Nice Guys Finish Last
Green Day · Nimrod
You're running out of gas
Your sympathy will get you left behind
Sometimes you're at your best
When you look the worst
Do you feel washed up
Like piss going down the drain
Pressure cooker pick my brain and tell me I'm insane
I'm so fucking happy I could cry
Every joke can have it's truth and now the joke's on you
I never knew you were such a funny guy
Oh nice guys finish last
When you are the outcast
Don't pat yourself on the back
You might break your spine
Living on command
You're shaking lots of hands
Kissing up and bleeding all your trust
Taking what you need
Bite the hand that feeds
You kill your memory
Nice Guys Finish Last
Released on Green Day's 2000 album Nimrod, "Nice Guys Finish Last" stands as a defining track of the band's post-punk revival era. The song features a driving, rhythmic guitar riff that anchors its aggressive delivery, reflecting the band's signature blend of punk energy and melodic hooks. Lyrically, the track explores themes of social dynamics and the unexpected outcomes of conventional behavior, a recurring motif in Green Day's work during this period. It serves as a pivotal moment in their discography, showcasing their evolution from pop-punk anthems to more complex, politically charged rock. The recording captures the raw intensity of the early 2000s scene, cementing the song's status as a staple in their catalog and a touchstone for fans of the genre.