Lyrics for Jesus Of Suburbia as interpreted by prayingmantis84

Jesus Of Suburbia Lyrics
[Part I: Jesus of Suburbia ]

I'm the son of rage and love
The Jesus of suburbia
From the bible of none of the above
On a steady diet of
Soda pop and Ritalin
No one ever died for my sins in hell
As far as I can tell
At least the ones I got away with

But there's nothing wrong with me
This is how I'm supposed to be
In a land of make believe
That don't believe in me

Get my television fix
Sitting on my crucifix
The living room of my private womb
While the moms and Brads are away
To fall in love and fall in debt
To alcohol and cigarettes
And Mary Jane to keep me insane
And doing someone else's cocaine

[Part II: City Of The Damned]

At the center of the Earth
In the parking lot
Of the 7-11 were I was taught
The motto was just a lie
It says "home is were your heart is"
But what a shame
Cause everyone's heart
Doesn't beat the same
We're beating out of time

City of the dead
At the end of another lost highway
Signs misleading to nowhere
City of the damned
Lost children with dirty faces today
No one really seems to care

I read the graffiti
In the bathroom stall
Like the holy scriptures of a shopping mall
And so it seemed to confess
It didn't say much
But it only confirmed that
The center of the earth
Is the end of the world
And I could really care less

[Part III: I don't care]

I don't care if you don't
I don't care if you don't care [x5]

Everyone is so full of shit
Burn and raised by hipocrites
Hearts recycled but never saved
From the cradle to the grave
We are the kids of war and peace
From Anaheim to the middle east
We are the stories and disciples
Of the Jesus of Suburbia
Land of make believe
And it don't believe in me
Land of make believe
And I don't believe
And I don't care!

[Part IV: Dearly beloved]

Dearly beloved are you listening?
I can't remember a word that you were saying
Are we demented or am I disturbed?
The space that's in between insane and insecure
Oh therapy, can you please fill the void?
Am I retarded or am I just overjoyed?
Nobody's perfect and I stand accused
For lack of a better word, and that's my best excuse

[Part V: Tales of another broken home]

To live and not to breathe
Is to die in tragedy
To run, to run away
To find what you believe
And I leave behind
This hurricane of fucking lies
I lost my faith to this
This town that don't exist

So I run
I run away
To the light of masochists
And I leave behind
This hurricane of fucking lies
And I walked this line
A million and one fucking times
But not this time

I don't feel any shame
I wont apologize

When there ain't nowhere you can go
Running away from pain
When you've been victimized
Tales from another broken home

Interaction
Mail to a friend Send Lyrics to a Friend
Share on Facebook

Stumble It
Add to Del.icio.us Add to Del.icio.us




  • 320 Comments
  • Printer Friendly Lyrics
oldest first     Expand All
#1greendayfreak
01-02-2006

Rated 0 
I don't get in the Jos video who is his girlfriend because at his house I guess it is his mom but at the very first part of the video there is a short haired girl but then it shows St. Jimmy with a long haired girl. And in the Bathroom why does he write St. Jimmy if he didn't take that name until the song St. Jimmy????????

Log in to reply
madmac5
01-03-2006

Rated 0 
From the Christian perspective, since the name of Jesus is used:
Preaching Jesus Up Against the Jesus of Suburbia

Chris Erdman writes: What often passes for Christianity may be religious but is not Christianity--not yet at least (and one wonders if it ever will be given such a start). Culture-Christians are not terribly interested in Jesus of the Bible who said such silly things like: "love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you . . . . Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful" (Luke 6.27, 36) and "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me" (Mark 8.34). No, their god is not the One who says such outlandish things; their god promises safety, security, and abundance--in short, the American Dream. Jesus of suburbia. Culture-Christians and the churches that form them will never see things this way; their Jesus has been fashionably refashioned to be the god of safety. "Jesus died to get me to heaven." "Jesus wants me to get others to heaven." "Jesus blesses the guns and bombs and planes and policies that keep me safe and happy until I get there." So much of this non-Christian Christianity is really about creating a safe world where I'll never have to love my enemy, deny myself my creature comforts, or die as a witness to Jesus Christ. This is a gospel but it is not the Gospel.

Up against this and so much more we stand to preach the Word of God. And this may be among the most resistent of the world religions to our preaching. Nevertheless, the "weapons of our warfare are not worldly, but have divine power to destroy strongholds" (2 Corinthians 10.4). Week after week, year after year we break open the Text among our people, disentangling a worldly Christianity from the tales, fables, myths of a broader culture that is too often the real text we all hear and obey. And while we preach, we preachers are disentangled too--for none of us can hope to live safe from the entanglements of so many alluring counterfeits that masquerade as the real thing.

Log in to reply
IcarusIncarnate
01-06-2006

Rated 0 
Now, I know that many of my points have been covered before, but seeing as many of these comments are along the lines of "OMGz greenday rulesz" or "this song is my favorit song evar!1," I figure I'm contributing something.

First off, no one should compare this song to Bohemian Rhapsody. One, Queen had an impact on music that Billy Joe would like to think he does; I'm sorry, he's just no Freddie Mercury. Second, they're completely different songs; the punk rock opera was brought up, and why I don't have much against that sort of "riff-lifting" thing (unless we're discussing "Ice Ice Baby"), Bohemian Rhapsody was something completely original and revolutionary for the time, ie, ten years from now, more people will know Bohemian Rhapsody than they do Jesus of Suburbia.

Next, I must say that I’m not a huge Green Day fan. I like the Nimrod, album, though (specifically, “King For A Day”), and I notice a possible connection in “Prosthetic Head,” in which it mentions Whatshisface, who was also mentioned as possibly marrying Whatshername on American Idiot. I don’t know, just a possibility. (Although I do recognise that it is a general term for someone whose name you don't know.)

The concept of the “Jesus of Suburbia” is a very common concept. “The Sounds of Silence” by Simon and Garfunkel covers a similar concept, as does Marilyn Manson’s Holy Wood album (and depending on who you ask, it feeds into a trypich story with Holy Wood as the beginning, Mechanical Animals as the middle, and Antichrist Superstar as the end). The “namesake” of Jesus of Suburbia was originally a book which later became a BBC miniseries with a soundtrack by Bowie (someone once told me it’s Bowie’s worst work).

On the note of Bowie (I got lazy and skipped some pages, so I'm not sure if this has been brought up), but somewhere else where this song was discussed, it was brought up that the chords used in the first two openening guitar bits (before "I'm the son of rage and love" and then the next one before "the Jesus of Suburbia") were the same chords (albeit played slightly differently) as those played at the beginning of Bowie's Moonage Daydream (before "I'm an alligator" and the next one before "I'm a mama-papa commin' for you") on his "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust" album (one of the best albums ever...ask anyone who knows anything about music). This may or may not have been intentional, but I nominate the former, as Moonage Daydream is about the creation of Ziggy Stardust as a quasi-religious rebelious sexual alien on his quest to save the Earth from its destruction in "Five years."

However, Billie Joe has mentioned that they’re going to start filming for the American Idiot movie in early 2006, and I have to say, as a fan of rock operas and concept albums, I look forward to it.

Log in to reply
knuxman
01-07-2006

Rated 0 
IcarusIncarnate: Thanks for that informative post, and an extra pat on the back for being a respectful non-fan. Unlike many posters here who dislike this band you don't come here just to say "OmG GreeN dAY sukz!" or anything to that effect, thank you, and now on to my more on topic discussion.

I must say that any comparison beteween Jesus of Suburbia and Bohemian Rhapsody is unfair, it was a different time, two VERY different bands, and the songs aren't even very similair musically. It's just because not many artist are willing to make movement based music, instead of the standard 3 minute song.

Log in to reply
sodapopandritalin
01-08-2006

Rated 0 
the line "I'm the son of rage and love" i reckon means rage is his father and love is his mom/the other way around, OR

OROROROROROROROR
it means he is the spawn of both the emotions rage and love, showign that he can be both, and is part of both.

BTW LADEIS AND JELLYBEANS, EVERY SINGLE GREENDAY LINE TO EVERY SONG MEANS SONGTHING, NO MATTER WHAT THE SOGN IS ABOUT, YOU CAN FIND AS MEANIGN IN EACH LINE, DO U CONCUR? I CONCUR
SLATA

*~*BrInG BaCk ThE sLuT tOpS*~*

LiSaSiL

Log in to reply
IcarusIncarnate
01-08-2006

Rated 0 
sodapopandritalin, do you really think that's it's impossible for Green Day to be such messiah's in music that they don't, oh, I don't know, maybe every once in a while throw a word or line in for the sake of rhyme or rhythm? Even my boys Bowie, Freddie Mercury, and Marilyn Manson throw stuff in for those reasons.

Knuxman, I acknowledge that they are different artsits (and I'm not even sure the second part of your comment was aimed at me) and two different times, but Queen is a timeless band to the point where they were one of the few groups/artists (Bowie was another) who were recognised as musical geniuses years after that brief period in music known as the age of glam rock. They surpassed fads. However, while Green Day will be remembered, I don't think it will be with the calibur that Queen is.

Log in to reply
-ReBeL&ReVeNgE-
01-09-2006

Rated 0 
Oh god,their video clip are really really the most worst ever!!!!!But I like the song especially when Billie sings 'Dearly Beloved'!!!!It's really fucking nice song although it is very long song,about 9 minutes and 8 seconds...

Log in to reply
dfemosweetie92
01-13-2006

Rated 0 
i love this song. i think he is talking about what a normal kid has to go throo. drugs, sex, and crap like that. he is talking about a guy named jesus and comparing his life to jesus's

Log in to reply
macca
01-17-2006

Rated 0 
HI. I'M FROM AUSTRALIA. JUST THOUGHT I'D SAY.... WE'RE NOT ALL LIKE THE CROCODILE HUNTER, AND WE DON'T KEEP KANGAROOS AS PETS! WELL, I DONT.... i love the american idiot album because the characters can be interpreted in different ways. i think the jesus of suburbia is a metaphor for all teenagers struggling to cope with the hardships they have to face, not a metaphor for rebellion. but theres also a side of me saying that jesus is a troubled kid who doesnt know what kind of person he wants to become. In the first part of the song, Jesus of Suburbia is portrayed as a prophet to rise against christianity, although he believes he is carrying the burdens of other peoples' sin, hence JESUS. he cant stand the brainwashed american idiots, although even he falls for the trap at times. he hangs out with the underbelly (an underground group of his punk friends) but doesnt know if its right for him. in CITY OF THE DAMNED, a border line is drawn between heaven and hell (CENTRE OF THE EARTH) where jesus spent his childhood. I DON'T CARE tells us that jesus is pissed off at the world around him and wants to break free. DEARLY BELOVED is about jesus of suburbia undergoing therapy for his uncontrollable rage at jingletown, where he grew up, and the world in general. By the start of TALES OF ANOTHER BROKEN HOME, jesus is unsure whether to stay at home and wallow in his sorrow about his mixed childhood of rage and love, or move away to the city to start a new life. he chooses the latter option because he can no longer take his life of empty promises, hence the line 'And I leave behind this hurricane of fucking lies'. The video for this song crams in most of the american idiot album into 10 minutes, yet every detail is present. it introduces whatsername (st jimmy's girlfriend) at a very early stage, even though she isnt introduced to the album until the track SHE'S A REBEL. I couldn't completely comprehend the album until i watched this video.

To sum up, people have varying opinions on the meaning of this song, yet somehow all of these interpretations slot perfectly into the american idiot storyline. It is mainly aimed at the average American kid, but it still appeals to a worldwide audience. thanks for reading, i'd love to hear some feedback

Log in to reply
macca
01-18-2006

Rated 0 
this song has references of anti-christianity, about jesus wanting to be relieved of the burden of others sin. im a christian but i dont mind that sort of statement, although it has outrages plenty of catholics

Log in to reply
lilmiss_krazie
01-18-2006

Rated 0 
JOS is definetly one of their best songs on the album. It defines how most of us feel about issues happening all around us. Allthough it tells the tale of JOS and his escape from his home town of jingletown to the big city it also shows their feelings to some important issues happening in america. Go Green Day!!!

Log in to reply
EMOSKEMMOKID
01-22-2006

Rated 0 
GREAT SONG.. ALL MOST AZ GUD AZ MEEEE

Log in to reply
Disposition___
01-22-2006

Rated 0 
That was the worst comment. Ever.

-Katie. xoxo.

Log in to reply
suchahero
01-22-2006

Rated 0 
Yes, please refrain from commenting here.

Log in to reply
chucka182
01-25-2006

Rated 0 
this song is about how corrupt america is at the moment. Billy joe Armstrong has half explained this on the bullet in a bible dvd. He uses metaphors such as; "Jesus"-Bush Government and 'Suburbia'-America. It is telling of the lies and selfishness of the autorities when the lyrics say i dont care if u dont. And pretty much saying that bush is in americas control in war and peace. where we r being disciples to what bush says.

Log in to reply
Katbsinging
01-25-2006

Rated 0 
The Character in this song who refers to himself as Jesus of Suburbia. he is a son and he hates his mom and his life. He just wants to make everything better even though his own life sucks (thats why he refers to himself as Jesusof suburbia..to make things better because Jesus supposedly did that). since he has such a f***ed up life, he doesnt think that there is a God. He is a peaceful person who happens to be filled with violent rage. So when he leaves his home, he finds out how fucked up the world is, he turns out to be all alone in the world, he calls himself Saint Jimmy, he meets a girl, loses a girl and his fucked up life just gets worse. but i guess he thinks he's a jesus because he probably commits mental suicide and comes back as Jesus of Suburbia...so maybe the story never really stops...meaning that our world will always be fucked.

Log in to reply
princess_sparkle
01-28-2006

Rated 0 
"in the land of make believe you dont believe in me" what does this mean?

Log in to reply
#1greendayfreak
01-29-2006

Rated 0 
The song was co-written by Green Day (with Billie Joe Armstrong writing the lyrics), and was co-produced by Green Day and Rob Cavallo. In this epic rock opera, Green Day detail the life and times of Jesus of Suburbia (goes by the name Jimmy), the fictional protaganist of American Idiot. He has no real name because he represents all rebellious youth. He is a resident of Jingletown, USA, and the son of a divorcee mother. His younger years were spent on a "steady diet of soda pop and Ritalin", watching television, experimenting with drugs, and loitering in front of convenience stores. Although, all seems alright at first, Jesus of Suburbia feels trapped and bored in Jingletown, USA and longs for escape.

In a coming of age move, Jesus of Suburbia (Jimmy) leaves Jingletown, USA by the end of the song to explore The City. His exploits in The City are not described in this song, but are described in greater detail in the rest of the album, specially in "Holiday" and "Boulevard of Broken Dreams". Nevertheless to describe the essence of the personality of Jesus of Suburbia

Log in to reply
adelledaforever
01-31-2006

Rated 0 
Well with the help of the video, I believe this song is about a kid known as the "Jesus of suburbia" cuz he is the most known or popular figure in his town. he goes through mishaps and regret, trying to understand life, before leaving home to find an answer.

Log in to reply
iluvpunkrock
01-31-2006

Rated 0 
LOVE IT!! its so well thought out like readin a story and no matter how many times you listen to it you cant get fed up. American idiot is definately one of the best albums Green Day have done.

Log in to reply
80schick
02-02-2006

Rated 0 
I totally relate to this song... it epitomizes my experience as a teenager - even down to hanging out in the parking lot of a 7-11 !!!!!

For me the Land of Make Believe is my home town where everyone was terribly shallow and full of shit. I used to call it the land of the beautiful people. They went to church or temple and they couldn't care any less about anything but appearances and money.

"That Don't Believe in Me" is for the lack of mentoring or guidance - just being left to rot in the confusion and lack of love, depth meaning.... and then having a home where there is no heart, no love, just pain, it's pure hell.... and partying and not caring is exactly what he HAS to do.... the only thing left to do is dumb down and be insane - retarded, whatever..... Finally, the only way to escape is to run away, get away and find yourself.... This is my take anyway.

But I don't watch videos and haven't seen it... This is my interpretation from my own experience.

Log in to reply
megsbee
02-03-2006

Rated 0 
i hate how mainstream this song is

Log in to reply
x.leilani.x
02-03-2006

Rated 0 
This track tells the story of Jesus of Suburbia, also known as simply "Jimmy" (according to the Music Video, who lives with his negligent mother and her boyfriend Brad in a suburb called "Jingletown, USA"). His younger years were spent "on a steady diet of soda pop and Ritalin", watching television, experimenting with drugs, and loitering in front of convenience stores. He feels trapped and bored in his town and longs for escape. (I)

Disillusioned with life in Jingletown and its effect on his psyche, Jimmy begins his transformation into the character of "St. Jimmy", and decides to leave Jingletown for "The City".(II - V)

Log in to reply
Sydsyd
02-07-2006

Rated 0 
I bought dookie when it first came out on tape... and loved it. i bought american idiot when i first came out on disc. and loved it. if u cant understand that bands mature and evolve and have to change their sound to stay current, then u shouldnt buy music. do u think bands like bon jovi are still around cuz they play the same stuff, or even look at blink (if u know their stuff) their earlier stuff was childish and immature, all about doing stupid crap. (exception to Adams Song) it was still good music, and then on their most recent selftitled cd(before greatest-hits) they incorperate new sounds and it fucking rocks.

also, anytime you can let your dad listen to a couple songs, and then the next day hes buyin the album and a month later hes claiming its the best cd he's EVER heard. then it is pretty amazing.

Hopefully theyre planning on making one more album. and HOPEFULLY its as good or better.

the song JOS is amazing and u should all watch the directors unedited version of it off torrentspy.com a lot more detail and more of a story. actually all the scenes are in completely different order and its 11:40 mins long instead of 9:30. gives a lot more insight.

and im done.

Log in to reply
Used_Freak_89
02-10-2006

Rated 0 
This song is so awesome... I listen to it over and over again. I never get tired of it. Green Day is the BEST!!!

Log in to reply




  • Add Your Comments
What does this song mean to you?

You must be logged in to post your comments.

Feel free to create an account with us, or log in with your existing account, to start adding your comments to songs.





Popular
Top:   Lyrics, Artists, Albums
Random:   Lyric, Artist, Album

Your Ad Here