Nice Guys Finish Last
Green Day Lyrics
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You're running out of gas
Your sympathy will get you left behind
Sometimes you're at your best
When you feel the worst
You feel washed up like piss gone down the drain
Pressure cooker pick my brain and tell me I'm insane
Every joke can have its truth but now the joke's on you
I never knew you're such a funny guy
Oh, nice guys finish last
When you are the outcast
Don't pat yourself on the back
You might break your spine
Living on command
You're shaking lots of hands
You're kissing up and bleeding all your trust
Taking what you need
Bite the hand that feeds
You'll lose your memory and you've got no shame
Pressure cooker pick my brain and tell me I'm insane
I'm so fucking happy I could cry
Every joke can have its truth but now the joke's on you
I never knew you're such a funny guy
Oh, nice guys finish last
When you are the outcast
Don't pat yourself on the back
You might break your spine
Oh, nice guys finish last
When you are the outcast
Don't pat yourself on the back
You might break your spine
Oh, nice guys finish last
When you are the outcast
Don't pat yourself on the back
You might break your spine
Oh, nice guys finish last
When you are the outcast
Don't pat yourself on the back
You might break your spine
"Nice Guys Finish Last" by Green Day is an ironic and satirical commentary on the idea that being a good person and having empathy will lead to success and happiness. The lyrics suggest that in fact, the opposite is true and that those who are willing to manipulate, lie, and take advantage of others are the ones who come out on top. The opening lines "Nice guys finish last / You're running out of gas" set the tone for the rest of the song, implying that being kind and considerate will lead to exhaustion and ultimately failure. The line "Your sympathy will get you left behind" reinforces this by suggesting that caring for others will only hold you back.
The chorus "Oh nice guys finish last / When you are the outcast / Don't pat yourself on the back / You might break your spine" contains a double meaning. It could be interpreted literally, as a warning not to overdo things and injure yourself. However, it could also be seen as a warning not to congratulate yourself too much for doing the right thing, as it won't lead to success or recognition. The lyrics "Living on command / You're shaking lots of hands / You're kissing up and bleeding all your trust" further convey the idea that being a nice person means sacrificing your own values and morals to please others.
The song also contains an element of anger and frustration towards those who have betrayed or taken advantage of the singer. The lines "Pressure cooker pick my brain and tell me I'm insane / I'm so fucking happy I could cry" suggest that the singer is feeling overwhelmed and perhaps even gaslighted by those around them. The lines "Taking what you need / Bite the hand that feeds / You lose your memory and you've got no shame" imply that the people the singer has been helping have turned on them and don't care about the consequences of their actions.
Overall, "Nice Guys Finish Last" is a scathing critique of societal norms that suggest that being kind and empathetic will lead to success and happiness. The lyrics use irony and satire to suggest that in fact, those who are willing to manipulate and take advantage of others are the ones who end up on top.
Line by Line Meaning
Nice guys finish last
Treating people with kindness and respect may lead to being taken advantage of or losing out on opportunities.
You're running out of gas
You're losing motivation and energy.
Your sympathy will get you left behind
Being too empathetic to others can lead to sacrificing your own success and putting yourself at a disadvantage.
Sometimes you're at your best
When you feel the worst
Adversity can push you to perform at your highest level.
You feel washed up like piss gone down the drain
Feeling worthless or used up and discarded.
Pressure cooker pick my brain and tell me I'm insane
Feeling overwhelmed and stressed, almost crazy.
I'm so fucking happy I could cry
Being overwhelmed with emotions, even happiness can make you cry.
Every joke can have its truth but now the joke's on you
People may reveal their true feelings or intentions through humor and may use it to make fun of others.
I never knew you're such a funny guy
Surprised that someone may have a more sinister or manipulative side than expected.
When you are the outcast
Being an outsider or not fitting in.
Don't pat yourself on the back
You might break your spine
Being too proud of your accomplishments can lead to detrimental consequences.
Living on command
Living in a way that pleases others, following their every order.
You're shaking lots of hands
Being disingenuous and trying too hard to win people over.
You're kissing up and bleeding all your trust
Trying too hard to gain someone's favor leads to sacrificing your own values and damaging trust.
Taking what you need
Being selfish and taking advantage of any opportunity.
Bite the hand that feeds
Acting against someone who has helped you out or given you opportunities.
You lose your memory and you've got no shame
Being forgetful and lacking remorse for your actions.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Billie Joe Armstrong, Frank Wright III, Mike Dirnt
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@dimitripetrenko210
Nice guys finish last
You're running out of gas
Your sympathy will get you left behind
Sometimes you're at your best
When you feel the worst
Do you feel washed up like piss going down the drain?
Pressure cooker pick my brain and tell me I'm insane
I'm so fucking happy I could cry
Every joke can have its truth, but now the joke's on you
I never knew you were such a funny guy
Oh, nice guys finish last
When you run out of gas
Don't pat yourself on the back
You might break your spine
Living on command
You're shaking lots of hands
You're kissing up and bleeding all your trust
Taking what you need
Bite the hand that feeds
You lose your memory and you got no shame
Pressure cooker pick my brain and tell me I'm insane
I'm so fucking happy I could cry
Every joke can have its truth, but now the joke's on you
I never knew you were such a funny guy
Oh, nice guys finish last
(When you are the outcast)
(When you run out of gas)
Don't pat yourself on the back
You might break your spine
Oh, nice guys finish last
(When you are the outcast)
(When you run out of gas)
Don't pat yourself on the back
You might break your spine, mhm!
Oh, nice guys finish last
(When you are the outcast)
(When you run out of gas)
Don't pat yourself on the back
You might break your spine
Oh, nice guys finish last
(When you are the outcast)
(When you run out of gas)
Don't pat yourself on the back
You might break your spine
@maryweidner8860
Discovered Green Day in my 40’s while my kids were in High School. Love them more and more every day of my life. I’m now 70 and have been to several amazing GD concerts. My husband thinks I’m nuts….I don’t f*cking care! They’re the greatest band EVER.
@beatrizrodrigues3356
Thats the spirit!
@MIKERUPTION
Punk has no age. It's eternal. 🤘
@stalkerblazkowiczhedgehog
Hahahahaha
@shamiksaha6452
🤘🤘🤘
@vanessajaneescueta4762
im gonna be like you when im 70 🤘
@LillyIsSuperCool
They're still all teenagers at heart. ❤
@LillyIsSuperCool
@BilllieJoeArmstrong I'm doing pretty good, thanks for asking! How about you?
@LillyIsSuperCool
@BilllieJoeArmstrong Uh sure? I don't think you're the real BJA but it's nice to talk to someone!
@SantiagoMonroy5
Bro what the fuck?