Green Day is my most recent appreciatory musical acquisition. I heard one of their songs in a movie, and a friend identified it for me. Very shortly thereafter, I had the pleasure of hearing two more of their lyrical compositions. I quickly noted two or three observations: one, life is the most ironic little phenomenon ever; two, God seems to speak to my life through music more than any other platform; three… well, there was a third point a moment ago, but it temporarily eludes me. At any rate, the above two points sum things up sufficiently. The two songs I am referring two are Good Riddance and 21 Guns. The latter references life as something of a war, with each person fighting their own battles. More to the point, it offers insight as to the appropriate mindset one must equip when entering the war: Let it ride, set things straight, and for goodness’ sake, don’t view life as a fight! “Nothing’s ever built to last, you’re in ruins…. Did you stand to close to the fire, like a liar looking for forgiveness…”(21^st Century Breakdown).

   The song entitled Good Riddance is one of the most refreshing --break-up-- songs ever heard. “It’s something unpredictable; but in the end it’s right; I hope you had the time of your life”(International Superhits!). Of course, the break-up is my interpretation of the song’s meaning, possibly from being conditioned that every other song ever produced is referencing lost love. The writers may very well have been referring to a condition of life, for gain or for loss, and the song’s attitude would still translate accordingly. Most importantly, the song references change first and foremost. Change will happen; it is normal, healthy, and completely depressing. How must we think and react when we are experiencing these constantly shifting changes?

   Both of these melodious lyrical compositions spoke to me very personally, as they portrayed hypothetical scenarios very relevant to my feeling of late. Many changes, heartaches, breaks, love, life, and indecision have riddled my life with proverbial wounds that help to shape what one will ultimately become. Some people choose to ignore these trials or underplay them as fate; others literally die from these wounds; yet others search for meaning in these typical everyday occurrences. It is my firm belief that these artists have glimpsed bits and pieces of the puzzle that will lead the latter mentioned searchers to formulate an identity that will help to provide a full and productive life. These trials and tribulations will be proportionately difficult and unbearable to each individual, but a certain reaction must be recognized. For those of you who choose to embrace this viewpoint, I promise two things: One, your life will be harder, due to the fact that life will be trying much harder to smack you upside the face. The good news is that life will retrospectively become much more rewarding, both now and in the short-run. I shall let you decipher the reason for that promise by yourself. So how should you go about acting upon this particular ideal? Go and have the time of your life.