"Brain Stew" is the tenth track on Insomniac, as well as the third single from the album released as "Brain Stew/Jaded" and as a promotional single by itself. It was also rereleased as the 10th song on International Superhits! and the 7th song on God's Favorite Band.
Background[]
The song is named after Billie Joe's close friend, James Washburn also known as Brain Stew.
Song Meaning[]
"Brain Stew" is about Billie Joe's struggles with dealing with insomnia. This is reflected in the song's original title "Insomniac".
Release[]
"Brain Stew" was first released on Green Day's fourth studio album, Insomniac on October 10, 1995. It was later released as the third single from the album on July 3, 1996 as a medley version with "Jaded" and released as a standalone promotional single on June 24, 1996.
Other Versions[]
Alternate:
- "Brain Stew/Jaded" (4:43) - A medley version mixed with "Jaded" released as a single on July 3, 1996. (Additional Variations)
- "Brain Stew (Radio Edit)" (3:13) - A censored version for play on radio released on the "Brain Stew/Jaded" single on July 3, 1996.
- "Brain Stew (The Godzilla Remix)" (3:57) - A remixed version released on the Godzilla: The Album soundtrack on May 19, 1998.
Live:
- "Brain Stew (Live in Prague)" (3:04) - A live version recorded March 26, 1996 at Sporthalle in Prague, Czech Republic released on the Bowling Bowling Bowling Parking Parking EP on July 25, 1996.
- "Brain Stew (Live in Milton Keynes)" (3:02) - A live version recorded June 18, 2005 at National Bowl in Milton Keynes, England released on the Bullet in a Bible album on November 15, 2005.
Track Listing[]
Promotional Single[]
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Brain Stew" | 3:13 |
Live Appearances[]
"Brain Stew" has been played at nearly every one of Green Day's concerts since its release. There have been several notable performances of this song, including being played in front of over 130,000 people at the Milton Keynes National Bowl during the American Idiot World Tour.
Reception[]
"Brain Stew" is one of Green Day's most popular songs, being consistently listed amongst fan's favorite songs. It is also one of only 8 songs to be featured on both of Green Day's "greatest hits" albums.
Lyrics[]
[Verse 1]
I'm having trouble trying to sleep
I'm counting sheep, but running out
As time ticks by, still I try
No rest for cross-tops in my mind
[Refrain]
On my own, here we go
[Chorus]
My eyes feel like they're gonna bleed
Dried up and bulging out my skull
My mouth is dry, my face is numb
Fucked up and spun out in my room
[Refrain]
On my own, here we go
[Verse 2]
My mind is set on overdrive
The clock is laughing in my face
A crooked spine, my senses dulled
Past the point of delirium
[Refrain]
On my own, here we go
[Chorus]
My eyes feel like they're gonna bleed
Dried up and bulging out my skull
My mouth is dry, my face is numb
Fucked up and spun out in my room
[Refrain]
On my own, here we go
Personnel[]
Green Day
- Billie Joe Armstrong – lead vocals, guitar
- Mike Dirnt – bass, backing vocals
- Tré Cool – drums
Production
- Rob Cavallo – producer
- Green Day – producer
- Kevin Army – engineer
- Richard Huredia - engineer
- Bernd Burgdorf – engineer
- Jerry Finn – mixing
Gallery[]
External links[]
See Also[]
| v • eInsomniac | |
|---|---|
| Standard Tracks |
Armatage Shanks • Brat • Stuck with Me • Geek Stink Breath • No Pride • Bab's Uvula Who? • 86 • Panic Song • Stuart and the Ave. • Brain Stew/Jaded (Medley) • Westbound Sign • Tight Wad Hill • Walking Contradiction |
| Bonus Tracks |
I Want to Be on T.V • Armatage Shanks (Live in Prague) • Brat (Live in Prague) • Geek Stink Breath (Live in Prague) • Stuck with Me (Live in Prague) • Brain Stew (Live in Prague) • Jaded (Live in Prague) • Walking Contradiction (Live in Prague) • 86 (Live in Prague) |
| Bold text denotes the song was released as a single. | |
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