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Holiday (Green Day song)

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"Holiday"
Single by Green Day
from the album American Idiot
ReleasedMarch 14, 2005 (2005-03-14)
Recorded2004
Genre
Length3:52
Label
Composer(s)Green Day
Lyricist(s)Billie Joe Armstrong
Producer(s)
Green Day singles chronology
"Boulevard of Broken Dreams"
(2004) 		"Holiday"
(2005) 		"Wake Me Up When September Ends"
(2005)
Music video
"Holiday" on YouTube
Audio sample

"Holiday" is an anti-war protest song[4] by American rock band Green Day. It was released as the third single from the group's seventh studio album American Idiot, and is also the third track. The song is in the key of F minor. Though the song is a prelude to "Boulevard of Broken Dreams", "Holiday" was later released as a single on March 14, 2005.

The song achieved considerable popularity across the world and performed moderately well on the charts. It reached number 19 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Hot Modern Rock Tracks and Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks charts. It debuted at number 11 in the United Kingdom and reached the top 20 in Canada, Denmark, Ireland, New Zealand, and Norway.

Background

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One of two explicitly political songs on the album (the other being fellow single "American Idiot"),[5] "Holiday" took two months to finish writing, because Armstrong continually felt his lyrics were not good enough. Aided by the encouragement of Rob Cavallo, he completed the song.[6] "Holiday" was inspired by the music of Bob Dylan.[7] Armstrong wanted to write something stronger than "American Idiot", with harsh language to illustrate his points. The song takes aim at American conservatism. Armstrong felt that Republican politicians were "strategic" in alienating one group of people—for example, the gay community—in order to buy the votes of another.[8] He later characterized the song as an outspoken "fuck you" to then-President George W. Bush.[9] Armstrong for the first time imagined how he would perform the songs he was writing, and envisioned an audience responding to his lyric "Can I get another Amen?"[10] The song's bridge, which Armstrong hoped to be as "twisted as possible," was designed as a "politician's worst nightmare."[7]

The chorus's refrain—"This is our lives on holiday"—was intended to reflect the average American's apathy on the issues of the day.[11] Armstrong characterized the song as "not anti-American, it's anti-war."[12]

Music video

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The first half of the video takes place in a car (a 1968 Mercury Monterey convertible), where Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt and Tré Cool are partying around in Las Vegas. In the second half, they are cavorting in a bar where each of the band members portrays several different characters. Billie Joe Armstrong plays the mentioned Representative of California, two fighting clients, a punk rocker and a nerd. Tré Cool plays a drunken priest, an arrested patron, and a female prostitute. Mike Dirnt plays the barman, another punk, and a policeman. There are also scenes featuring seemingly worn-down can-can dancers. At the end of the video, the car smokes to a halt in the field that "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" begins in. Like the video for "Boulevard of Broken Dreams", this video was directed by Samuel Bayer.

The band arrived at the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards in the same car, this time "pimped out" by James Washburn, a friend of the band.

Live performances

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"Holiday" has been included on the set lists of numerous Green Day concert tours, some of which played American Idiot in its entirety to promote the album.[13][14] The song was included on the set list for the Revolution Radio Tour in 2016, where the songs lyrics were adjusted to protest against Donald Trump's presidential campaign.[15] It was later included on the set list for the Hella Mega Tour, a concert tour for Green Day, Fall Out Boy, and Weezer that began in 2021.[16] The song was later included on the set list for the Saviors Tour, alongside every other song from American Idiot.[17][18]

Track listings

[edit]
UK CD1 and European CD single[19][20]
No.TitleLength
1."Holiday"3:52
2."Minority" (live)6:01
UK CD2 and Australian CD single[21][22]
No.TitleLength
1."Holiday"3:52
2."Holiday" (live)4:06
3."Boulevard of Broken Dreams" (live)4:24

UK 7-inch picture disc[23]

Side A
No.TitleLength
1."Holiday"3:53
Side B
No.TitleLength
1."Minority" (live)6:01
  • All live tracks were recorded on September 21, 2004, at the Irving Plaza in New York City.

Personnel

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Personnel are adapted from the UK-European CD1 liner notes.[19]

Charts

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Certifications

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Region Certification Certified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada)[54] 3× Platinum 240,000‡
Italy (FIMI)[55] Platinum 100,000‡
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[56] Gold 30,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[57] Gold 400,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[58]
"Holiday" / "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" 		Gold 400,000‡
United States (RIAA)[59] Platinum 1,000,000*

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref.
United Kingdom March 14, 2005 CD Reprise [60]
Digital download [61]
Australia March 28, 2005 CD [62]
United States May 16, 2005 Contemporary hit radio [63]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Carter, Emily (July 22, 2020). "Green Day: Every album ranked from worst to best". Kerrang!. Archived from the original on May 6, 2022. Retrieved July 31, 2022. It resulted in songs like the epic Jesus Of Suburbia and Homecoming, fired-up punk rock classics like Holiday, St. Jimmy and Letterbomb, and heart-wrenching emotion of Wake Me Up When September Ends and Whatsername.
  2. ^ Connick, Tom (May 16, 2018). "Green Day: their 15 best songs - ranked". NME. Archived from the original on April 7, 2022. Retrieved January 30, 2022. A flawless fusion of angst, anger and a massive fuck-you to the political establishment, with a ripping solo and chant-along middle-eight to boot, 'Holiday' is punk-rock perfection.
  3. ^ Pauker, Lance (January 22, 2014). "49 Phenomenally Angsty Pop-Punk Songs From The 2000s You Forgot Existed". Thought Catalog. The Thought & Expression Co. Archived from the original on October 10, 2014. Retrieved March 13, 2016.
  4. ^ Smith, Troy (May 23, 2016). "The 25 most powerful protest songs of all time". Cleveland.com. Archived from the original on May 6, 2022. Retrieved May 6, 2022.
  5. ^ Winwood, Ian (May 9, 2012). "The Secrets Behind The Songs: "American Idiot"". Kerrang! (1414). London: Bauer Media Group. ISSN 0262-6624.
  6. ^ Steve Baltin (January 1, 2005). "Green Day". AMP. pp. 62–66.
  7. ^ a b Durham, Victoria (March 1, 2005). "Green Day: Let The Good Times Roll". Rock Sound (70). London: Freeway Press Inc.: 50–55. ISSN 1465-0185.
  8. ^ "International Superhits". Kerrang! (1061). London: Bauer Media Group: 52–53. June 18, 2005. ISSN 0262-6624.
  9. ^ Sinclair, Tom (February 5, 2014). "How Green Day saved rock -- and their own career". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on May 24, 2017. Retrieved May 20, 2017.
  10. ^ Winwood 2010, p. 50.
  11. ^ John, Colapinto (November 17, 2005). "Green Day: Working Class Heroes". Rolling Stone (987). New York City: 50–56. ISSN 0035-791X. Archived from the original on June 10, 2015. Retrieved June 3, 2015.
  12. ^ Hendrickson, Matt (February 24, 2005). "Green Day and the Palace of Wisdom". Rolling Stone (968). New York City. ISSN 0035-791X. Archived from the original on June 8, 2015. Retrieved June 3, 2015.
  13. ^ Blashill, Pat (October 28, 2004). "Live Review: Green Day at Irving Plaza, New York". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on August 4, 2024. Retrieved August 4, 2024.
  14. ^ Punknews.org (November 30, 2004). "Green Day / New Found Glory / Sugarcult - live in Rochester". Punknews. Archived from the original on August 4, 2024. Retrieved August 4, 2024.
  15. ^ Angermiller, Michele (September 29, 2016). "Green Day Slams Donald Trump, Swaps 'Trump Towers' Into 'Holiday' Lyrics at New Jersey Show: Watch". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 8, 2020. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
  16. ^ Greene, Andy (July 25, 2021). "Green Day, Weezer, Fall Out Boy Launch 'Hella Mega' With Epic, Emotional Dallas Concert". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on July 28, 2024. Retrieved August 4, 2024.
  17. ^ "Green Day: Here's the setlist from the first night of The Saviors Tour". Kerrang!. May 31, 2024. Archived from the original on July 28, 2024. Retrieved August 4, 2024.
  18. ^ Shah, Rishi (June 24, 2024). "Green Day live in Manchester: an emphatic celebration of two timeless albums". NME. Archived from the original on August 4, 2024. Retrieved August 4, 2024.
  19. ^ a b Holiday (UK CD1 liner notes). Green Day. Reprise Records, WEA International. 2005. W664CD1, 5439 16097 2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  20. ^ Holiday (European CD single liner notes). Green Day. Reprise Records, WEA International. 2005. 5439 16096 2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  21. ^ Holiday (UK CD2 liner notes). Green Day. Reprise Records, WEA International. 2005. W664CD2, 9362 42786 2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  22. ^ Holiday (Australian CD single liner notes). Green Day. Reprise Records, WEA International. 2005. 9362427862.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  23. ^ Holiday (UK 7-inch picture disc sleeve). Green Day. Reprise Records, WEA International. 2005. W664, 54391-6097-7.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  24. ^ "Green Day – Holiday". ARIA Top 50 Singles.
  25. ^ "Green Day – Holiday" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40.
  26. ^ "R&R Canada CHR/Pop Top 30" (PDF). Radio & Records. No. 1614. July 8, 2005. p. 27. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 9, 2021. Retrieved October 16, 2020.
  27. ^ "R&R Canada Hot AC Top 30" (PDF). Radio & Records. No. 1613. July 1, 2005. p. 50. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  28. ^ "RR Canada Rock Top 30" (PDF). Radio & Records. No. 1603. April 22, 2005. p. 58. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 13, 2020. Retrieved October 8, 2019.
  29. ^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 15. týden 2006 in the date selector.
  30. ^ "Green Day – Holiday". Tracklisten.
  31. ^ "Green Day – Holiday" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved January 19, 2019.
  32. ^ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Dance Top 40 lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
  33. ^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Holiday". Irish Singles Chart.
  34. ^ "Tipparade-lijst van week 17, 2005" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Archived from the original on March 28, 2023. Retrieved March 28, 2023.
  35. ^ "Green Day – Holiday". Top 40 Singles.
  36. ^ "Green Day – Holiday". VG-lista.
  37. ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved January 19, 2019.
  38. ^ "Green Day – Holiday". Singles Top 100.
  39. ^ "Green Day – Holiday". Swiss Singles Chart.
  40. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved January 19, 2019.
  41. ^ "Official Rock & Metal Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved January 19, 2019.
  42. ^ "Green Day Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
  43. ^ "Green Day Chart History (Adult Pop Songs)". Billboard.
  44. ^ "Green Day Chart History (Alternative Airplay)". Billboard.
  45. ^ "Green Day Chart History (Mainstream Rock)". Billboard.
  46. ^ "Green Day Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard.
  47. ^ "Green Day Awards". AllMusic. Archived from the original on April 28, 2015. Retrieved August 17, 2020.
  48. ^ "Billboard Japan Hot Overseas". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). May 8, 2024. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
  49. ^ "The Official UK Singles Chart 2005" (PDF). UKChartsPlus. Archived (PDF) from the original on February 22, 2012. Retrieved January 19, 2019.
  50. ^ "Top 100 Songs of 2005 – Billboard Year End Charts". Bobborst.com. Archived from the original on June 29, 2012. Retrieved January 19, 2019.
  51. ^ "2005 The Year in Music & Touring: Hot Adult Top 40 Songs". Billboard. Vol. 117, no. 52. December 24, 2005. p. YE-76.
  52. ^ "2005 The Year in Charts: Top Mainstream Top 40 Songs". Billboard Radio Monitor. Vol. 13, no. 50. December 16, 2005. p. 26.
  53. ^ "2005 The Year in Music & Touring: Hot Modern Rock Songs". Billboard. Vol. 117, no. 52. December 24, 2005. p. YE-70.
  54. ^ "Canadian single certifications – Green Day – Holiday". Music Canada. Retrieved October 18, 2023.
  55. ^ "Italian single certifications – Green Day – Holiday" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
  56. ^ "Spanish single certifications – Green Day – Holiday". El portal de Música. Productores de Música de España. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  57. ^ "British single certifications – Green Day – Holiday". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved March 8, 2024.
  58. ^ "British single certifications – Green Day – Holiday Boulevard of Broken Dreams". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved July 22, 2022.
  59. ^ "American single certifications – Green Day – Holiday". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved August 5, 2020.
  60. ^ "New Releases: Singles". Music Week. March 12, 2005. p. 29.
  61. ^ "Holiday – Single". Apple Music. Archived from the original on May 21, 2021. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  62. ^ "The ARIA Report: New Releases Singles – Week Commencing 28th March 2005" (PDF). ARIA. March 28, 2005. p. 28. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 19, 2005. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  63. ^ "Going for Adds" (PDF). Radio & Records. No. 1606. May 13, 2005. p. 23. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 22, 2020. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
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