She's a Rebel

Album: American Idiot (2004)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song follows the story of Jesus of Suburbia (the main character in American Idiot) when he first meets whatshername. She's the relief he's looking for, a fun free spirited girl who helps him forget his problems. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Ryan - Ottawa, Canada
  • The cover art for the American Idiot album was designed after the line in this song: "and she's holding onto my heart like a hand grenade." >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Ryan - Bethany, OK
  • Billie Joe Armstrong revealed that the female character on the American Idiot album was based on all the women he had been involved with in his life. Hence the "Whatsername" reference through the album and in "She's a Rebel": "From Chicago to Toronto, she's the one that they call 'ol' Whatsername." >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Meaghan - Sioux Falls, SD

Comments: 3

  • Enlightenedman from Nova ScotiaLove Green Day, great musicians and great song writing. One of my favorite drummers of all time Tre Cool.
  • Kelz from UkI've been a HUGE Green Day fan for 20 odd years but I think "She's holding on my heart like a hand grenade" is possibly their best line ever. Am embarrassed to admit how long it took me to fully 'get' it though.
    Like a hand grenade its safe till she lets go. Doh. So obvious haha
  • Jeff from Oakland, Cagreen day rocks! But i'm sure someone's going to make a hate speech on why their bad and not give a good reason for it. Example:Joe from Burllingham WA,he made a hate speech on why green day "sucks" without giving a specific reason on why they sucked.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Allen Toussaint - "Southern Nights"

Allen Toussaint - "Southern Nights"They're Playing My Song

A song he wrote and recorded from "sheer spiritual inspiration," Allen's didn't think "Southern Nights" had hit potential until Glen Campbell took it to #1 two years later.

Richard Marx

Richard MarxSongwriter Interviews

Richard explains how Joe Walsh kickstarted his career, and why he chose Hazard, Nebraska for a hit.

Commercials

CommercialsFact or Fiction

Was "Ring Of Fire" really used to sell hemorrhoid cream?

John Doe of X

John Doe of XSongwriter Interviews

With his X-wife Exene, John fronts the band X and writes their songs.

Yoko Ono

Yoko OnoSongwriter Interviews

At 80 years old, Yoko has 10 #1 Dance hits. She discusses some of her songs and explains what inspired John Lennon's return to music in 1980.

Loreena McKennitt

Loreena McKennittSongwriter Interviews

The Celtic music maker Loreena McKennitt on finding musical inspiration, the "New Age" label, and working on the movie Tinker Bell.