Warning
Billie Joe Armstrong/Green Day Lyrics


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This is a public service announcement. This is only a test
Emergency evacuation protest
May impair your ability to operate machinery
Can't quite tell just what it means to me
Keep out of reach of children, don't you talk to strangers
Get your philosophy from a bumper sticker

Warning, live without warning
I say warning, live without warning
Without
cll right

Better homes and safety-sealed communities
Did you remember to pay the utility?
Caution: Police line, you better not cross!
Is it the cop or am I the one that's really dangerous?
Sanitation, expiration date, question everything
Or shut up and be a victim of authority

Warning, live without warning
I say warning, live without warning
Without
cll right

Better homes and safety-sealed communities
Did you remember to pay the utility?
Caution: Police line, you better not cross!
Is it the cop or am I the one that's really dangerous?
Sanitation, expiration date, question everything
Or shut up and be a victim of authority

Warning, live without warning
I say warning, live without warning
I say warning, live without warning




I say warning, live without warning
This is a public service announcement. This is only a test.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Green Day's "Warning" are a commentary on the conformity and safety-obsessed nature of modern society. The first verse begins as a public service announcement, but quickly deviates from the expected warnings about emergency evacuations to more abstract statements that may impair one's ability to operate machinery. The lyrics caution the listener to keep their distance from children and strangers, and to not rely on simplistic philosophical ideas like those found on bumper stickers. The chorus repeats the imperative to "live without warning", a call to reject the safety and predictability of modern society and embrace the unknown.


The second verse takes aim at the often problematic nature of police presence and the role of authority in society. The lyrics reference the increasingly insular nature of modern communities, where everything is safety-sealed and homes are "better". The idea of being victimized by authority is presented as a possible outcome of simply accepting societal norms without question. Finally, the chorus returns with its call to live without warning.


Overall, "Warning" is a reminder of the importance of critical thinking, questioning authority, and embracing spontaneity and risk-taking. The lyrics challenge the listener to step outside their comfort zone and live without fear, rejecting the safety-obsessed culture that surrounds them.


Line by Line Meaning

This is a public service announcement
The following message is meant for public awareness and is typically issued by the government or other responsible authorities.


This is only a test
This is not a real emergency but only a practice drill to assess the readiness of the system.


Emergency evacuation protest
There is a need to evacuate people urgently due to a public demonstration or uprising.


May impair your ability to operate machinery
The situation may affect your mental or physical state, causing difficulty in functioning or operating machinery.


Can't quite tell just what it means to me
The artist is unsure of the significance or relevance of the situation to him personally.


Keep out of reach of children
This is could be dangerous or inappropriate for children, and they should not be allowed to access it.


Don't you talk to strangers
It's dangerous and unwise to have conversations with people you don't know.


Get your philosophy from a bumper sticker
It's foolish to base your beliefs or worldview on simplistic or superficial sources like bumper stickers or slogans.


Warning, live without warning
The artist advises to live life unpredictably and spontaneously, taking risks and without preparation for the unknown.


Without, Alright
The artist emphasizes the need to live life freely and without restrictions.


Better homes and safety-sealed communities
People prioritize living in comfortable and secure environments but may sacrifice individuality or freedom for it.


Did you remember to pay the utilities?
People are preoccupied with mundane responsibilities and obligations to maintain their homes and communities.


Caution: police line: you better not cross
There is a physical barrier in place, enforced by the police, to prevent people from crossing a certain boundary.


Is the cop or am I the one that's really dangerous?
The singer questions who is actually causing harm or danger in the situation, whether it's law enforcement or civilians.


Sanitation, Expiration date, Question everything
The singer urges people to be skeptical and examine the validity of everything, including established norms and systems.


Or shut up and be a victim of authority
If you don't question or resist authority, you will be powerless and at the mercy of those in power.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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