The Grouch

Album: Nimrod (1997)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong shows his surly side on this track, which is about a man growing older and more grumpy. He wrote it after a fight with his wife, Adie.
  • "The Grouch" is from the Nimrod album, which came three years after their breakthrough in 1994 with Dookie. They had yet to turn political and were still writing songs about the tribulations of life. The pop-punk movement had died down at this point (it would pick up again a few years later), which took some pressure off the band and allowed them time to make an album they were quite proud of. Drummer Tré Cool called Nimrod "The best f--king album you're gonna f--king get this f--king decade."

Comments: 7

  • Liffer from WinnipegI don't care what the published lyrics say, Billie does not sing "the world owe's me...." if anything it sounds like "the world's on me"
  • Monica from West Hartford, Ctlove this song--reminds me of my husband in a cute, lovable way!
  • Dominique from --, Nythis song is good. and the nickname doesn't even matter so don't worry about...all of you. love this song.
  • Rob from Bronx, NyAdie is Adrienne's nickname...do YOUR research lol, and spell her name right.
  • Jordan from --, Inwell, i guess the name kinda matters but this song is awsome. for some reason, i though of my boyfriend when i heard this song. we never had a fight...oh well. love the song!
  • James from Adelaide, Australiagosh, get it right. it really doesnt matter. good song tho. one of my fave ones by greenday
  • Katie from Mc, Inhis wife's name is Adriene. do your research.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Motley Crue

Motley CrueFact or Fiction

Was Dr. Feelgood a dentist? Did the "Crüecifixion" really happen?

JJ Burnel of The Stranglers

JJ Burnel of The StranglersSongwriter Interviews

JJ talks about The Stranglers' signature sound - keyboard and bass - which isn't your typical strain of punk rock.

Jack Blades of Night Ranger and Damn Yankees

Jack Blades of Night Ranger and Damn YankeesSongwriter Interviews

Revisit the awesome glory of Night Ranger and Damn Yankees: cheesily-acted videos, catchy guitar licks, long hair, and lyrics that are just plain relatable.

Tom Bailey of Thompson Twins

Tom Bailey of Thompson TwinsSongwriter Interviews

Tom stopped performing Thompson Twins songs in 1987, in part because of their personal nature: "Hold Me Now" came after an argument with his bandmate/girlfriend Alannah Currie.

Zac Hanson

Zac HansonSongwriter Interviews

Zac tells the story of Hanson's massive hit "MMMbop," and talks about how brotherly bonds effect their music.

Francis Rossi of Status Quo

Francis Rossi of Status QuoSongwriter Interviews

Doubt led to drive for Francis, who still isn't sure why one of Status Quo's biggest hits is so beloved.