Why Do You Want Him?

Album: 1,039/Smoothed Out Slappy Hours (1990)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is one of the first songs Billie Joe Armstrong wrote. He wrote it when he was 14, and it is about his stepfather whom he and his 5 siblings detested. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Tanya - London, England
  • After his father died and his mother started dating a different man, Billie Joe wrote this to get his feelings out. It's a great example of the expressive songwriting that is characteristic of his songs. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Jennifer - Oakland, MD

Comments: 5

  • Hayes from Newark, OhNone of Billie's siblings liked his stepdad, so he made this song. And I don't think it was his first song he wrote....it says he used to sing at the hospital when he was 5. Oh and just a side note: Billies dad died of esophageal cancer.
  • Douglas from Staten Island , NyEven though this album is so simple and the songs all sound the same, it is one of my favorites.

    I listen to it in my car all the time.
    Greenday!!!!
  • Spam from West Islip, NyPrevious poster is wrong. He was 14.
  • Katie from Berkly, CaThis was the first song Billie Joe wrote at the age of 11 after his dad died and his mom met his stepdad.
  • Tanya from London, Englanddefo one of my fave albums
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Melanie

MelanieSongwriter Interviews

The singer-songwriter Melanie talks about her spiritual awakening at Woodstock, "Brand New Key," and why songwriting is an art, not a craft.

We Will Rock You (To Sleep): Pop Stars Who Recorded Kids' Albums

We Will Rock You (To Sleep): Pop Stars Who Recorded Kids' AlbumsSong Writing

With the rise of Kindie rock, more musicians are embracing their inner child with tunes for tots - here, we look at pop stars who recorded kids' albums.

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.

Tom Keifer of Cinderella

Tom Keifer of CinderellaSongwriter Interviews

Tom talks about the evolution of Cinderella's songs through their first three albums, and how he writes as a solo artist.

Lori McKenna

Lori McKennaSongwriter Interviews

Lori's songs have been recorded by Faith Hill and Sara Evans. She's performed on the CMAs and on Oprah. She also has five kids.

Stand By Me: The Perfect Song-Movie Combination

Stand By Me: The Perfect Song-Movie CombinationSong Writing

In 1986, a Stephen King novella was made into a movie, with a classic song serving as title, soundtrack and tone.