Song released on the album ‘American Idiot’ (2004) and curiously the subject of memes features that many are still unaware of
“Wake me up when sepateger ends” became one of the greatest successes of Green Day and a universal hymn about loss. Present in the acclaimed American idiot (2004)the song transcended the concept of the album to play the hearts of millions of fans, who annually, in September, use the title of music as a lament on social networks.
For many, music is a powerful ballad about the end of a relationship. This interpretation was reinforced by the music video of the song, which became a symbol of protest against the Iraq war, showing the drama of a couple separated by military enlistment. The video, which became a classic from MTV And it generated controversy for its pacifist message, gave the music a new layer of meaning, distancing it from its personal origin.
Its origin, however, has always been linked to the life of its Creator, Billie Joe Armstrong. The lyrics, which talks about lost innocence and the time that passes, was written by the singer and guitarist as a tribute to his father, Stephen Armstrongwho died of esophagus cancer when Billie Joe I was only 10 years old. The tragedy took place on September 1, 1982, and the impact on the boy’s life was devastating.
After the funeral, Billie Joe He ran to his room and locked himself, seeking refuge for pain. When his mother knocked on the door to try to comfort him, he heard from his son the words that would name the song: “Wake me up when September is over” (“Wake me up when sepateger ends”).
Jokes with “wake me up when sepateger ends”
Despite the sad theme, the jokes about “Wake me up when sepateger ends” They came and never ceased. THE Green Day And the song become meme so much in early September, with netizens playing on “jumping” the month in question, as in October, celebrating the end of the year.
In 2006, Billie Joe Armstrong He even received a trot from a Liverpool radio in England. The station woke him up with a telephone call at dawn on October 1st to make fun of the situation.
But what does the composer think of all this? In an interview of 2019 to Volture (via TMDQA!), he mocked:
“September comes and people say, ‘Hey, it’s the guy from Green Day.’ Jesus Born on December 25, and people say, ‘Hey, it’s Christmas!’ When the Easter Bunny arrives is like: ‘Hey, we’re in the Easter!’ I don’t know… I don’t know… Have fun, but go look for a little life at the same time. “
Still, Billie And their band have already surfed in the wave of memes. In 2023, the Californian band released a teaser with vocalist/guitarist waking up to the sound of an unreleased song by the band playing on the alarm clock. This song would be “The American Dream is Killing Me”first single from the album Savior (2024). In the end, he seems to have accepted the game.
IT’S OCTOber 1ST, WAKE UP ⏰ Now go hit Snooze on https://t.co/8sgestwyfvpic.twitter.com/iokfcrvbst
– Green Day (@greenday) Octber 1, 2023
The lyrics of “Wake Me Up When September Ends”
“Summer arrived and passed
Innocents can never last
Wake me up when September ends
Just like my father was gone
Seven years passed very fast
Wake me up when September ends
Here comes the rain again
Falling from the stars
Soaked in my pain again
Making us who we are
While my memory rests
But never forget what I lost
Wake me up when September ends
Summer arrived and passed
Innocents can never last
Wake me up when September ends
Touch the bells again
As we did when spring started
Wake me up when September ends
Here comes the rain again
Falling from the stars
Soaked in my pain again
Making us who we are
While my memory rests
But never forget what I lost
Wake me up when September ends
Summer arrived and passed
Innocents can never last
Wake me up when September ends
Just like my father was gone
Twenty years passed very fast
Wake me up when September ends
Wake me up when September ends
Wake me up when September is over “
Green Day in Brazil
Green Day performs in Brazil on two dates: São Paulo (festival The Town), September 7, and Curitiba (Ligga Arena), September 12th. The show that would take place in Rio de Janeiro was canceled by the band due to a schedule conflict and technical difficulties to release Nilton Santos Stadium in time for a Brazilian Cup game.
+++ Read more: Green Day: Setlist and what to expect from the show at The Town 2025
+++ Read more: ‘Dookie’ or ‘American Idiot’? Green Day’s best album for Rolling Stone critic
+++ Read more: The meaning of the name Green Day, hated by Billie Joe Armstrong
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
