Good Riddance
Billie Joe Armstrong/Green Day Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road
Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go
So make the best of this test and don't ask why
It's not a question but a lesson learned in time
It's something unpredictable, but in the end is right
So take the photographs and still frames in your mind
Hang it on a shelf in good health and good time
Tattoos of memories and dead skin on trial
For what it's worth, it was worth all the while
It's something unpredictable, but in the end is right
I hope you had the time of your life
It's something unpredictable, but in the end is right
I hope you had the time of your life
It's something unpredictable, but in the end is right
I hope you had the time of your life
"Good Riddance" by Green Day is a tribute to reflecting on life's turning points and embracing the unknown future. The opening verse sets up the theme of the song by presenting the idea that at some point in our lives, we come across a fork in the road that leads to the unknown. Time is presented as a force that directs us where to go, and although we may resist the path it takes us on, we are to make the best of it by not questioning the journey. The lyrics suggest that the future is unpredictable, but whatever we experience is ultimately right, and we should appreciate the time we have.
The chorus of the song continues to emphasize the idea that the future is uncertain, but there is a hope that we have made the most of our time. The lyrics serve as a reminder that time is a fleeting aspect of our lives and that the memories we create are valuable. The final verse suggests that the memories we make should be cherished and remembered. The use of the metaphor of tattoos represents the lasting impressions left on us, even when the physical form may fade away. The lyrics ultimately conclude with the message that despite the inevitable uncertainty the future holds, it is important to hold onto the memories and moments that make life worthwhile.
Line by Line Meaning
Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road
Life presents us with defining moments where we must make important decisions that can lead us down different paths.
Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go
Time is an unstoppable force that controls our lives and guides us through different stages and changes.
So make the best of this test and don't ask why
Take every opportunity that life offers, and don't waste time questioning why things happen, but instead embrace the unexpected and learn from it.
It's not a question, but a lesson learned in time
Life's experiences may seem like uncontrollable events, but they are life lessons that we can learn from over time.
So take the photographs and still frames in your mind
Memories captured in our mind are powerful and should be preserved and treasured like photographs.
Hang it on a shelf in good health and good time
Cherish your memories and keep them close, so you can reflect on them and share them with others.
Tattoos of memories and dead skin on trial
Our memories and life experiences are like permanent tattoos on our skin, they stay with us and can even shape who we are.
For what it's worth it was worth all the while
No matter what happens in life, good or bad, the experience is worth it and shapes who we become.
It's something unpredictable, but in the end it's right
Life can be unexpected, but ultimately things work out the way they are meant to be.
I hope you had the time of your life
Live life to the fullest and don't take a single moment for granted, so that you can look back with no regrets.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Michael Pritchard, Frank Wright III, Billie Joe Armstrong
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
J.B.A.E
Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road
Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go
So make the best of this test and don't ask why
It's not a question, but a lesson learned in time
It's something unpredictable, but in the end it's right
I hope you had the time of your life
So take the photographs and still frames in your mind
Hang it on a shelf in good health and good time
Tattoos of memories and dead skin on trial
For what it's worth it was worth all the while
It's something unpredictable, but in the end it's right
I hope you had the time of your life
It's something unpredictable, but in the end it's right
I hope you had the time of your life
It's something unpredictable, but in the end it's right
I hope you had the time of your life
Goober Thoreau
I don't think Billie ever gets much credit for how consistently spot on his voice is even after all these years.
Patrick Byron
He is pitch perfect.
Cam Orlando
Actually sounds exactly the same
X Fade
this is 1998....
Legend
1998
Zvaen20
1998
WhyTheHorseface
My mom played this at my dad’s funeral. Enjoy your parents while they are here, kids.
Diego Diabolical
Lost a parent too, at 14. It is really a bleeding message from the heart to tell others not to take it for granted.
Fern Dickey
I'm sorry you lost your dad. I'm having this played at my funeral too. Never thought anyone else would think the same. I hope it meant something for everyone.
Alyssa Green
WhyTheHorseface thanks for reminding me of that thank you very much :)