Basket Case
Green Day
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
Do you have the time to listen to me whine About nothing and everything all at once I am one of those Melodramatic fools Neurotic to the bone No doubt about it Sometimes I give myself the creeps Sometimes my mind plays tricks on me It all keeps adding up I think I'm cracking up Am I just paranoid? Or am I just stoned I went to a shrink To analyze my dreams She says it's lack of sex that's bringing me down I went to a whore He said my life's a bore So quit my whining cause it's bringing her down Sometimes I give myself the creeps Sometimes my mind plays tricks on me It all keeps adding up I think I'm cracking up Am I just paranoid? A ya-ya-ya Grasping to control So I better hold on Sometimes I give myself the creeps Sometimes my mind plays tricks on me It all keeps adding up I think I'm cracking up Am I just paranoid? Or am I just stoned?
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
Written by: Billie Joe Armstrong, Frank E III Wright, Michael Ryan Pritchard
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Release Information"Basket Case" is a song by the American punk rock band Green Day from their third studio album, "Dookie". It was released in 1994 as the band's third single and became one of their biggest hits.
|
Song MeaningLead singer Billie Joe Armstrong wrote "Basket Case" about his struggles with anxiety; before he knew his feelings were a disorder, he believed he was going crazy. The song title comes from the phrase "Basket Case", commonly used to refer to someone who is mentally unstable.
|
SongwritingThe song structure follows a Pop format and it's mixed with punk rock infused elements. Armstrong noted that the song's verse-chord progression is similar to Pachelbel's Canon.
|
Commercial Success"Basket Case" topped the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart for five weeks and reached the top of charts in 13 other countries. It helped propel Green Day into mainstream recognition.
|
Music VideoThe music video directed by Mark Kohr was filmed in an abandoned mental institution, interpreting the song's lyrics literally. The video won the award for Best Alternative Video at the 1995 MTV Video Music Awards.
|
Album Success"Basket Case" is largely considered a significant factor in the success of the "Dookie" album, which went on to sell over 20 million copies worldwide.
|
RecognitionThe song is regarded as one of the seminal works of the 1990s alternative rock movement. It was even placed in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll.
|
Cultural ImpactThe song’s influence extended beyond the music community, it was also used in many TV shows, movies, and even video games, it became an anthem for a generation dealing with angst and uncertainty.
|
Live Performances"Basket Case" has been a part of Green Day's live performances since its release, often receiving the most enthusiastic responses.
|
Retrospective AssessmentIn a 2020 Rolling Stone list ranking all of Green Day's songs, "Basket Case" placed second, highlighting its enduring popularity and influence.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"Basket Case Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 7 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/28006993/Green+Day/Basket+Case>.
Discuss the Basket Case Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In