Pulling Teeth by Green Day

Album: Dookie (1994)

License This Song

artistfacts

Songfacts®:

This song is a tongue-in-cheek look at an abusive relationship. Billie Joe wrote it around an inside joke the band had with bassist Mike Dirnt after he was sent to the emergency room for injuries resulting from a pillow fight with his girlfriend at the time. Around the time of Kerplunk! they were at a friends house having a pillow fight when Mike ran around a corner and hit his head on a low ceiling beam. He fell backwards and broke both of his elbows. >>>
Suggestion credit:
MsZacEfron - Chicago, IL
The title itself is a further play on that inside joke. Metallica had a song on their Kill 'Em All album titled "(Anesthesia) Pulling Teeth." Mike's girlfriend who the song is loosely based on was named Anastasia, so they kept the "Pulling Teeth" from the Metallica track for the title. Mike eventually married her in 1996 and had 1 child with her; they have since divorced. >>>
Suggestion credit:
George - Islip Terrace, NY

Comments: 9

Luna Loud from Royal Woods, MichiganFunny how they describe a song called Pulling Teeth as "Tongue In Cheek". Was that intentional?
Darrel from CaliforniaI totally thought it was about a poor animal that was being abused by an old hag.
Caroline from Long Island, Nythis song is more than loosely based on her, they were in a pillow fight, mike and anastasia, and billie joe was watching, and during said pillow fight, she broke both of mike's arms, and billie joe laughed all the way to the hospital
Alex from Gourock, United Statesnah it's definately about mike. it's really funny in a weird sarky way one of my favourites off dookie
Tanya from London, FranceBecause I heard that the song's about tres accident and other people have heard its about mike breaking both his arms in a pillow fight
Alex from Loveland, Cothat was sort of random, paul.
Tanya from London, EnglandI read it was about tre's tragic unicycle accident in which he apparently lost one of his testicles.
Paul from Castalia, NcI dont understand how you can break both of your arms in a pillow fight.
Tanya from London, EnglandI couldve sworn i read this song was about tre cool. well whoever its about this song rocks

see more comments

More Songfacts:

Edge Of SeventeenStevie Nicks

The death of John Lennon was an influence on the Stevie Nicks hit "Edge Of Seventeen." He's the one with the "words of a poet and voice from a choir."

Don't Stop Believin'Journey

The "Don't Stop Believin'" lyric was inspired by Sunset Boulevard, making it perfect for the Rock of Ages musical.

Ur So GayKaty Perry

Katy Perry says her 2008 song "Ur So Gay" is about "guys who wear the guyliner, steal your jeans, and that whole almost hipster emo scene."

All I Want For Christmas Is YouMariah Carey

"All I Want For Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey was the first ringtone certified Gold.

Ain't No SunshineBill Withers

"Ain't No Sunshine" by Bill Withers was inspired by the Jack Lemmon movie Days of Wine and Roses.

Dance Hall DaysWang Chung

Wang Chung's '80s classic "Dance Hall Days" is about how things can start simple but end up complex. First you "take your baby by the hand," but by the end she has an amethyst in her mouth.