Knowledge

Knowledge
Written by:	Jesse Michaels
Song length:	2:19
Album:	Slappy (1990) 1,039/Smoothed Out Slappy Hours (1991)
Chronology
Previous song:	"409 in Your Coffeemaker"
Next song:	"1,000 Hours"

"Knowledge" is a hardcore punk song by the ska-core band Operation Ivy. It was written by lead vocalist Jesse Michaels and appeared on the album Energy. The song was covered by Green Day on their first album. The Green Day cover of this song isn't fast-paced, but a very slow one, sounding nothing like the original guitar-wise. In the opening of "Knowledge" at their last show at 924 Gilman St. (this concert is The Lint Rides Again bootleg). Jesse Michaels (Operation Ivy) says, "This song is called 'Knowledge', and it's about growing up."

When Green Day plays this song live, which they very frequently do, they pull people onstage to play along with the band. In most cases they only look for a guitar player, but in rare occasions they form an actual band, right on the spot. In the end, the interim guitarist gets to keep the guitar.

Notable covers

"Knowledge" is one of the more popular songs by Operation Ivy, and has been covered by many artists, including a notable cover by fellow Berkeley musical trio Green Day on 1,039/Smoothed Out Slappy Hours. The Aquabats recorded a cover for the Operation Ivy tribute album Take Warning: Songs of Operation Ivy. A Millencolin cover of the song is available on their compilation, The Melancholy Collection. Even the Blackouts recorded a version of the song for their album Myths & Imaginary Magicians.

Song meaning

It's about being forced in growing up, by making life changing decisions, when you're very young and still not sure what you want to do with your life.

Lyrics

Main article: Knowledge/lyrics