39/Smooth

Rating: 3.9/5. From 166 votes. Show votes.
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Release Date: April 13, 1990
Length: 31:13
Studio: Art Of Ears
Label: Lookout Records
Producers: Andy Ernst & Green Day
Mixing: Andy Ernst
Engineer: Andy Ernst
Artwork: Pat Hynes (artwork, design, layout), Susie Grant (cover photo), Chris Appelgren (artwork), Aaron Cometbus (artwork), Rich Gargano (artwork), David Hayes (artwork), Murray Bowles (photos), Arica Pelino (photos)

RIAA Certifications: Gold (0.5 Million) – June 28, 1995 (combined sales with 1,039 Smoothed Out Slappy Hours)

Notes: Green Day’s debut album. Recorded in December of ’89. Album is out of print in favor of the compilation album 1,039 Smoothed Out Slappy Hours which also includes the 1,000 Hours and Slappy EPs. As for the name, Billie explains: “39/smooth was named after my brother. He turned 39 the day we recorded that LP. Dec 29, 1989. Smooth was a stoner thing between me and Mike. We couldn’t decide to call it 39 or smooth. So we went with both!”

  1. At The Library
  2. Don’t Leave Me
  3. I Was There
  4. Disappearing Boy
  5. Green Day
  6. Going To Pasalacqua
  7. 16
  8. Road To Acceptance
  9. Rest
  10. The Judge’s Daughter

1,039 Smoothed Out Slappy Hours

Slappy EP

11. Paper Lanterns
12. Why Do You Want Him?
13. 409 In Your Coffeemaker
14. Knowledge

1,000 Hours EP

15. 1,000 Hours
16. Dry Ice
17. Only Of You
18. The One I Want

The Big One Compilation

19. I Want To Be Alone

Track Info

1. At The Library

Rating: 4.3/5. From 126 votes. Show votes.
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In this song the narrator is describing his indecisiveness and shyness as he's trying to talk to a girl he likes. He keeps looking at her from a distance and day-dream wondering why he likes her, what it is about her that seems to charm him. He's trying to make himself finally talk to her, but in the end she walks away with her boyfriend, leaving the narrator one-on-one with his thoughts. He's upset, but then again, he knows he probably would have never had the guts to talk to her, and so he lets his feelings towards her rest till the next time he sees her and goes through that doubt and insecurity all over again.

There is a theory that in this song the author is talking about an ugly girl that he thought he had a chance with, but in the end, even she turned out to have a boyfriend. However, the lyrics show that he's truly fascinated with the girl, and the words "What is it about you that I adore?" most likely express the narrator's positive interest and awe rather than surprise and doubt. He wants her and doesn't know why, and doesn't have the courage to express his feelings.

- song meaning courtesy of GreekStinkBreath.net

Hey there lookin' at me
Tell me what do you see
But you quickly turn your head away
Try to find the words I could use
Don't have the courage to come up to you
My chance is looking a bit grey

Staring across the room
Are you leaving soon
I just need a little time

What is it that drives me mad
Girls like you that I never had
What is it about you that I adore
What makes me feel so much pain
That makes me go so insane
What is it about you that I adore

Staring across the room
Are you leaving soon
I just need a little time

Why did you have to leave so soon
Why did you have to walk away
Oh, well, it happened again
She walked away with her boyfriend
Maybe we'll meet again someday
Someday

2. Don't Leave Me

Rating: 3.6/5. From 104 votes. Show votes.
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In this song, the narrator vividly describes his utter despair aroused by the news that someone he deeply cares about is going to leave him. He can't believe how unfair the situation is - he would do anything and go anywhere just to be with this person...but they leave him. It's driving him insane - after everything he's gone through to be with this person, they leave him. And he's trying really hard to understand the reasons, accept what's about to happen and not be selfish, but he can't hold back the pain of his misery and so he screams "Don't leave me!" He's trying to understand what this person feels about leaving him like this and whether they feel anything at all. He realizes they might never come back. He can't fight his pain and confusion - how could this happen? Life is not fair.

- song meaning courtesy of GreekStinkBreath.net

I'll go for miles
Till I find you
You say you want to leave me
But you can't choose
I've gone thru pain
Every day and night
I feel my mind is going insane
Something I can't fight

Don't leave me

A blank expression
Covering your face
I'm looking for directions
For out of this place
I start to wonder
If you'll come back
I feel the rain storming after thunder
I can't hold back

Don't leave me

I'll go for miles
Till I find you
You say you want to leave me
But you can't choose
I've gone thru pain
Every day and night
I feel my mind is going insane
Something I can't fight

Don't leave me

3. I Was There

Rating: 3.9/5. From 100 votes. Show votes.
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This is the only released Green Day song that was written by their ex-drummer John Kiffmeyer. In this song, the author talks about his memories and how he feels about the past. He regrets that it's all over, but doesn't let it bring him down, because there's always tomorrow. He's glad that he's experienced what he has, that he "was there", but he looks into the future because there's still a lot more life to live.

- song meaning courtesy of GreekStinkBreath.net

Looking back upon my life
And the places that I've been
Pictures, faces, girls I've loved
I try to remember when
Faded memories on the wall
Some names I have forgotten
But each one is a memory I
Look back on so often.

I look into the past
I want to make it last
I was there

Looking back what I have done
There's lots more life to live
At times I feel overwhelmed
I question what I can give
But I don't let it get me down
Or cause me too much sorrow
There's no doubt about who I am
I always have tomorrow

I look into the past
I want to make it last
I was there

Looking back upon my life
Faded memories on the wall
Looking now at who I am
I don't let it get me down.

Looking back upon my life
And the places that I've been
Pictures, faces, girls I've loved
I try to remember when
But I don't let it get me down
Or cause me too much sorrow
There's no doubt about who I am
I always have tomorrow

I look into the past
I want to make it last
I was there

4. Disappearing Boy

Rating: 4.0/5. From 100 votes. Show votes.
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"Disappearing Boy was inspired by an incident at the River Theater in Guerneville. GD wasn't playing. Weird gig. Broken heart. Boy likes girl. Girl likes guy. Girl and different guy get drunk in a parking lot and make out. Boy leaves gig alone. Heart=destroyed."

- Billie Joe Armstrong

In this song, Armstrong expresses his feelings about his childhood. He was the youngest of 6 children in his family and that's probably where this kind of feeling comes from. Children (especially younger ones) in big families often feel invisible - parents can't give enough attention to each child and kids are often left alone. And so they feel forgotten, feel like they are disappearing - "Now you see me, now you don't". The author says that he's not sure where he belongs because his shyness and insecurity make him feel that if he vanishes, no one will notice.

The line "I see her and she's with him" might be referring to the author's step-father - a person he dislikes and whose presence makes him feel even more detached. Or it might be him seeing a girl he likes with another guy, which obviously makes him miserable. And so he leaves the place where he doesn't belong ("My whereabouts are now unknown"), he completely disappears.

- song meaning courtesy of GreekStinkBreath.net

Now you see me, now you don't
Don't ask me where I'm at
'Cause I'm a million miles away
Treated like a forbidden heel
Don't say my thoughts are not for real
Or you won't see me again

Am I here or am I there
Or am I playing on the stairs
Am I in my room with my toys
I am the disappearing boy

When I walk in crowded rooms
I feel as if it is my doom
I know that I don't belong
In that room I see her
I see her and she's with him
I turn around and then I'm gone

Don't call me up 'cause I'm not home
My whereabouts are now unknown
I vanished from all your joy
I am the disappearing boy

I have my doubts
Of where I belong
It's something to think about

Don't call me up 'cause I'm not home
My whereabouts are now unknown
I vanished from all your joy
I am the disappearing boy

5. Green Day

Rating: 3.5/5. From 104 votes. Show votes.
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"Green Day" is a slang saying for a day spent doing nothing but smoking weed.

Obviously, this song has a lot to do with getting high and the feelings that one experiences from marijuana intoxication. But aside from that, the song also has a few lines about a relationship that is not working out the way the narrator would want it to. Having a green day allows him to think everything over, but all he finds is helplessness and regrets. Yet, he expresses that the relaxation and absent-mindedness of being "stoned" give him a fresh experience and makes him feel like he has "found something new".

- song meaning courtesy of GreekStinkBreath.net

A small cloud has fallen
The white mist hits the ground
My lungs comfort me with joy
Vegging on one detail
The rest just crowds around
My eyes itch of burning red

Picture sounds
Of moving insects so surreal
Lay around
Looks like I found something new

Laying in my bed
I think I'm in left field
I picture someone, I think it's you
You're standing so damn close
My body begins to swell
Why does one and one make two

Picture sounds
Of moving insects so surreal
Lay around
Looks like I found something new

Laying in my bed
I think I'm in left field
I picture someone, I think it's you
You're standing so damn close
My body begins to swell
Why does one and one make two

Picture sounds
Of moving insects so surreal
Lay around
Looks like I found something new

6. Going To Pasalacqua

Rating: 4.6/5. From 123 votes. Show votes.
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"Pasalacqua= funeral home in Benicia Ca. We used to play at Desba's house and the Camel Barns. We had great shows there w Monsula."

- Billie Joe Armstrong

In this song, the narrator is expressing his insecurity and anxiety about a relationship that he's in. He thought the feeling was gone, but it's still there, still in his heart and making him want to be with the one he loves. Thinking about them, he realizes that his attitude hasn't changed a bit and he's still as much in love as he had been before. And so he decides that no matter what he will stay with the person he loves. He doesn't know whether this feeling will last forever, but he's willing to go through the hard times and enjoy being with the loved one for as long as he can.

As for the title of the song referencing a funeral home, it might mean that the person the narrator is in love with is dying or could die. And so he is trying to understand whether he wants to still stay with them or not, and decides that it's worth the fight and he wants to stay with the one he loves no matter what, and take whatever this relationship has to give.

- song meaning courtesy of GreekStinkBreath.net

Here we go again, infatuation
Touches me just when I
Thought that it would end
Oh but then again it seems
Much more than that but
I'm not sure exactly what you're thinking

Well, I toss and turn all night
Thinking of your ways of affection
But to find that it's not different at all
Well, I throw away my past mistakes
And contemplate my future
That's when I say...
What the hey

Would it last forever
You and I together, hand in hand
We run away (far away)
I'm in for nasty weather
But I'll take whatever you can
give that comes my way (far away)

Here we go again, infatuation
Touches me just when I
Thought that it would end

Oh but then again it seems
Much more than that but
I'm not sure exactly what you're thinking

Well, I toss and turn all night
Thinking of your ways of affection
But to find that it's not different at all
Well, I throw away my past mistakes
And contemplate my future
That's when I say...
What the hey

Would it last forever
You and I together, hand in hand
We run away (far away)
I'm in for nasty weather
But I'll take whatever you can
give that comes my way (far away)

Well, I toss and turn all night
Thinking of your ways of affection
But to find that it's not different at all
Well, I throw away my past mistakes
And contemplate my future
That's when I say...
What the hey

Would it last forever
You and I together, hand in hand
We run away (far away)
I'm in for nasty weather
But I'll take whatever you can
give that comes my way, yeah (far away)

7. 16

Rating: 3.5/5. From 97 votes. Show votes.
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"16 has a weird funk part in the middle. You can hear Mike slap a da bass big time!"

- Billie Joe Armstrong

One of the first signs of growing up is wishing you didn't have to grow up. When you're a child you want to become a grown-up as soon as possible, it seems to you that it's great to be an adult. But as you get older you start realizing that being young was so much more fun, and you wish you could have that time back, but you can't.

In 16, the narrator expresses his attitude towards the inevitability of growing up and his fear of change. He looks at his friends and sees how they change, and not always for the better. Now everything is different, the carelessness is going away and he starts questioning things, wondering why. This song has no conclusion - the narrator doesn't come to any decision or resolution. He's simply asking rhetoric questions without waiting for an answer - he knows he can't change the way life is, all he can do is just keep living it.

- song meaning courtesy of GreekStinkBreath.net

Every night I dream the same dream
Of getting older and older all the time
I ask you now, what does this mean
Are these problems just in my mind

Things are easy when you're a child
But now these pressures have dropped on my head
The length I've gone are just long miles
Would they be shorter if I were dead

Every time I look in my past
I always wish I was there
I wish my youth would forever last
Why are these times so unfair

Look at my friends and see what they've done
Ask myself why they've had to change
I like them better when they were young
Now all these times are rearranged

I look down and stand there and cry
Nothing ever will be the same
The sun is rising, now I ask why
The clouds now fall and here comes the rain

Every time I look in my past
I always wish I was there
I wish my youth would forever last
Why are these times so unfair

Every night I dream the same dream
Of getting older and older all the time
I ask you now, what does this mean
Are these problems just in my mind

Things are easy when you're a child
But now these pressures have dropped on my head
The length I've gone are just long miles
Would they be shorter if I were dead

Every time I look in my past
I always wish I was there
I wish my youth would forever last
Why are these times so unfair

8. Road To Acceptance

Rating: 3.6/5. From 90 votes. Show votes.
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"Road To Acceptance is about teenage confusion and its also about anti-racism. First time trying to make sense of a fucked up world."

- Billie Joe Armstrong

In this song, the narrator tells the listeners about how much he's always wanted to be accepted by people around him and how much he would sacrifice for this acceptance. This issue is especially big in adolescence when we're trying to figure out who we are, we want to fit in, find friends, belong somewhere. The narrator ponders the eternal need of all humans to be accepted by everyone else and comes to doubt the goodness of this need. We change ourselves for others, sometimes we live a lie just not to be rejected, but in the end, we only hurt ourselves with this lie. The narrator regrets the fact we have to play a role to be accepted by people around us because we tend to close our eyes to the fact that really "we're all the same", made of the same blood, flesh and bones, and we all "feel the same pain".

- song meaning courtesy of GreekStinkBreath.net

I always waste my time just wondering
What the next man thinks of me
I'll never do exactly what I want
And I'll sculpt my life for your acceptance

And I feel forgotten
Feel like rotting
(Do you feel the same)
Adolescence
Just can't make sense
(It's calling my name)

I take a look around
And all the things I've found
I call it blind hatred
If you'd stop a while
And maybe if you'd smile
You would realize that
We're all the same

It's just like our brain
When it goes insane
We feel the same pain

All my life I've seemed to have this need
I think at times it even turns to greed
We all want to join some family
We'll even sacrifice a moral changing

And I feel forgotten
Feel like rotting
(Do you feel the same)
Adolescence
Just can't make sense
(It's calling my name)

I take a look around
And all the things I've found
I call it blind hatred
If you'd stop a while
And maybe if you'd smile
You would realize that
We're all the same

It's just like our brain
When it goes insane
We feel the same pain

9. Rest

Rating: 3.1/5. From 100 votes. Show votes.
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The narrator is anxious about someone he likes. He's worried, hoping to get the attention of this "angel", but realizing that they still don't really care. Just seeing them makes him happy and he's hoping to meet them again, see the gleam in their eyes because without it he has no rest.

- song meaning courtesy of GreekStinkBreath.net

Hey, can you hear me
I'm calling your name
Hello? Or is this goodbye?
The gleam in your eyes
It troubles my brain
Will I see it again
So I can rest my head

Angel...Angel! Dancing away
As all of my thoughts get rearranged
Angel...Angel! Turning away
Just when thing seem
To have changed
So I can rest my head

Hey, can you hear me
I'm calling your name
Hello? Or is this goodbye?
The gleam in your eyes
It troubles my brain
Will I see it again
So I can rest my head

10. The Judge's Daughter

Rating: 3.7/5. From 103 votes. Show votes.
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"Judges Daughter is about a 'judges daughter' back in high school. Had a crush on her and I thought her dad would throw me in prison. Hence I never told her about the song.

- Billie Joe Armstrong

In this song, the narrator is talking about his feelings towards a girl that seems unreachable for him. He admires her from a distance and is so infatuated with her that he can't think straight. He wants her, tries to find a way to make her stay with him; however, he realizes that this might not be a good idea considering that he is already in a relationship. He's praying to find out how she feels but gets no reply. These feelings confuse him, make it hard for him to be himself, and yet he doesn't want to give up, dreaming of finding a way to be with her.

- song meaning courtesy of GreekStinkBreath.net

Princess in a school girl's dream
May I please speak with you
I'm having troubles with control
And it's all because of you

Today I kept on falling down
I thought it was the street
So I look down at my shoes
They were on the wrong feet

I find it hard to be myself
(Can you please explain)
I do not think that it's my health
(You're the one to blame)
You're the one I wish I had
And now my girlfriend is getting mad
(I cannot call this sane)

Today as I was walking down
You bumped into me
You said "excuse me" and walked away
As I dropped to my knees

I prayed to the being in the sky
That my parents told me of
I asked about you but no reply
No clues about your love

I find it hard to be myself
(Can you please explain)
I do not think that it's my health
(You're the one to blame)
My girlfriend left me on the phone
I'm pathetically left here alone
(I cannot call this sane)

Can we find a way
So that you can stay
I think I'm gonna pop