Know Your Enemy by Green Day

Album: 21st Century Breakdown (2009)

Charted: 21 28

License This Song

artistfacts

Songfacts®:

Singer Billie Joe Armstrong told Q magazine May 2009 about this rock number: "It's a rallying song. It's about liberating yourself from a lot of bulls--- that you see on TV."
This was the lead single from the 21st Century Breakdown album.
The music video was directed by Matthew Cullen, who, as the co-founder of production house Motion Theory, has worked with acts like Modest Mouse and Beck. He told MTV News: "We shot in downtown Los Angeles - in a real urban center - and the video is Green Day performing. There isn't another single person in it. It's based very much on my interpretation of the lyrics, but it connects to the title of the song, and it plays to the environment of fear that we've created for ourselves. There's a lot of symbolism that I tried to mirror [in the shoot]. I took a lot of influence from Green Day's lyrics and the imagery of [street artist] Banksy. It may not sound like a lot, but it's huge visually. It's gonna be a new experience for a lot of their fans. I mean, it's still Green Day, but it's just bigger."
Armstrong told The Sun April 24, 2009 that this "was the first song we were really into. I thought, 'Yep this is kinda saying something.'" He added: "I've never really written a song like that before. I've always liked songs like Freefalling by Tom Petty - it's the same riff over and over again. And that's hard to do - firing on one riff."
This entered the Billboard Hot 100 at #40, earning Green Day the highest debut of their chart career. The rock band's previous best arrival was the #53 bow of "Working Class Hero" in 2007.

Comments: 14

Anonymous from Guangdong, ChinaYo guys chill!!! Learn to appreciate Green Day's hard work!
And even if you don't like this song, it's fine, just don't send crazy comments saying "i'd rather slam my body part in a car door than listen to this song".
would you rather get injured or listen to something you don't like only once?
Jesse from OhioNot only their worst song ever, but one of the worst songs ever. Period. So bad. I'd rather slam my d--k in a car door than listen to this song
Hayes from Newark, OhGreat song, "Saint Jimmy" sang it to Johnny, I think he was referring to Whatsername(for trying to flush his drugs)

for me, this song means "if you don't know that you are the reason your a total screw up, then you might was well kill yourself now. you are your own enemy"
Miles from West Linn, OrTheir worst song on the album as far as i'm concerned
[p3yt0n} from Somewhere, InIf he didnt repeat himslef all the time in this, it would be a great song. its still good though.
Scott from Reading, Palove this song
Amelia from Modesto, CaVery annoying song :/
He repeats himself too much
Peter from Kc, MoThis song is very similar to Rage Against the Machines song with the same title. Rage's is far better however
Josh from Omaha, Nethis a good song this is why i like Green Day
Hunter from South West, MiThere are too many songs with this name. But Rage Against The Machine's is by far the BEST!
Also, Greenday are losing the punk feel
Andrew from Lindenhurst, Nyi really don't like this song but i really don't like the pop- punk sound
Ben from Manchester, United KingdomGood awesome song :-) Hope the new album's good.
Ashley from Edmonton, AbI actually really like
this song ;D
Matt from Houston, Txnicely punk driven. although a lot of post-american idiot fan will be dissapointed.

see more comments

More Songfacts:

The CaveMumford & Sons

"The Cave" by Mumford & Sons is based on the philosophy of Plato and his work called "Allegory of the Cave."

ShoutThe Isley Brothers

Otis Day And The Knights, the fictional band created to perform "Shout" in the movie Animal House, became a real band, performing the song at colleges and other venues.

Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'Journey

Journey lead singer Steve Perry wrote the rather dramatic "Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'" with the opening lyrics, "You make me weep, I wanna die," after seeing his girlfriend kissing another man.

Why Should I Love You?Kate Bush

The Kate Bush song "Why Should I Love You?" is a collaboration with Prince. He completely re-worked her demo, so Bush spent a lot of time piecing it back together to keep her imprint.

Forever Your GirlPaula Abdul

Paula Abdul's "Forever Your Girl" was written by Oliver Leiber, who despite being the son of Jerry Leiber from Leiber & Stoller, was an unknown songwriter.

Everything ZenBush

References to David Bowie, Tom Waits and Allan Ginsburg are peppered into the Bush song "Everything Zen."