Last of the American Girls

Album: 21st Century Breakdown (2009)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • One of the inspirations for this pop-punk number was the time vocalist Billie Joe Armstrong spent in New Orleans helping build houses for those made homeless by Hurricane Katrina. He explained to Q magazine May 2009: "I started writing it for my wife, but there's elements of Hurricane Katrina and (pro-cycling activists) Critical Mass. It adds those elements to one character who has this left wing strength."

Comments: 3

  • Morgan from Fargo, Ndi don't think he meant he was singing about the hurricane itself...more like this girl surviving and helping and just being what america used to be..
  • James from Indianapolis, InSeriously. Still a great song and a great album. Rock on Green Day!!!
  • Ashley from Edmonton, Abhow does this song
    relate to katrina exactly???
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Howard Jones

Howard JonesSongwriter Interviews

Howard explains his positive songwriting method and how uplifting songs can carry a deeper message.

Jason Newsted (ex-Metallica)

Jason Newsted (ex-Metallica)Songwriter Interviews

The former Metallica bassist talks about his first time writing a song with James Hetfield, and how a hand-me-down iPad has changed his songwriting.

Colbie Caillat

Colbie CaillatSongwriter Interviews

Since emerging from MySpace with her hit "Bubbly," Colbie has become a top songwriter, even crafting a hit with Taylor Swift.

La La Brooks of The Crystals

La La Brooks of The CrystalsSong Writing

The lead singer on "Da Doo Ron Ron" and "Then He Kissed Me," La La explains how and why Phil Spector replaced The Crystals with Darlene Love on "He's A Rebel."

Boz Scaggs

Boz ScaggsSongwriter Interviews

The "Lowdown" and "Lido Shuffle" singer makes a habit of playing with the best in the business.

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many Songs

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many SongsSong Writing

For songwriters, Johnny represents the American man. He has been angry, cool, magic, a rebel and, of course, marching home.