Longview (song)

"Longview"
Song

"Longview" is the name of a song by Green Day, from their 1994 album, Dookie. It was written by Billie Joe Armstrong during a period of extreme boredom. Mike Dirnt has stated that the famous bass line to this song was written during an acid trip, and what remains on the album is what Billie Joe and he could recall in the morning. The lyrics describe intense boredom and are about a day spent sitting around the house, doing absolutely nothing of importance, having no job, no life, and doing drugs. With the verses featuring the signature walking bassline and tribal tom-tom drumbeat culminating into the melodic yet destructive chorus, the song echoes the 60's classic, "We Gotta Get Out Of This Place" by the Animals.

"It's about boredom, masturbation and smoking dope." - Billie Joe Armstrong

Song idea

The band Green Day took a trip to Longview, Washington. In the town, there is said to be nothing to do, and the townspeople just sit down on chairs in their houses and talk. With nothing to do, the band was basically bored to death, which provoked them to write the song and name it after this township.

Music video

The video mainly takes place in a dimly-lit basement (the band states that this was the actual basement of the band's house at that time). The cost of the video is reported to be US$300. The band members say that the look was intentionally grungy and un-aestheticized, including low-budget filming and visible pimples.

Song quotes

• "I'm so damn bored I'm going blind"
• "When masturbation's lost its fun you're fucking lonely.'"
• "Some say, "Quit or I'll go blind." but it's just a myth"
• "Smoking my inspiration"
• "Sit around and watch the tube, but nothing's on"
• "Call me pathetic call me what you will."

Track listing

1. "Longview (Album Version)"
2. "Welcome to Paradise (Live)"
3. "One of My Lies (Live)"

Chart positions

Year	Chart	Position
1994	Modern Rock Tracks (US)	No. 1
1994	Mainstream Rock Tracks (US)	No. 14
1994	Official UK Singles Chart	No. 30