Good Riddance

Green Day

About Good Riddance

"Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)" is a song by the American punk rock band Green Day, released in October 1997 as the second single and from their fifth studio album Nimrod (1997), and also serves as the seventeenth and second to last track on the album. Although it was not issued as a single at the time of its release in the United States, "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)" sold over 2.6 million copies as a digital download in the country. The song was certified Platinum in the United Kingdom for sales of 600,000. Although different from the band's usual sound, it is one of the band's most popular songs. It has also become a staple of the band's concerts and is usually played as the final song in their live shows.  


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Another turning point
A fork stuck in the road
Time grabs you by the wrist
Directs you where to go

So make the best of this test
And don't ask why
It's not a question,
But a lesson learned in time

It's something unpredictable,
But in the end it's right
I hope you had the time of your life

So take the photographs
And still-frames in your mind
Hang it on a shelf 
And good health and good time

Tattoo's of memories 
And dead skin on trial, go
For what it's worth 
It was worth all the while

It's something unpredictable,
But in the end it's right
I hope you had the time of your life

It's something unpredictable, 
But in the end it's right
I hope you had the time of your life

It's something unpredictable, 
But in the end it's right
I hope you had the time of your life

Wake me up when September ends

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Green Day

Green Day is an American punk rock band formed in 1987. The band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Billie Joe Armstrong, bassist and backing vocalist Mike Dirnt, drummer Tré Cool and guitarist and backing vocalist Jason White, who became a full member after playing in the band as a session and touring guitarist for 13 years. Cool replaced former drummer John Kiffmeyer in 1990, prior to the recording of the band's second studio album, Kerplunk (1992). more »

20 fans

Written by: Michael Pritchard, Frank Wright III, Billie Joe Armstrong

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Song Creation
"Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)" was written by Green Day frontman, Billie Joe Armstrong. He wrote it in 1994 about a girlfriend who moved to Ecuador.
Album Release
The song is part of the 1997 album "Nimrod," although it was written much earlier. It reflects a departure from the punk genre, which Green Day was known for.
Usage in TV and Film
"Good Riddance" has been used in many TV shows and films, most notably in the series finale of the popular TV show "Seinfeld." It has also been used in "ER", "Butterfly Effect", etc.
Award Recognition
In 1998, "Good Riddance" won an MTV Video Music Award for Best Alternative Video, and it was performed on the TV show "King of the Hill."
Chart Success
The song reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the U.S., No. 11 in the U.K., and it peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart.
Lyrics Reception
The song has been perceived as both a bitter break-up song (considering its title, "Good Riddance") and a reflective, positive song (referring to its subtitle, "Time of Your Life").
Signature Song
Despite being quite different from their other work, "Good Riddance" has become one of Green Day's signature songs and is often played during their live performances.
Fan-Favorite
Because of its general appeal and touching lyrics, this track is considered a fan favorite and is often used in events like graduations and farewells.
Album Record
"Nimrod" became platinum mainly due to the success of "Good Riddance," demonstrating the track's significant contribution to the album's commercial acclaim.
Instrumentals
Unlike Green Day's usual punk rock sound, "Good Riddance" prominently features an acoustic guitar. It's also one of the few Green Day songs where a string section can be heard.
Covers and Parodies
The song has been covered by numerous artists across a range of genres, including Glen Campbell, and it has been parodied by "Weird Al" Yankovic.

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