The song peaked at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on January 7, 1995, and remained there for seven weeks. Though “When I Come Around” was released as part of the album Dookie in 1994, it was re-released as a single in Europe and Japan in 1995.
When I Come Around
Green Day Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
'Cause you been searching for that someone
And it's me out on the prowl
As you sit around feeling sorry for yourself
Well, don't get lonely now, and dry your whining eyes
I'm just roaming for the moment
Sleazin' my back yard so don't getSo uptight you been thinking about ditching me
No time to search the world around
'Cause you know where I'll be found
When I come around
Well, I heard it all before, so don't knock down my door
I'm a loser and a user so I don't need no accuser
To try and slag me down because I know you're right
So go do what you like, make sure you do it wise
You may find out that your self-doubt means nothing
Was ever there
You can't go forcing something if it's just not right
No time to search the world around
'Cause you know where I'll be found
When I come around
No time to search the world around
'Cause you know where I'll be found
When I come around
When I come around
When I come around
When I come around
In Green Day's "When I Come Around," the singer is responding to someone who seems to be pining after them. The singer says they've been out "roaming for the moment" and that the other person shouldn't feel sorry for themselves or get "so uptight" about the singer ditching them. The singer admits that they're a "loser and a user" and that they don't need anyone to accuse or criticize them for it. The chorus notes that the other person doesn't need to search the world around for the singer because they already know where the singer will be found "when I come around."
The song's message seems to be a bit conflicted. On one hand, the singer is telling the other person to stop feeling sorry for themselves and get over their doubts. On the other hand, the singer seems to be acknowledging that they're not an ideal partner and that the other person has every right to move on if they want to. Still, the fact that the singer keeps singing "When I come around" seems to imply that they're confident the other person will eventually come back to them.
In terms of the music itself, "When I Come Around" is a classic example of a mid-tempo pop-punk song. It features a catchy melody, heavily distorted guitars, and driving drums that give it a sense of urgency. Billie Joe Armstrong's vocals are snotty and confident, making the song feel like a rebellious anthem that's perfect for blasting out of car speakers.
Line by Line Meaning
I heard you crying loud, all the way across town
I can hear that you're sad and upset, and it's obvious even though you're far away
'Cause you been searching for that someone
You're looking for a special person, someone who can make you happy
And it's me out on the prowl
I'm out and about, looking for adventure and excitement
As you sit around feeling sorry for yourself
While you're just sitting there pitying yourself
Well, don't get lonely now, and dry your whining eyes
Cheer up, don't feel alone or sorry for yourself, and stop complaining
I'm just roaming for the moment
I'm not looking for anything serious, just enjoying the present moment
Sleazin' my back yard so don't get
I'm exploring nearby, so don't worry
So uptight you been thinking about ditching me
You've been so tense and stressed that you're considering leaving me
No time to search the world around
We don't need to look far, because we already know where we belong
'Cause you know where I'll be found
We'll always find each other, because we're meant to be together
When I come around
You can count on me to return
Well, I heard it all before, so don't knock down my door
I've been criticized and judged so many times, so don't bother trying to insult me further
I'm a loser and a user so I don't need no accuser
I already know I'm a failure and someone who takes advantage of others, so I don't need anyone else to tell me
To try and slag me down because I know you're right
Trying to put me down won't work, because I already know you're correct in your assessment of me
So go do what you like, make sure you do it wise
You should pursue what makes you happy, but be smart about it
You may find out that your self-doubt means nothing
You might realize that your insecurities and doubts don't actually matter in the long run
Was ever there
They were never even there to begin with
You can't go forcing something if it's just not right
You shouldn't try to make something work if it's not meant to be
When I come around
I'll be back soon
When I come around
I'll always return
When I come around
You can rely on me to come back
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Billie Joe Armstrong, Frank Edwin Wright III, Mike Ryan Pritchard
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@RadislavPirgozliev
You communicate with peeps,
And you like it my so deep
We’re truthful to ourselves
I’m with it and they love me for themselves
You desire to agape me.
And we’re granted global peace
And y’all accept all of the fees
Heaven bound!
😇
@AlextheMLAATRfan
They should make a Loud House episode called “Lynn Loud Sr. and The Punks” (their band name) and cover this song and more 90s and 2000s rock.
Here’s the lineup
Lucy Loud-Lead Guitar
Lynn Loud Sr.-Lead Vocals
Lincoln Loud-Drums
Lynn Loud Jr.-Bass/Background Vocals
Clyde McBride-Rhythm Guitar/Keyboard
@briantarkington4785
My favorite green day song!
@marlenebchuti1918
Who’s here in 2023
@davidll4334
Shut up
@BaterWucket
March 2024 and it still hits hard!
@daander5321
2024 👌
@davidsouthwick6802
Yebo
@lethalbite999
2025❤
@clvsidy
I love it
@stephenadsit2274
Who's here in 2025? ❤
@NintenDylan64691
Me.