The Ballad of Wilhelm Fink by Green Day

The song is about two people, presumably a couple, meeting up at the Berkeley Marina at 3 AM for a romantic rendezvous. The narrator has a jug of Boone's Farm wine to share, but instead of getting the romantic night they were expecting, they get arrested by the police. The song is a cautionary tale about the consequences of taking risks, and the narrator expresses regret for the failed lesson learned.

Themes

  1. Recklessness
  2. Bad Luck
  3. Consequences

Analysis

The themes of recklessness, bad luck, and consequences are common in Green Day's songs. This song is no exception, as the narrator is planning a late night meeting with a lover, but is aware of the consequences of their actions. In the chorus, the narrator reflects on the consequences of their bad luck, noting that instead of a romantic night, they'll end up in jail. This is similar to the themes in Green Day's song "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)", where the narrator is reflecting on the consequences of their actions and the fact that they may never have the opportunity to do something again.

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