Dysentery Gary

Album: Enema Of The State (1999)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • When a girl chooses another guy over Tom DeLonge, the blink-182 guitarist deals with the rejection by making fun of her new man, nicknaming him Dysentery Gary. DeLonge explained in a track-by-track commentary:

    "I wrote that song from a point of view of, what if you were a guy who liked a girl, but the girl likes a different guy? It's kinda like 'I hate that guy, but I'm not sure why I hate him.' That's where it's supposed to come from. This guy is really frustrated because this girl doesn't like him, so he's going to make fun of this other guy. 'I can't think about any cruel things to say about him, but f--k, I just don't like him.' That's the attitude that song has. 'And this girl broke my heart.' That'll make you feel a little bit better."
  • Dysentery is a pretty nasty condition where the patient suffers frequent diarrhea, which explains why Gary is referred to as a diarrhea-giver.
  • DeLonge and bassist Mark Hoppus split lead vocal duties equally on the album, with DeLonge taking the lead on this tune, as well as "Dumpweed," "Aliens Exist," "All The Small Things," "Mutt," and "Anthem."
  • Enema Of The State was the band's first album with Travis Barker, who replaced Scott Raynor on the drums. Barker helped write the songs but didn't receive credit because he wasn't yet regarded as an official band member. On their subsequent studio album, Take Off Your Pants And Jacket, however, he shares songwriting credits with Hoppus and DeLonge.

Comments: 2

  • Ben from Gosford, AustraliaLike the guitar solo. Has a real mellow sound to it. Pity they didn't make it go for longer.
  • Gabe from Borger, Txlove the lil part where mark sings his solo. its such a good part
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Jesus Christ Superstar: Ted Neeley Tells the Inside Story

Jesus Christ Superstar: Ted Neeley Tells the Inside StorySong Writing

The in-depth discussion about the making of Jesus Christ Superstar with Ted Neeley, who played Jesus in the 1973 film.

Billy Steinberg - "Like A Virgin"

Billy Steinberg - "Like A Virgin"They're Playing My Song

The first of Billy's five #1 hits was the song that propelled Madonna to stardom. You'd think that would get you a backstage pass, wouldn't you?

Lou Gramm - "Waiting For A Girl Like You"

Lou Gramm - "Waiting For A Girl Like You"They're Playing My Song

Gramm co-wrote this gorgeous ballad and delivered an inspired vocal, but the song was the beginning of the end of his time with Foreigner.

James Bond Theme Songs

James Bond Theme SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know the 007 theme songs?

Elton John

Elton JohnFact or Fiction

Does he have beef with Gaga? Is he Sean Lennon's godfather? See if you can tell fact from fiction in the Elton John edition.

Richie Wise (Kiss producer, Dust)

Richie Wise (Kiss producer, Dust)Songwriter Interviews

Richie talks about producing the first two Kiss albums, recording "Brother Louie," and the newfound appreciation of his rock band, Dust.