Sunday Sounds: May 17, 2020, “Last Night On Earth”
Samantha Colleran, May 2020
Everyone knows Green Day as an alternative band that blew up in the 90s and completely shattered the world with their concept album American Idiot in the early 2000s. Their followup album to American Idiot titled 21st Century Breakdown follows the story of characters Christian and Gloria who are trying to live their lives in a country ruled by former President George W. Bush. This whole album is incredible, and is probably most famous for tracks “21 Guns” and “Know Your Enemy”, but there’s one track on this album that stood out to me the first time I ever heard it.
A simple love ballad titled “Last Night on Earth” is the one that captured my attention. Sure, there are songs that may be conceptually or lyrically better or more musically interesting on this album, but an album like 21st Century Breakdown that’s so jam packed with storytelling and wild ups and downs needs a ballad that allows you to refocus and step away from the crazy story. It’s simple in its delivery, but the emotion you hear in Billie Joe Armstrong’s voice as he sings about a strong love and the simple piano chords that back his voice are what makes this song stand out among its counterparts. “‘Last Night On Earth’ is a love song I wrote for my wife,” Billie Joe said in an interview with Billboard. “I wrote it on piano and then sang it. It’s one of those things where it’s only directed toward one person, like an intimate moment.”
With romantic lyrics such as “You are the moonlight of my life/ Every night” and “I’m here to honor you/ If I lose everything in the fire/ I’m sending all my love to you”, you’ll feel just how powerful love can be. Listen to the track below, and let me know your thoughts on it!
I love Green Day and I love this album!!! Last Night on Earth is one of my absolute favorites! Thank you for making this post to give this song (and album) the love it deserves!!!
Never followed Green Day, and not a fan of this song…kind of drippy. But, hey, that’s what it’s all about…no accounting for taste as my Mom used to say. However, I am a fan of your blogs. Your writing style, perspectives, and opinions are refreshing. You have a great feel for music. Check out my new favorite, Yola. Walk through Fire, especially the track, “Faraway Look”.
I love Green Day but never really gave a lot of attention to this album because I couldn’t take all the politics surrounding the songs. I never heard this song until today and enjoyed how simple and pure it is. Reading in your post that he wrote it for his wife makes it even sweeter. 🙂