21 Guns

Green Day

About 21 Guns

"21 Guns" is a song by American rock band Green Day. It was released as the second single from their eighth album, 21st Century Breakdown, and serves as the sixteenth track from the album. The single was released through Reprise Records on May 25, 2009 as a digital download and July 14, 2009 as a CD single. The song has been a success on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at No. 22, becoming their highest charting single since 2005; however, it is one of their last to chart, "Oh Love" from ¡Uno! in 2012 being the last one to chart so far. It is also their last top 40 hit in the United States. The song is also featured on the soundtrack of the film Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and is featured as one of the songs during the end credits. It was nominated for a Grammy for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal and Best Rock Song in 2010. 


Year:
2009
5:21
3,072 
#19

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

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

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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: Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt, Tre Cool, John Phillips, David Robert Jones

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, TINTORETTO MUSIC, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Song Origin
"21 Guns" is one of the most popular songs by the American punk rock band Green Day. It was released in 2009 as the second single from their eighth studio album, “21st Century Breakdown.”
Chart Performance
The song enjoyed significant commercial success by topping the “U.S. Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks” chart and peaking at number 22 on the “Billboard Hot 100”.
Song Meaning
"21 Guns" is about facing difficulties and realizing that succumbing to defeat can sometimes be as honorable as winning. The title refers to a 21-gun salute, a military honor given to fallen soldiers.
Grammy Nomination
It was nominated for "Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal" and "Best Rock Song" at the 52nd Grammy Awards.
Musical Theater Adaptation
The song was used in the successful Broadway musical adaptation of Green Day's concept album "American Idiot."
Music Video
The official music video, directed by Marc Webb, has over 320 million views on YouTube. There are also two different versions of the video.
Accident on Set
During the filming of the music video for “21 Guns”, lead vocalist Billie Joe Armstrong suffered a minor injury, a cut above his right eyebrow needing stitches, due to a broken prop.
Additional Talents
The song includes a string arrangement that was performed by the classical violinist Patrick Warren.
Collaboration
An acoustic version of "21 Guns" was released featuring the cast from the “American Idiot” musical. It charted separately from the original single and went on to be a success.
Cover Versions
"21 Guns" has been covered by various artists and groups around the world. One notable cover was performed on the reality singing competition The X Factor by the eventual winner, Louisa Johnson.
Album Success
"21 Guns" played a major part in helping the album "21st Century Breakdown" win the Grammy Award for "Best Rock Album" at the 52nd Grammy Awards.
Certification
The song "21 Guns" was certified Platinum in the U.S, making it one of Green Day's most successful singles.

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    21 Guns

    376.3M
    2.3M     47,871

    Top Hot 100 Songs 2009

    Billboard #22


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