Geek Stink Breath

Infobox Single
Name = Geek Stink Breath


Artist = Green Day
from Album = Insomniac
Released = September 25, 1995
Format = CD, cassette, vinyl
Recorded = 1995
Genre = Alternative rock, Punk rock
Length = 2:15
Label = Reprise Records
Producer = Green Day, Rob Cavallo
Last single = "J.A.R."
(1995)
This single = "Geek Stink Breath"
(1995)
Next single = "Stuck with Me"
(1995)|

"Geek Stink Breath" is a song and single by the California-based punk trio Green Day.

Track listings

CD

#"Geek Stink Breath" - 2:16
#"I Want to Be on TV" "(Fang cover)" - 1:17
#"Don't Want to Fall in Love" - 1:38

7"

;Side A
*"Geek Stink Breath" - 2:16

;Side B
*"I Want to Be on TV" "(Fang cover)" - 1:17

History and lyrics

"Geek Stink Breath" debuted in December 1994 on "Saturday Night Live" where the word "shit" in the line "Wish in one hand and shit in the other and see which one gets filled first" got past the censors since they could not understand the lyrics to the new song (closed caption typed it as "unintelligible lyrics"), and was included on the band's 1995 release "Insomniac". Featuring a hard rocking three chord riff, the song pays homage to the band's 70's punk influences, including the Ramones and the Sex Pistols.

The lyrics tell of the singer leading a "path of self-destruction" through the use of methamphetamine, and the effects of this drug on his body. The lyrics were inspired by Armstrong's own experiences, as well as the people around him that he saw lose control of their lives because of their addictions. "Geek" is slang for "methamphetamine". The song is also featured on the live EP "Foot in Mouth".

Music video

The video shows the band playing the song in a basement, as well as graphic footage of one of the band's friends having a tooth pulled, which was intended to only be shown during late night hours on MTV. This footage is relevant to the song, as it features the lyrics: "and it's rotting out my teeth". (Oral problems are associated with meth use, but are actually related to poor hygiene, exacerbated by dry mouth, both of which are associated with illicit use of some drugs, rather than being directly related to the effect of smoking or otherwise ingesting methamphetamine.) The video was directed by Mark Kohr. An edited version of the music video is shown internationally.

Chart positions

Trivia

* The friend of Green Day getting his tooth pulled in the video is also featured in the videos for "Basket Case" (as one of the mental hospital's occupants), "Walking Contradiction" (as the cyclist) and "Warning".

External links

* [http://www.greenday.com Greenday.com]
* [http://www.geekstinkbreath.net Geekstinkbreath.net]

References

* [http://www.songfacts.com/detail.lasso?id=1784 songfacts.com]