What does the Green Day song, Boulevard of Broken Dreams, mean?

Question

My understanding of it is that the singer is lonely and sort of "lost." Meaning he doesn't know where to head from here (in terms of life.) What is the actual meaning?

Answer 1

Billie Joe 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.

If you wanted it to be described in one word : Alienation.
Hope that helps!

Answer 2

I have the painting and it is not a bar it is a soda shop/corner diner. Elvis is the soda jerk, James Dean is a loner and Bogey and Marilyn are together like out for a night on the town.

Side note: There is also an episode of That 70's Show where Red and Kitty go to Phillies (the diner) and the shot holds exactly the same way as the painting.

Answer 3

This is about estrangement and the recognition that the American Dream can let you down. (thanks, Mary - millville, MA)

This follows the main character from Green Day's song "Jesus Of Suburbia." He leaves town, has one crazy first night and now it's kind of like the hangover. He's just walking, thinking about whether it was the right decision leaving where he used to live. (thanks, Brad - X, NJ)

"Boulevard Of Broken Dreams" is a famous painting by Gottfried Helnwein depicting Marilyn Monroe, Humphrey Bogart, James Dean and Elvis Presley hanging out in a bar. Helnwein's painting is a parody of a painting called "Nighthawks" by Edward Hopper.
A different song called "Boulevard Of Broken Dreams," also known as "Gigolo And Gigolette," was written in 1934 by Al Dubin for the movie Moulin Rouge. It has been recorded by Tony Bennett and Nat King Cole. (thanks, Evan - Mountain View, CA)

In the music video for this song, you can also hear the last faded bits of "Holiday," the other hit from the album, in the background, as this song is the follow up to that. They are using the same car as the one in the "Holiday" video.(thanks, Gautam - Rockville, MD)

Answer 4

Well, it's pretty self-explainatory. billy is walking alone and he reflectiong on how alone he is and where his life is going. It's kind of like green day's older song from nimrod called "walking alone".

Not a lot of people know this, but American Idiot is an album that tells the story of a "jesus of suburbia/st. jimmy".

As far as the album and the hiden meaning with the saint named Jimmy, it's about st. jimmy reflecting on his decision about leaving his home in suburbia.

Here's a link that tells the story of the American idiot.

Answer 5

Its about the struggle that every artist goes through between keeping his artistic integrity (saying what he or she really wants to say) and being successful (saying what the public wants you to say).

The 'boulevard' is almost certainly a reference to hollywood boulevard a symbol of celebrity and a symbol of public success. (though I didn't know about the painting - thanks Natalie) However there are far more artists who have had their dreams 'broken' than those who have been successful.

Even some of those who have been 'successful' (whatever that means) had to give up some of their true dream in order to fit into someone else's vision of what art and stardom are supposed to be.

Answer 6

My understanding is the same as yours. He is also saying he is a loner, and that sometimes he wishes he had company, but that that is the way he is.

Answer 7

he feels alone and nobody understands him