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"Geek Stink Breath"
Single by Green Day
from the album Insomniac
Released	September 25, 1995
Format	CD, cassette, vinyl
Recorded	1995
Genre	Punk rock
Length	2:15
Label	Reprise Records
Producer	Green Day, Rob Cavallo
Green Day singles chronology

"Geek Stink Breath" is a song and the first single by the California-based punk trio Green Day released from their successful fourth album, Insomniac, in 1995. The lyrics tell of the effects of methamphetamine on the human body.

[edit] Track listings

[edit] CD

"Geek Stink Breath" - 2:16
"I Want to Be on TV" (Fang cover) - 1:17
"Don't Want to Fall in Love" - 1:38

[edit] 7"

Side A

"Geek Stink Breath" - 2:16

Side B

"I Want to Be on TV" (Fang cover) - 1:17

[edit] History, lyrics, and composition

"Geek Stink Breath" debuted live on December 3, 1994 during Green Day's first performance on Saturday Night Live. Interestingly enough, the word "shit" in the line "Wish in one hand and shit in the other and see which one gets filled first" got past the censors since they could not understand the lyrics to the new song (closed caption typed it as "unintelligible lyrics"). The song was later recorded and released on the band's 1995 release Insomniac, and as the album's lead-off single.

The lyrics tell of the singer leading a "path of self-destruction" through the use of methamphetamine, and the effects of this drug on his body. The lyrics were inspired by Armstrong's own experiences, as well as the people around him that he saw lose control of their lives because of their addictions. The word "Geek" is slang for "methamphetamine". Featuring a hard rocking three chord riff, the song pays homage to the band's 70's punk influences, including the Ramones and the Sex Pistols. The song ended up being a moderate radio hit.

[edit] Music video

The video shows the band playing the song in a basement, as well as graphic footage of one of the band's friends having a tooth pulled, which was intended to only be shown during late night hours on MTV. This footage is relevant to the song, as it features the lyrics: "and it's rotting out my teeth". (Oral problems are associated with meth use, but are actually related to poor hygiene, exacerbated by dry mouth, both of which are associated with illicit use of some drugs, rather than being directly related to the effect of smoking or otherwise ingesting methamphetamine.) The video was directed by Mark Kohr. An edited version of the music video is shown internationally.

[edit] Chart positions

Chart (1995)	Peak position
UK Singles Chart	16
Irish Singles Chart	27

[edit] External links

[edit] References

songfacts.com

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