Christian's Inferno

Album: 21st Century Breakdown (2009)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Christian is one of two reoccurring characters that feature on 21st Century Breakdown. Whilst The activist Gloria, who is fighting to hold on to her youthful idealism is a combination of frontman Billie Joe Armstrong and his wife Adrienne, the destructive, inflammatory Christian, is the side of Billie Joe that he tries to keep under wraps. Armstrong told Q magazine May 2009, that the title of this song refers to the, "sort of ugliest place you could possibly go in your brain." He added: "I don't know if I was having a bad morning but it's that angry feeling of despair that I guess a lot of people can relate to."
  • Armstrong told MTV News that this "is the most hateful song I've ever written - the most diabolic."
  • Rolling Stone asked Armstrong why he still felt the need to confront his demons when the Green Day frontman now is in a comfortable position with a nice house and family. He replied: "They're just photographs of what goes on inside my head - and wanting to connect with yourself, and your audience too. I'd like to write something more about joy and happiness. But for me, that's the release, putting it out there. To put it out there and create some kind of human connection and strive for something that's about humanity. It's like trying to battle past all those demons, your confusion and chaos, to reach something on the other side. I don't know why I'm like that. I've always felt desperate in some way."

Comments: 1

  • Jose from Fresno, CaIm christian but i love this song because i dont take music seriously and because i know "Chrisitan" is a fictional character of GreenDay's 21st Century Breakdown album.
    That said, i want to point out that Armstrong can do some serious vocals!
    They are amazing artist who are constantly evolving and i would like to see them do some Metalcore! that would be great..
    at 2:22 Armstrong does some great screaming..they should seriously consider doing some screamo/metal.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Zakk Wylde

Zakk WyldeSongwriter Interviews

When he was playing Ozzfest with Black Label Society, a kid told Zakk he was the best Ozzy guitarist - Zakk had to correct him.

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & PalmerSongwriter Interviews

Greg talks about writing songs of "universal truth" for King Crimson and ELP, and tells us about his most memorable stage moment (it involves fireworks).

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.

A Monster Ate My Red Two: Sesame Street's Greatest Song Spoofs

A Monster Ate My Red Two: Sesame Street's Greatest Song SpoofsSong Writing

When singers started spoofing their own songs on Sesame Street, the results were both educational and hilarious - here are the best of them.

Christmas Songs

Christmas SongsFact or Fiction

Rudolf, Bob Dylan and the Singing Dogs all show up in this Fact or Fiction for seasonal favorites.

Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers

Bill Medley of The Righteous BrothersSongwriter Interviews

Medley looks back on "Unchained Melody" and "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" - his huge hits from the '60s that were later revived in movies.