Oh Yeah!

Album: Father Of All... (2020)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This power-pop track is a skewering of America's problems with gun violence and education.

    I'm just a face in the crowd of spectators
    To the sound of the voice of a traitor
    Dirty looks and I'm looking for a payback
    Burning books in a bulletproof backpack


    The song had the working title of "Bulletproof Backpack," but the band changed it to the less offensive "Oh Yeah."
  • Billie Joe Armstrong explained the song's meaning to Kerrang: "It's sort of about being freaked out around the polarization that we live in right now. Whether it's kids getting shot in schools, or the closest thing that America has ever seen to fascism."
  • There are also lyrics about America's obsession with social media.

    Everybody is a star (Star)
    Got my money and I'm feeling kinda low


    Armstrong told Kerrang, regarding this specific line: "I just feel like with all of the chaos going on, no-one ever hesitates to take a good selfie."
  • The chorus prominently samples Joan Jett's 1980 hit single "Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah)." It marks the first time in the history of Green Day that they've sampled another song.
  • Joan Jett's song itself is a cover of shamed glam-rocker Gary Glitter's 1973 single of the same name. Because of Glitter's history of child pornography and sexual assault, Green Day donated all proceeds from the track to the International Justice Mission and RAINN, two charities that work with victims of sexual offenses.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Gary LeVox

Gary LeVoxSongwriter Interviews

On "Life Is A Highway," his burgeoning solo career, and the Rascal Flatts song he most connects with.

Jay, Peaches, Spinderella and other Darrining Victims

Jay, Peaches, Spinderella and other Darrining VictimsSong Writing

Just like Darrin was replaced on Bewitched, groups have swapped out original members, hoping we wouldn't notice.

Danny Kortchmar

Danny KortchmarSongwriter Interviews

Danny played guitar on Sweet Baby James, Tapestry, and Running On Empty. He also co-wrote many hit songs, including "Dirty Laundry," "Sunset Grill" and "Tender Is The Night."

Adam Duritz of Counting Crows

Adam Duritz of Counting CrowsSongwriter Interviews

"Mr. Jones" took on new meaning when the song about a misguided view of fame made Adam famous.

David Paich of Toto

David Paich of TotoSongwriter Interviews

Toto's keyboard player explains the true meaning of "Africa" and talks about working on the Thriller album.

Judas Priest

Judas PriestSongwriter Interviews

Rob Halford, Richie Faulkner and Glenn Tipton talk twin guitar harmonies and explain how they create songs in Judas Priest.