meaning of the song "boulevard of broken dreams" by green day?

Question

i think it means that he is 'alone' w/ brken dreams

i've listened to it like a million times, but i get mixed answers on what it means

Answer 1

Armstrong called Boulevard the 'hangover' song, and that's pretty much what it is. Coming after Holiday this song describes the feeling of loneliness that Jesus of Suburbia has to face after the party is over. After finally breaking free and entering the City, Jesus was excited and filled with expectations. But now the holiday is over, the confetti landed on the floor and the intoxication is wearing off - he looks around and finds himself alone on the street of the heartless city, empty in the morning darkness. Everything around him seems lifeless and only his vital signs prove that he's not dead as well. He's all alone...The phrase "I'm walking down the line that divides me somewhere in my mind" could be considered the beginning of St. Jimmy's appearance - Jesus doesn't want to be weak and vulnerable anymore, he wants to change.

Of course, there is more to this song than just Jesus' emotional hangover. Walking a lonely road is not only a one-time realization of your loneliness. Going through life on your own you get so used to the solitude that this lonely road becomes your home, and your actual life. Most songs about loneliness are a scream for help, an expression of despair and fear of being alone. Boulevard is different - the narrator accepts his life the way it is, he's used to it, no matter how horrible it might get or seem, this loneliness is his way. Only sometimes does he dream of someone finding him and saving him from his aloneness, but so far he doesn't know any better and is patiently waiting for a change.

Answer 2

I personally think the song is talking about how throughout Green Day (or someone else's) life, they've had a handful of broken dreams and many times, they have to suffer or go through them. So life is the boulevard they're walking through and broken dreams are kind of like the past memories (break ups, unreachable goals, unsuccessful in school, death of family and friends, etc.)

Answer 3

For those that don't know the song:

"Boulevard Of Broken Dreams"

I walk a lonely road
The only one that I have ever known
Don't know where it goes
But it's home to me and I walk alone

I walk this empty street
On the Boulevard of Broken Dreams
Where the city sleeps
and I'm the only one and I walk alone

I walk alone
I walk alone

I walk alone
I walk a...

My shadow's the only one that walks beside me
My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating
Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me
'Til then I walk alone

Ah-ah, Ah-ah, Ah-ah, Aaah-ah,
Ah-ah, Ah-ah, Ah-ah

I'm walking down the line
That divides me somewhere in my mind
On the border line
Of the edge and where I walk alone

Read between the lines
What's f**ked up and everything's alright
Check my vital signs
To know I'm still alive and I walk alone

I walk alone
I walk alone

I walk alone
I walk a...

My shadow's the only one that walks beside me
My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating
Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me
'Til then I walk alone

Ah-ah, Ah-ah, Ah-ah, Aaah-ah
Ah-ah, Ah-ah

I walk alone
I walk a...

I walk this empty street
On the Boulevard of Broken Dreams
Where the city sleeps
And I'm the only one and I walk a...

My shadow's the only one that walks beside me
My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating
Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me
'Til then I walk alone...


I think he is alone, dreams shattered, and is waiting for someone to find him and share his journey, but won't leave the path to go out and look.

Answer 4

It has to follow the story line to 'American Idiot'. The album is considered a 'rock opera' to some. It's when the Jesus of Suburbia is feeling down and alone after leaving home, and going on "Holiday".

Answer 5

ive heard that song before. my friend let me listen to it on their ipod. im not quite sure of the meaning but im sure if you heard it you can figure it out.

Answer 6

It's all metaphorical. He feels defeated and alone. He thinks that all his failures are ever present and surrounding him.

Answer 7

just listen to it, i am sure you have. it only means whatever it means to you really. it is not hard to figure it out! goo dluck! i love that song!

Answer 8

just try again. look @ the lyrics while u listen. not that difficult.

Answer 9

i think its about drugs