?
    And where will we all go when it's too late?". that bridge. Is it my imagination or does it have similar chord progressions to The Ataris's "Takeoffs and Landings" bridge around minute 1:15? Please don't be stupid. I'm not acusing Green Day of plagirism and I'm not saying anything bad about either band. I love both. I was just going crazy after hearing Letterbomb wondering why it got stuck in my head so fast after one listen, and then I realized it was cuz it sounds like The Ataris. Just looking for some validation that I'm not insane.
  • Anna from New York, Nythe best song ever =]
    also billie's fav
    hehe
  • Aysia from San Diego, CaActually Whatshername first appeared in She's a Rebel. BTW, awesome song but I couldn't listen to it all day like other Green Day songs.
  • Aleah from New Kensington, Sc Very angery, very spitfire. I had this song on pause, I had a fight with my dad, I pressed play, the next thing I heard was "Nobody likes you, everyone left you, they're all out without you, having fun."
  • Shelby from Idiotville , Kybest song off American Idiot. Billie Joe said it was his favorite. =]
  • Jeff from Sothington, Ctthe lines "Nobody likes you, Everyone Left You..." also apears in the song "Homecoming" the lyrics in the intro also are supposed to be Whatshername
  • Joe from Chicago, Arthis is a good song but jesus of suburbia dosen't kill saint jimmy it points out in homecoming "the death of saint jimmy" and it points out that he commits suicide
  • Eileen from San Diego, Cathis song is really cool. it reminds me of a lot of things. rock on billie joe!!!!!!!!!!
  • Sarah from Sandiego, CaOf course IT'S like a great song but i've listened to it so many times.
  • Sarah from Sandiego, CaI thought this song was ok not one of my favorites
see more comments

Editor's Picks

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary Machine

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary MachineSong Writing

Fiona's highly-anticipated third album almost didn't make it. Here's how it finally came together after two years and a leak.

Hawksley Workman

Hawksley WorkmanSongwriter Interviews

One of Canada's most popular and eclectic performers, Hawksley tells stories about his oldest songs, his plentiful side projects, and the ways that he keeps his songwriting fresh.

Adam Young of Owl City

Adam Young of Owl CitySongwriter Interviews

Is Owl City on a quest for another hit like "Fireflies?" Adam answers that question and explains the influences behind many others.

We Will Rock You (To Sleep): Pop Stars Who Recorded Kids' Albums

We Will Rock You (To Sleep): Pop Stars Who Recorded Kids' AlbumsSong Writing

With the rise of Kindie rock, more musicians are embracing their inner child with tunes for tots - here, we look at pop stars who recorded kids' albums.

Second Wind Songs

Second Wind SongsSong Writing

Some songs get a second life when they find a new audience through a movie, commercial, TV show, or even the Internet.

Dr. John

Dr. JohnSongwriter Interviews

The good doctor shares some candid insights on recording with Phil Spector and The Black Keys.