SongMeanings | Lyrics | Green Day

Lyrics for 21 Guns as interpreted by bfg1024

21 Guns Lyrics

Do you know what's worth fighting for
When it's not worth dying for?
Does it take your breath away
And you feel yourself suffocating?
Does the pain weigh out the pride?
And you look for a place to hide?
Did someone break your heart inside?
You're in ruins

One, 21 guns
Lay down your arms
Give up the fight
One, 21 guns
Throw up your arms into the sky
You and I

When you're at the end of the road
And you lost all sense of control
And your thoughts have taken their toll
When your mind breaks the spirit of your soul
Your faith walks on broken glass
And the hangover doesn't pass
Nothing's ever built to last
You're in ruins

One, 21 guns
Lay down your arms
Give up the fight
One, 21 guns
Throw up your arms into the sky
You and I

Did you try to live on your own
When you burned down the house and home?
Did you stand too close to the fire?
Like a liar looking for forgiveness from a stone

When it's time to live and let die
And you can't get another try
Something inside this heart has died
You're in ruins

One, 21 guns
Lay down your arms
Give up the fight
One, 21 guns
Throw up your arms into the sky

One, 21 guns
Lay down your arms
Give up the fight
One, 21 guns
Throw up your arms into the sky
You and I

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Other Popular Lyrics by Green Day

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170 Comments

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budfighter77
05-07-2009

Rated 0

very different style from green day

i like it

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tonycn
05-07-2009

Rated 0

"one, 21 guns" what does the "one" mean in this line? one round? one sound? one country, or sth?

8 Replies

bmurr
05-19-2009

Rated -1

i thought it meant one, "21 gun salute." you know, the thing they during important national, or military events....and i think sometimes at memorials. at least, in the UK they do it as a royal salute.

klitschkobrofan
06-22-2009

Rated +1

The 21 gun salute is what they have when someone dies --- I think it's implying that you (one) better surrender before you create your own death.

EastJesusSomewhere
07-02-2009

Rated +1

yea i agree with klitschkobrofan..i think the "one" in the song is refering to a person, not a number.

wndowlicker3000
07-21-2009

Rated 0

i think its reffering to one like one mistake and the next thing you get is a 21 gun salute, maybe?
like you have to be careful when playing with war.. is it really worth it?

SongSwann123
08-21-2009

Rated 0

i kind of agree with wndowlicker... knowing Green Day and their stance on war, i would think that because of the 21 gun salute, they're talking about some(one) who died in war.

The lines, "do you know whats worth fighting for, when its not worth dying for" kind of makes me think that its someone who died in combat... then the chorus is telling them to lay down their arms...

CandG4ever
09-16-2009

Rated 0

most likely this is not a sweeping statement about the military, but a reference to Christian and Gloria, b/c in the video, that's obviously C and G in that room,

kellenhesseltine
10-11-2009

Rated 0

i think what they mean by "one" is they are one against everyone else.

hhw
10-31-2009

Rated 0

i think this song is against wars
one, 21 guns ,means every one is this world have average 21 guns .
like the aggregate nuclear weapons can destory earth 60tims sort of things.
well , just guessing

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Tigreen555
05-13-2009

Rated 0

Wow great song. hooked instantly with the "1..., 21 guns." Could and should be released as 3rd or 4th single. Obviously antiwar or it could be about C&G(christian and gloria) situation. knowing what your fighting for and is it worth your life.

"Like a liar looking for forgiveness from a stone". I really really love this line. I think its another stab at christianity and how christians look at jesus as a source of forgiveness. and their statues and crosses are the stones. thats my take in reading it at least. awesome either way.

15 Replies

fOdRaFaXx
05-24-2009

Rated 0

wow a never thought about c&g in this song i only thought about the no war mind of green day and could possibly be about c&g

undercanvaswraps
06-22-2009

Rated 0

Ok, I really don't know what your getting at with Christian statues and crosses being stones... but the biggest problem with your theory is the whole thing about Christians lying about saying they're forgiving. I don't care if Green Day is ragging on that or not, people who think that's true are really kinda ignorant about how true Christianity is. If you meet a Christian who isn't forgiving, then that's not a good Christian, and not someone who you should put as an example for all of Christianity.

I just find it kind of insulting that this has become the stereotype for all Christians, when it's far from the truth.

master_erk
06-25-2009

Rated 0

undercanvaswraps,you're my hero.

ALF195
06-26-2009

Rated 0

You might be on to something there with the whole "looking for forgiveness from a stone" thing, but you are way off with the Christianity thing. Christians don't look for forgiveness from a stone (or a cross or a statues for that matter), that's "idol worship" which is, FYI, not Christianity. But awesome song, regardless of the incorrect assumptions people are making of it.

CandG4ever
07-18-2009

Rated 0

i agree, it could b about it christianity, and to the guys who replied to this, every1 knows that christians dont actually pray to the statues, and if they don't then they're very ignorant. If this line is about C&G then i would say one of them lied and is remorseful about it and is trying to get forgiveness from the other, who is being cold and emotionless (stone)

wintonas
07-19-2009

Rated 0

undercanvaswraps, nice job :)

with all that aside, i took the 'stone' to refer a gravestone, and how the subject was looking for forgiveness for something he did to someone that was buried, and so he was only talking to a stone

sataniccupid
07-22-2009

Rated -1

guys,
there's another religion pray for forgiveness. And they pray the stone. I'm not christian. That religion is ISLAM. there's a black stone at their holy place.

xxfcklovexx
07-24-2009

Rated 0

i can see though where the whole non forgiving thing is though i mean, xtains are forgiving yes but there are some holier than thou that give ppl the wrong idea. idk bout the stones though.. like i know that there are some chatholics that do look to icons that help them worship such as the virgin mary... i myself am i christian and go to a school where we study other religions such as islam and i think sataniccupid is going in the right direction.

walkingparadox
08-06-2009

Rated +1

Thank you, undercanvas wraps.

Well, no offense xxfcklovexx, but if your school taught you that "chatholics" use "icons to help them worship such as the virgin mary", they misguided you. Everyone, please note that CATHOLICS DO NOT WORSHIP ANYONE BUT GOD. Thus, nobody worships Mary; She is just revered as Christ's mother. This is a huge huge misconception about about Catholicism.

Sorry to Green Day + fans for the tangent. I am Catholic, and I get that a lot, which is frustrating since it's not at all true.

Also, Billie Joe has been quoted saying (according to him imdb site), "I believe there's a higher power somewhere. I just don't know what it is. I really like a lot of Catholic symbolism. Me and Adrienne collect a lot of crucifixes and rosary beads and stuff like that. In our house, we have a lot of candles and stuff like that."

Not that Green Day is afraid to hit Catholicism, but I don't think he's turning a stone into a Catholic icon, especially considering sataniccupid's contribution to the discussion. Thanks by the way, I didn't know that.

p.s. Good song.

walkingparadox
08-06-2009

Rated 0

*his imdb site, my bad

edtoaster
08-24-2009

Rated 0

i think the whole religion thing is way off i agree with "wintonas" its a grave stone hes asking forgiveness from but its not literal its a simile for intense regret for his actions and their consequences.

if you look at the 3 lines before u can understand it better:

"Did you try to live on your own
When you burned down the house and home?
Did you stand too close to the fire?
Like a liar looking for forgiveness from a stone"

If u take the anti-war line, the house and home represents the institution of the united states or the constitution or whatever, any ethical system really. He thought he was upholding its values but he burnt it to the ground unknowingly. Of course living without some structured ethical system to believe in (living on your own) simply doesn't work.
Now its all well and good to say he was doing the right thing from a distance, but when ur the one burning the house down u realise how misguided u really have been. you get burned also because ur too close (this ties in with the whole "your in ruins" line, referring to his broken spirit and soul).
Finally he compares his remorse to asking for forgiveness from a gravestone, which is of course futile and besides it is far to late to reverse the outcome or change the past.

Tigreen555
08-30-2009

Rated 0

yea i guess its likely not. but its just my interpretation anyway. kinda like how many people always see the anti war or political message i saw and look for the antireligous. you can take any line and stretch it into whatever you wanna see. anyway songs awesome.

Tigreen555
08-30-2009

Rated 0

infern0
09-16-2009

Rated 0

liars get forgiveness through a stone in only one way i can think of: being stoned. it's saying that the only way this world forgives is through condemnation and judgment on one another.

conan151091
09-21-2009

Rated 0

I think you are right. It's another hit at Christianity. And the stone in this I think is the 10 Commandments stone. But that is just my guess, since I am not Christian I don't really know whom one would beg for forgiveness from.

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Alexmoon
05-13-2009

Rated 0

At the moment, this is my favourite song on the new album. Definately an awesome track on a stellar album.

But I have to say, first two lines need changing. Well, the second line.

Do you know what's worth fighting for,
When it's not worth fighting for?

Should be

Do you know what's worth fighting for,
When it's not worth dying for?

2 Replies

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autophobe
05-13-2009

Rated 0

good song, great album.

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whatdoesitmeans
05-14-2009

Rated 0

i love the album! and this song is impressive. btw, i love when he sings"1...21guns":)

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Grasslunatic
05-15-2009

Rated 0

This song is one of my favourites on the album.

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gd_edi
05-16-2009

Rated 0

An anthem for surrender.

5 Replies

JohnnyCwtb
05-29-2009

Rated 0

Fuck yeah!
About time someone said it.
We need to surrender.
Killing innocents and going into debt for the pride of victory is really fucking stupid.

Buttsniffer
06-30-2009

Rated 0

These motherfuckers attacked us first. Should we have done nothing with the Japanese and Pearl Harbor? It brought us into that war! Should we have done nothing in WWI when Napoleon was doing genocide? Should we not have done something with Hitler? It's unpatriotic to say that and fucking stupid.

Bravejango
06-30-2009

Rated 0

"Should we have done nothing in WWI when Napoleon was doing genocide?"

you should check your facts before you post you ultra conservative prick. First off the Iraqis did not attack us first they didn't attack us at all we were "told" by intelligence agencies that they had "WMD's" which were and will never be found as there were none(unlike north Korea that tested long range ballistic missile systems and we looked the other way). Second Napoleon died 93 years before the start of WWI but hey i guess if his body was polluting a local water supply he could have caused massive deaths over a town. as for being Unpatriotic here is a direct quote for the Deceleration of Independence Signed July 4th 1776 by our four fathers.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. — Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government.

smagster
07-03-2009

Rated 0

Wow, you're someone that actually gets it, Bravejango.

And "Buttsniffer" are you referring to the 9/11 attacks when you say "These motherfuckers attacked us first"?

Like, a scary majority of people in the US truly believe that the 9/11 attack was committed by Iraq; therefore, we should blow the brains out of everyone in the country. When in fact, its the freaking wrong country all together! Iraq had NOTHING to do with it.

And, I don't think you can "do genocide".

FalenTearsxx
08-20-2009

Rated 0

that is truly true... this has to be my favorite green day song ever...

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kharys
05-16-2009

Rated 0

This song is so bomb. Definitely one of my favorites off the new album. I also love when he sings "One, 21 Guns." Fell in love with this song the second I heard that. I'm not sure I know exactly what it's about, though... I guess I have a vague idea, but I don't about the full meaning intended.

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irondal2
05-16-2009

Rated 0

It's about a fighter. It's multifaceted, and not just anti-war. The fighter has been soldiering for years now. The thoughts in his mind are asking him now whether the cause he's fighting for is worth all it takes from him. Before he began to question himself, the fight brought him a great deal of pride.

But something happened. This experience, whatever it was, has manifested itself in every thought inside the lover's mind. He's done everything he can think of to carry on with the fight like before, but this memory is in the way.

That's just my interpretation, but what the hell do I know?

4 Replies

moonlitdance
07-21-2009

Rated 0

I like this interpretation..closest possible one I've read...and I agree. it doesn't have to even be about war. its about people in a struggle against something be it a soldier from a war or a teenager fighting for freedom from their parent's control.

raven82g
08-04-2009

Rated 0

i agree you prob have the closest interpitation. also.. i dont know what the one is... but 21 guns are fired at a soldiers funeral. being a soldier myself.. i have seen it.

CandG4ever
09-16-2009

Rated 0

you could be right irondal2, but also if you've seen the video, it has a big part in the 21st century breakdown storyline (don't forget the CD is a rock opera) the characters Christian and Gloria are kind of brought to an end in the Climax of the story in the music video. Because after they give up their cause, and what they were fighting for (21 guns) it all turns to Mass Hysteria, and the whole "I don't wanna live in the modern world" Christian believes that all that's good in America has died "American Eulogy"

Kizu
09-27-2009

Rated 0

I personally believe that the "one" is the person. The person the twenty-one guns are being fired for, the one that died. And if you read several of the comments on this page and piece them together, you'll notice that everything wraps up and fits rather neatly into one little package. I could quote each of the biggest pieces of that puzzle here, but I think it'd have more meaning to piece it together yourself. ;)

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prophetttt
05-16-2009

Rated 0

this songs going to be so popular after its released as a single in like a month

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swiinglifeaway
05-16-2009

Rated 0

intro sounds so much like one of those classic rock Hotel California type song.....i cant recall its name..

the first and 2nd verses

2 Replies

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davidecoyote
05-17-2009

Rated +3

The 21 gun salute is the highest honor one can receive upon burial, usually in a military context. It makes me wonder, who was laid to rest here? An answer I'm not quite sure of.

But the whole pairing of "One, twenty-one guns" I'm guessing reiterates the importance of the individual, the idea that one person can do something worth the honor of multiple others showing respect, especially if that person gave their life for a cause.

The whole album has reminded me of the song "Acrobat" by U2; specifically, the lines "I'd join the movement if there was one I could believe in. Yeah I'd break bread and wine if there was a church I could receive in."

Don't be an agnostic, believe in something. Those who do and die in such purpose deserve our respect.

Don't let the bastards grind you down.

5 Replies

stags
05-18-2009

Rated -1

I'm pretty sure Christian was the one laid to rest in this one. Because the next track is American Eulogy is the song about Christian's death and See the light is about reprieve from a lifetime of pain. Just how I see it.

LyricalMasque
05-25-2009

Rated 0

I think the "one, twenty-one guns" has a double meaning. You're right about the "importance of the individual" (quoted because I couldn't put it better than that) but I also think it's two people as one entity, love or something like it. I believe it serves as a reference back to C&G, or any struggling couple. Otherwise, why would they stick the lyric "You and I" at the end of the chorus?

Acrobat6532
07-13-2009

Rated 0

Yes, I was thinking of U2 as well with this song; actually, I was more thinking of Like a Song and Sunday Bloody Sunday (or maybe just the War album in general), with the whole knowing what's worth fighting for bit, and the lay down your arms bit. But the same surrendering theme overall, I think.

The 21 gun salute is interesting; while it's used for the funeral of presidents, it was traditionally used to signify surrender or peace, I believe, in naval battles (the ships would shoot their weapons until they had no ammunition left). So the "one" could also be talking about the result of surrender (ie, if both sides stop fighting, then there aren't two sides anymore).

bobij13
08-27-2009

Rated 0

"Don't be an agnostic, believe in something."

i do hope youre kidding

agnostic's believe in something they just cant identify

atheist dont believe in anything

rosewind
11-07-2009

Rated 0

actually atheists *believe* that there is no God.

agnostics aren't sure.

ph and i agree with the "one" referring to unity..

amazing song(:

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LDInferno2307
05-17-2009

Rated 0

It reminds me of the Christmas truce in WWI.

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golson567
05-17-2009

Rated 0

This song has single written all over it
Kinda reminds me of Wake Me Up.... and Boulevard

1 Reply

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deliiroar
05-18-2009

Rated 0

yeah this song is like this album's version of boulevard. definately will be a single. i was disappointed when i first listened to the album but now i keep listening it and i love it now. this song is my favourite. although i prefer the story of Saint Jimmy and Whatsername, etc on American Idiot :) hmm.

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fuzzy11287
05-19-2009

Rated 0

I could leave this comment on any of Green Day's new songs from 21st Century Breakdown. They have really surprised me with the depth of their songwriting and the musicianship they display in their new album. I have to admit I didn't expect much from this new album, thinking that American Idiot was the best they could do.

I'm not sure that this is better, it will take more than one listen to decide, but the fact that after roughly 15 years Green Day can still pump out an album that sounds fresh and is entertaining to listen to is just damn impressive. They are able to change their style while still keeping a similar sound to what made them famous and what drew fans to them, something that many bands, especially late in their careers, simply are not able to do.

Great song and another great album from a band that refuses to quit.

1 Reply

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deliiroar
05-19-2009

Rated 0

uh-huh. yep. well said.

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tonycn
05-20-2009

Rated +1

thx davidecoyote, ur understanding on "one, 21 guns" helps me a lot

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nokejibijab
05-20-2009

Rated +1

the way I interpret this song is that war is so terrible, the people who fight in it and have the pride can be messed up for life for taking someones life. "And you look for a place to hide? Did someone break your heart inside?. You're in ruins"

Just have one 21 gun salute to honor those who have died. then lay down the guns and hope you never have to pick them up again. "One, 21 guns. Lay down your arms. Give up the fight"

People are constantly left in ruins from what they were forced to do in war. Just end the war and throw the guns in rejoice that it's all over. "Throw up your arms into the sky, You and I" <--- you and I meaning us and our enemy. Let's just give it all up. :)

1 Reply

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nokejibijab
05-20-2009

Rated +2

second verse is talking of after the war, unlike getting drunk, the after effects (hangover) never goes away. You're gonna be messed up for life.

And in the third verse i believe it to be talking of how soldiers will burn down another families home. could you really live with yourself after killing someone in a fire? or maybe going crazy as some people do after a war, not being able to live by yourself and needing help.

After you have killed the other soldier, you can never take it back. There are no second chances on taking another life. Once it's done, a part of you dies inside, No matter how tough you may be.

1 Reply

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deliiroar
05-21-2009

Rated 0

this song gives me chills.

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cybervipr
05-21-2009

Rated 0

The lyrics remind me of Dispatch - The General. Love this song. The chorus has such a crazy hook. Love the idea of "One, 21 guns."

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Jcm-93
05-22-2009

Rated 0

Great melody and vocals. Probably my fourth favourite song from the latest album.

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blinkday9
05-22-2009

Rated 0

This song means a lot to me.
It made me look at my life and realize that the path I was going down was going to destroy me.
"Does the pain weigh out the pride"
That line really made me think.

This song is going straight to #1, mark my words.

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