American Idiot (song)

"American Idiot" is the first single from the seventh album, American Idiot, by punk rock group Green Day. It was an instant smash when released in September 2004, quickly gaining regular airplay worldwide. The song peaked at number one in Canada, and at number three in the UK, but virtually failed in the US, peaking at a low number sixty-one. Speculation that it failed because of the track's title was a quick assumption, however, eased soon after.

The song ridiculed the American government under George Bush. Green Day made no effort to hide their political identity and they are strongly opposed to George Bush. In the song they refer to such issues as gay rights, propaganda and media, and George Bush's southern background. The song was strongly opposed by some Americans who supported the President (some have speculated that this is why the single did so badly in the US).

Regardless of its weak US release, it was an international hit and led Green Day into commercial success, and paved the road for future American Idiot singles, "Boulevard of Broken Dreams", "Holiday", and "Wake Me Up When September Ends".