"Still Breathing"
Single by Green Day
from the album Revolution Radio
ReleasedNovember 12, 2016 (2016-11-12)
RecordedJanuary 15 – July 24, 2016 at OTIS in Oakland, California
Genre
Length3:45
LabelReprise
Songwriter(s)
[1]
Producer(s)Green Day
Green Day singles chronology
"Bang Bang"
(2016)		 "Still Breathing"
(2016)		 "Revolution Radio"
(2017)
Music video
"Still Breathing" on YouTube
"Still Breathing" (Lyric Video) on YouTube

"Still Breathing" is a song by American rock band Green Day. It was released on November 12, 2016, as the second single from their twelfth studio album, Revolution Radio (2016). It is considered to be an emotionally dark song that explores the theme of individuals finding strength in the face of hardship and tough times. The song's music video – released on November 7, 2016 – reflected upon that theme.

"Still Breathing" received widespread critical acclaim and was praised for its sentimental concept and spirited musical composition. It peaked at number one on the US Alternative Songs, Mainstream Rock, Rock Airplay, and Canada Rock charts, and appeared on various other international charts.

Background and composition

In 2014 – following the band's 99 Revolutions Tour, in support of ¡Uno! ¡Dos! and ¡Tré! (2012)[2] – Billie Joe Armstrong started testing and recording material at his new studio, Otis, in Oakland, California.[3] The first song that Armstrong wrote was "Bang Bang", the first single released from their 2016 album Revolution Radio.[4] That song reminded critics of Green Day's earlier work.[5]

Following that, "Still Breathing" was released as the second single from the album and was also compared to the band's earlier works.[6] Described as dark and unsettling,[7] the song addresses themes of staying strong in the face of adversity and overcoming it.[8][9] It also explores the lives of individuals addicted to drugs and gambling, fatherless children, single mothers, and soldiers returning from war, with their stories intertwined throughout the song.[10]

Armstrong originally planned to write the song for the Australian pop band, 5 Seconds of Summer, but felt that the lyrics were too intense.[11] He intended to make others happy, and to make a difference, by getting people to recognize themselves in the song.[10] He described the track as "a very heavy song", and further explained, "Sometimes I run away from being too heavy. But sometimes it just comes out that way." While commenting on the chorus, I'm still breathing on my own, he added, "at some point, we're all going to have to be on life support. As time goes on, your thoughts get darker."[7]

The song samples the melody for the verses from The Struts' "Could Have Been Me" and their members are credited as co-writers.[12]

According to Olivia Waring at Metro, the band has "moved away from their punk roots" with the song.[13] Nonetheless, the song is described as punk rock by NME and Entertainment Weekly.[14][15] Anna Gaca of Spin characterized it as a "paint-by-numbers pop-punk song."[16] Josiah Hughes from Exclaim! likewise describes the song as pop-punk.[17] On the other hand, BrooklynVegan writer Andrew Sacher feels the song is "more of an anthemic alternative rock song than the snotty pop punk they helped bring to prominence in the '90s."[18]

Release

Armstrong is one of the many characters featured in the video.

Following the release of "Bang Bang" on August 11, 2016, a lyric video for "Still Breathing" was uploaded to YouTube on September 22, 2016.[10][19] It was released as the second single from Revolution Radio on November 12, 2016,[20] and a promotional CD was made available only in the UK on February 10, 2017.[21]

Reception

"Still Breathing" was received positively by music critics. Writing for Entertainment Weekly, Kevin O'Donnell praised the song by saying that it "isn't just one of their most rousing songs, it's also one of their best."[22] Gil Kaufman of Billboard stated the band is "back in classic form" with emotional twists and deep lyrical content that symbolize some of band's "most beloved work".[6] NME called it "an air-punching punk glory full of strength, power and guts" that "lauds the resilience of the human spirit and the ability to make it through tough times".[14]

The A.V. Club described "Still Breathing" as a "statement of purpose for the record" and that it was a recognition of everyone's struggle.[23] Loudwire's Graham Hartmann noted it as the "poppiest cut from the album yet, while also being the most emotionally heavy", opining that the band had shifted to a more "radio-friendly" version of their "revolution" while keeping their same aesthetic.[24] PopMatters wrote that the song "is overly familiar" and that it had "quiet verses and a loud chorus", but admired the melody and chord progression of the song.[25]

Chart performance

"Still Breathing" peaked at number one on the US Alternative Songs, Mainstream Rock, and Rock Airplay charts. It became their 11th number one on the US Alternative Songs chart, surpassing Foo Fighters and tying with Linkin Park for the second most number one positions – behind only the Red Hot Chili Peppers with 13.[26] The song became their fifth number one on the US Mainstream Rock chart,[27] and along with "Bang Bang", this become the first time since American Idiot (2004) that two of their singles from the same album reached the number one spot on the US Alternative Songs and Mainstream Rock charts.[26][27]

The song became Green Day's fourth number one on the US Rock Airplay chart, the second-most number ones of any band, behind only Foo Fighters with five.[28] While "Know Your Enemy" (2009) and "Bang Bang" have topped the three charts – US Alternative Songs, Mainstream Rock, and Rock Airplay charts – this was the first time that a single of theirs had reached the number one position on those three charts simultaneously.[29]

"Still Breathing" reached number 11 and 17 on the US Hot Rock Songs and Adult Alternative Songs, respectively.[30][31] The song peaked at number one on the Canada Rock,[32] and number two on the UK Rock charts.[33] The song also charted in Belgium (Ultratip Flanders), Czech Republic (Rádio Top 100 Oficiální), and Slovakia (Rádio Top 100 Oficiální).[34][35][36]

Track listing

All lyrics are written by Billie Joe Armstrong; all music is composed by Green Day

Digital download
No.TitleLength
1."Still Breathing"3:44
Promo CD
No.TitleLength
1."Still Breathing" (One track UK promo with a cardboard sleeve)3:44

Charts

Music video

The official music video was directed by P. R. Brown, and released on November 7, 2016.[49][50] The video reflects the song's central theme of being in unsettled situations and getting through them.[9][51] In the beginning of the video, Armstrong is shown as a solitary figure; his bandmates Mike Dirnt and Tre Cool are sitting lethargically in a different location. The video explores situations of various other characters as well, all starting out in a dejected state. The shots of Armstrong, Dirnt, and Cool are repeatedly seen interspersed with developments in the lives of the other characters. Eventually, all of them manage to find things that make them happy. As the video reaches its end, Armstrong is seen entering a warehouse and being happily reunited with his bandmates, who had begun to play their instruments without him there.[9][52][53]

References

  1. ↑ "Try the TIDAL Web Player".
  2. ↑ Greene, Andy (August 11, 2016). "Billie Joe Armstrong on Green Day's Provocative New LP". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on October 12, 2016. Retrieved July 16, 2017.
  3. ↑ Hiatt, Brian (September 7, 2016). "Inside Green Day's Revolutionary Rebirth". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on September 19, 2016. Retrieved July 16, 2017.
  4. ↑ "'Bang Bang' Is Green Day's 'Most Aggressive Single,' Says Billie Joe Armstrong". WJBDradio.com. August 26, 2016. Archived from the original on August 20, 2017. Retrieved July 16, 2017.
  5. ↑ Ackroyd, Stephen (August 4, 2016). "Green Day Hint at Their New Album's Title". Upset. Archived from the original on August 6, 2016. Retrieved July 16, 2017.
  6. 1 2 Kaufman, Gil (September 23, 2016). "Listen to Green Day's Inspirational Anthem 'Still Breathing'". Billboard. Archived from the original on June 19, 2017. Retrieved July 16, 2017.
  7. 1 2 Hiatt, Brian; Greene, Andy (September 22, 2016). "Green Day's 'Revolution Radio': A Track-by-Track Guide to New Album". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on March 16, 2017. Retrieved July 16, 2017.
  8. ↑ Kinane, Ruth (September 23, 2016). "Green Day share new song Still Breathing". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on March 12, 2017. Retrieved July 16, 2017.
  9. 1 2 3 Rossignol, Derrick (November 7, 2016). "Green Day Gets Emotional In Their Music Video For 'Still Breathing'". Nerdist. Archived from the original on March 12, 2017. Retrieved July 18, 2017.
  10. 1 2 3 Hartmann, Graham (September 23, 2016). "Green Day Reveal Emotionally Heavy Track 'Still Breathing'". Loudwire. Archived from the original on March 12, 2017. Retrieved July 18, 2017.
  11. ↑ "Billie Joe Armstrong Breaks Down Green Day's Biggest Hits — and Reveals Which One They Almost Gave Away (Exclusive)". Peoplemag. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  12. ↑ Selleck, Cole (July 5, 2017). "Struts Guitarist Got Writing Credit For New Green Day Song | Cole Selleck | Radio 105.7 Atlanta". iHeart Radio. Archived from the original on July 5, 2017. Retrieved February 4, 2021.
  13. ↑ Waring, Olivia (September 23, 2016). "Green Day's new song Still Breathing is as punk as a marshmallow in a tutu".
  14. 1 2 "Track Review: Green Day Tackle Personal Demons On Triumphant 'Still Breathing'". NME. September 23, 2016. Archived from the original on February 15, 2017. Retrieved February 14, 2017.
  15. ↑ O'Donnell, Kevin. "Green Day's 'Revolution Radio': EW Review". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved May 19, 2022.
  16. ↑ "Green Day Are "Still Breathing" on New Song, At Least". SPIN. September 23, 2016.
  17. ↑ "Green Day "Still Breathing" (video) | Exclaim!". exclaim.ca.
  18. ↑ Sacher, Andrew. "Green Day share "Still Breathing"". BrooklynVegan.
  19. ↑ Biddulph, Andy (August 1, 2016). "There's a New Green Day Song on the Way". Rock Sound. Archived from the original on August 8, 2016. Retrieved July 18, 2017.
  20. ↑ Rutherford, Kevin (November 2, 2016). "Green Day Earns 10th Alternative Songs No. 1 with 'Bang Bang'". Billboard. Archived from the original on December 11, 2016. Retrieved July 18, 2017.
  21. ↑ "Green Day – Still Breathing". Discogs. Archived from the original on February 11, 2017. Retrieved March 9, 2017.
  22. ↑ O'Donnell, Kevin. "Green Day's 'Revolution Radio': EW Review". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on March 12, 2017. Retrieved March 9, 2017.
  23. ↑ McLevy, Alex (October 7, 2016). "Green Day are punks afraid of dying on the uncertain Revolution Radio". The A.V. Club. Archived from the original on March 12, 2017. Retrieved March 9, 2017.
  24. ↑ "Green Day Reveal Emotionally Heavy Track 'Still Breathing'". Loudwire. Archived from the original on February 15, 2017. Retrieved February 14, 2017.
  25. ↑ Conaton, Chris. "Revolution Radio". PopMatters. Archived from the original on March 12, 2017. Retrieved March 9, 2017.
  26. 1 2 Rutherford, Kevin. "Green Day Lands 11th No. 1 on Alternative Songs With 'Still Breathing'". Billboard. Archived from the original on February 2, 2017. Retrieved February 7, 2017.
  27. 1 2 Smith, Lindy (February 5, 2017). "Green Day earn fifth No. 1 with "Still Breathing"". Alternative Press. Archived from the original on February 6, 2017. Retrieved February 7, 2017.
  28. ↑ Rutherford, Kevin. "Green Day's 'Revolution Radio' Generates Second Rock Airplay No. 1". Billboard. Archived from the original on January 8, 2017. Retrieved March 9, 2017.
  29. ↑ Rutherford, Kevin. "Green Day's 'Still Breathing' Rules Mainstream Rock Songs Chart". Billboard. Archived from the original on March 12, 2017. Retrieved March 9, 2017.
  30. ↑ "Green Day – Chart history – Hot Rock Songs". Billboard. 2016. Archived from the original on March 12, 2017. Retrieved September 26, 2019.
  31. ↑ "Green Day – Chart history – Adult Alternative Songs". Billboard. 2016. Archived from the original on March 12, 2017. Retrieved September 26, 2019.
  32. ↑ "Green Day – Chart history – Canada Rock". Billboard. Archived from the original on October 27, 2018. Retrieved March 9, 2017.
  33. ↑ "2016-09-30 Top 40 Rock & Metal Singles Archive". Official Charts Company. September 30, 2016. Archived from the original on December 21, 2016. Retrieved August 20, 2016.
  34. ↑ "Ultratop.be – Green Day – Still Breathing" (in Dutch). Ultratip. Archived from the original on March 12, 2017. Retrieved March 9, 2017.
  35. ↑ "Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiální". IFPI Czech Republic (in Czech). 2006. Archived from the original on July 1, 2006. Retrieved March 9, 2017.
  36. ↑ "Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiální". IFPI SR (in Slovak). 2006. Archived from the original on January 10, 2007. Retrieved March 9, 2017.
  37. ↑ "Green Day – Still Breathing" (in Dutch). Ultratip. Retrieved December 24, 2016.
  38. ↑ "Green Day Chart History (Canada Rock)". Billboard. Retrieved September 23, 2016.
  39. ↑ "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Change the chart to CZ – RADIO – TOP 100 and insert 201717 into search. Retrieved May 2, 2017.
  40. ↑ "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 201650 into search. Retrieved December 20, 2016.
  41. ↑ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved September 30, 2016.
  42. ↑ "Official Singles Downloads Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  43. ↑ "Official Rock & Metal Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved January 21, 2022.
  44. ↑ "Green Day Chart History (Adult Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved April 18, 2017.
  45. ↑ "Green Day Chart History (Hot Rock & Alternative Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved March 21, 2017.
  46. ↑ "Green Day Chart History (Rock Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved December 20, 2016.
  47. ↑ "Hot Rock Songs – Year-End 2017". Billboard. Retrieved May 21, 2020.
  48. ↑ "Rock Airplay Songs – Year-End 2017". Billboard. Retrieved January 21, 2022.
  49. ↑ "Interview with 'Still Breathing' Director P. R. Brown". greenday.com. Green Day. Archived from the original on March 12, 2017. Retrieved March 9, 2017.
  50. ↑ Lifton, Dave. "Green Day release video for 'Still Breathing'". Diffuser.fm. Archived from the original on March 12, 2017. Retrieved March 9, 2017.
  51. ↑ Pell, Mike. "Exclusive! Green Day Are 'Still Breathing' In Our Premiere Of Their Latest Music Vid". MTV. Archived from the original on March 12, 2017. Retrieved March 9, 2017.
  52. ↑ Payne, Chris (November 7, 2016). "Billie Joe Armstrong Walks a Lonely Road in Green Day's New 'Still Breathing' Video". Billboard. Archived from the original on March 12, 2017. Retrieved July 18, 2017.
  53. ↑ Childers, Chad. "Green Day Break Free of the Melancholy in Video for 'Still Breathing'". Loudwire. Archived from the original on March 12, 2017. Retrieved March 9, 2017.
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