I still remember, it was a normal evening, in Kuwait, and I was listening to the Radio.
Back in 2003, hip hop and rap received a fair amount of airing on the radio. And it was the only genre of music, I used to follow.
That Evening, Out of nowhere, began a song that started out with a violin and kicked off into a whole new song. The song was "Hitchin' a Ride". I somehow liked the track, but was not aware of the band. Little did I know that after a few years, I’d be worshipping this band.
2004, American Idiot released, and the whole world was talking about Green Day.
Just like the world, I also began humming "Boulevard of Broken Dreams”, "Wake me up When September Ends".
I still remember, listening to "Wake me up..." before going to bed, Everyday. I was totally mesmerized by the song. At that time Green Day, for me, was just a band, making good music. Nothing more than that.
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In 2006, I had to shift back to my country, India. I had lived in Kuwait, for 15 years, and bidding Good bye, was just not easy.
Shifting to a new place is a whole new experience. One has to encounter many problems and adjust accordingly. Back in Kuwait, I was always surrounded by limited number of people. I was happy among those limited number of people I knew. We were the minority, living in a foreign land. But we didn’t mind, as long as it gave us the mental peace we needed.
Here in India, everyone was like me. I encountered many types of people. I was not the minority anymore. Its like coming into the spot light, after living in darkness for a long time.
I had absolutely no friends. I was struggling to get good grades in high school. Life was too chaotic. I was always busy doing something or the other. At the end of the day, I was left, sad, tired and very much ALONE.
My ipod was like my best friend during those times. I remember listening to "Boulevard of Broken Dreams”, numerous times, every day. The song had a kind of a positive impact on my life. The song talked to me, it made me feel good. It filled the emptiness in me with some hope.
Back at my school, things were bad. I was pointed as a foreigner, by the teachers. I was told that I won't survive here. Bullies also joined, in making me feel humiliated. Yes, I was broken.
My access to the internet was very limited. Every weekend, I used to take some time off, and go to an Internet Cafe. One day, I downloaded the entire “American Idiot” album to my ipod.
For a week, the only music, my ipod played was from "American Idiot".
For those of you, who are not into Green Day, "American Idiot" is a concept album. It tells a story. The story of a victim, a victim of the society. It talks about a guy named "Jesus of Suburbia". Here’s a brief recap of what its all about.
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Jesus of Suburbia is a normal guy. He is an emotional fool. Someone who finds it very weird to live in this world full of lies and betrayal. Troubled and heartbroken, he drifts from here to there. In the end he is left, very much frustrated from his life at home. He hates being there. So he runs away, in search of happiness. Away from his so called “Home” which was not “Home” for him, anymore.
He walked the lonely roads, the empty boulevards, hoping to find somebody. Someone who will understand his plight.
Through his journey, he meets "St. Jimmy". An exact opposite of JOS. Jimmy treated the world, just like it treated him. He was a punk. A punk, who lived life on his terms and didn't give a damn about anyone or anything.
JOS and St. Jimmy become friends. They hang around, take drugs, and enjoy life. JOS had changed now. He was now like St. Jimmy. .
JOS meets a girl called "Whatsername". He falls in love with her.
A much needed friend and a Girl friend, what more can a person ask for.
But Time is like the biggest story teller. St. Jimmy commits suicide. He not only kills himself but also kills the “St. Jimmy” in JOS.
Whatsername quits her relationship with JOS. Leaving him alone, and on his own again.
JOS, then learns, the importance of a home. Good or Bad, Big or Small, your home is the best place for you. JOS, Finally returns home.
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My life turned out to be an exact replica of the album's story. I totally hated my life at one point. Yes, I was a "Jesus of Suburbia”. After a certain period of time, I did become a "St. Jimmy". Yes, I learnt not to give a damn about anyone. I started to fuel the anger inside me, with the frustrations, I had.
In 2007, I entered college; I was a "St. Jimmy". I had become crazy. I started researching about "Satanism". And began following, its ideologies. I personally think that applying negative stuff in your life, makes you hollow from the inside. It just makes things worse.
I also fell in love. I put my heart, mind and soul to the relationship. I traveled a hundred miles for her. But she left me. All alone. Miserable AND alone. Fuck her! (Sorry, had to say this.)
After sometime, I realized that all this negativity, had lead to the suffering of the soul inside me. I knew, I had to change.
So that's how the "St. Jimmy" in me committed suicide.
The change happened.
I started talking to different people. I started making new friends. I started laughing, joking. I realized that life was much more fun. A changed “Me” got me, new friends. And so, my life was something near to what people called “Life”.
The “Jesus of Suburbia” was finally home.
Green Day, was not just a band for me, anymore. It was my emotional support. It was what my life was all about. I became attached to them, as time went on.
Till this day, the song "Jesus of Suburbia”, brings tears to my eyes. Its like, an whole song, talking about you, your life, your pain. There's too much of emotions involved.
When music, starts triggering emotions, its not JUST music then.
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After this 7 year long journey. I learned something about life. Life is as tough, as you make it. There’s no place as home. I had fallen down, but I got up, and I was on my way. I owe it all to Green Day. My saviors. My words are just way too small to express my gratitude. But I love them! I just love them!! Ask any Green Day fan, and they’ll tell you the same. =))
Today, I am a proud Green Day fan, since 6 years. I wake up in the morning and start my day with a loud Green Day song, with my mommy screaming out from the other room. =P
I dedicate this post, to my God, my Inspiration, and my Life. Mr. Billie Joe Armstrong. The Vocalist, Rhythm Guitarist and Song Writer of Green Day. His words have been like magical spells that transformed me to what I am.
Its his 38th birthday today. I know, I am a mere nobody for him. But he'll continue to inspire me. I'll remain a Green Day fan, till the end of time.
Happy Birthday Billie!
And a Billion more to come!
You’ll always be the guiding star of my Life!!
One of the few reasons to smile…..
Long Live The King of Punk Rock!
Hail Green Day!
