Are We The Waiting
Green Day / Cast of American Idiot Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Coming down over me
Skyscrapers, stargazers in my head
Are we we are, are we we are
The waiting unknown
This dirty town was burning down in my dreams
Lost and found, city bound in my dreams
Are we we are, are we we are the waiting
And screaming
Are we we are, are we we are the waiting
Forget me nots, second thoughts live in isolation
Heads or tails and fairy tales in my mind
Are we we are, are we we are the waiting unknown
The rage and love, the story of my life
The Jesus of suburbia is a lie
And screaming
Are we we are, are we we are the waiting
And screaming
Are we we are, are we we are the waiting
Are we we are, are we we are the waiting
And screaming
Are we we are, are we we are the waiting
Are we we are, are we we are the waiting
The first verse sets the stage for the song and paints a picture of a cityscape with bright lights shining down. The use of the phrase "Skyscrapers, stargazers" suggests a juxtaposition between the urban and the natural world. The repetition of "Are we we are, are we we are" emphasizes the sense of uncertainty and questioning that runs throughout the lyrics. The second half of the verse switches to a more dreamlike and introspective tone, with the singer describing a "dirty town" that is "burning down" in their dreams. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for personal turmoil or social upheaval.
The chorus of the song is a repeated exclamation of "Are we we are, are we we are the waiting" followed by "screaming," which adds a sense of urgency and frustration to the lyrics. This line can be interpreted in different ways, but one possible meaning is that it's a commentary on the state of society or the world, asking if we are just waiting for things to change without taking any action.
The second verse starts with a reference to "Forget me nots," which are small blue flowers commonly associated with memory and remembrance. This fits with the theme of the song, which is about the interplay between memory, longing, and uncertainty. The use of "heads or tails" and "fairy tales" suggests a sense of indecisiveness or confusion. The verse ends with another repetition of "Are we we are, are we we are the waiting unknown," which emphasizes the sense of being lost or disoriented.
Overall, "Are We the Waiting" is a song that captures a feeling of restlessness and unease. It's about questioning the status quo, feeling disconnected from the world around you, and searching for meaning in a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain.
Line by Line Meaning
Starry nights city lights
The urban environment imposes on the natural world, making the sky more artificial
Coming down over me
The city is overwhelming the singer
Skyscrapers, stargazers in my head
The singer imagines looking up at tall buildings and stars at the same time
Are we we are, are we we are
The artist questions their identity and purpose
The waiting unknown
The future is uncertain
This dirty town was burning down in my dreams
The singer has apocalyptic visions of their hometown
Lost and found, city bound in my dreams
The singer has mixed emotions about their city
And screaming
The artist is expressing their emotions through shouting
Forget me nots, second thoughts live in isolation
The artist feels forgotten and has doubts about themselves
Heads or tails and fairy tales in my mind
The artist has conflicting thoughts and imagines fanciful stories
The rage and love, the story of my life
The singer's experiences have been filled with both anger and affection
The Jesus of suburbia is a lie
The artist feels that their suburban lifestyle is a falsehood
Are we we are, are we we are the waiting
The singer is questioning whether they are only waiting for their life to start
And screaming
The singer continues to express their emotions through shouting
Are we we are, are we we are the waiting
The singer questions their purpose and identity yet again
Are we we are, are we we are the waiting
The artist is stuck in a state of waiting for something to happen
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Michael Pritchard, Frank Wright, Billie Armstrong
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
OK boomer
It's the first time i actually like a Green Day cover.
Aaron Paul Dy Lusanta
I gotta say as well, this is better than the original
Jak Viceroy
Saw this last night, you MUST see this show, if yon only ever see one musical in your life make it this one, wonderful story, amazing music, brilliant staging and acting, truly wonderful, if you want a feel good happy clappy song and dance this isn't for you, BUT if you want true life, pure genius see this NOW!!!
Nico Moore
This has a better sound to it that Green Day's original version. Brilliantly smooth vocals. :)
Bre Bailey
Whoever posts them actually performing it (and I mean onstage) will be my hero.
Becky C
Going to see this on May 11, amazing show. I'm so excited.
Taylor Amato
i cant wait to see this show :D
lisa hellfritsch
If you haven't seen this, SEE IT. So good.
Shane Fell
You CAN'T get this from Auto-tune!!!
Carissa Ma
Stark Sands nailed it.=))