86 Hidden Meaning

[Mega Man]

I know I should never trust a site that anyone can post on, like SongFacts.com, but there's an interesting theory about the song's writing. We all know the real meaning, about Green Day and the underground scene at the time, but someone suggested that it also referred to one-night stands that Billie Joe had (he states an interview, but I'm not too sure about that). Lyrically, it still relatively makes sense, but the one thing that really stands out to me is that when listened to a certain way, "86" turns into "any sex." I don't know, this is really out-there.

[Lauren]

There's no return from any sex? Even if the one night stands thing is true, that phrase doesn't make sense to me.

[Fuzz]

We all know Billie Joe was a womanizing one-night-stand kind of guy in his early years.

/sarcasm

I've noticed that I don't really pay attention to the lyrics that much in the early stuff.

[captain peroxide]

There is no return to any sex? What is that even supposed to mean, dude?

[Lauren]

There is no return to any sex? What is that even supposed to mean, dude?

Yeah, it's one thing if he was like "there's no return from shitty sex". but any sex doesn't make sense lol

[Heather!]

Yeah, it's one thing if he was like "there's no return from shitty sex". but any sex doesn't make sense lol

Too bad the song isn't called Shitty Sex.

[FiaKels]

Well said, Andres.

Plus, he wrote that song during, I would imagine, a very dark time in his life, so I don't think Billie would be in the mood to brag about supposed one-night-stands.

And he had 80 around the time the song was written, didn't he?

[gdfan1]

Ive heard this theory before, and that there was an interview. unless they have the interview link, then i really wouldn't believe it because anyone can just write whatever meaning that they want from the song. besides, the term 86 is slang for being kicked out of something.

[Mega Man]

The only reason I bring this up is because of the interview things, but I think it was just some dude trying to back up his point with anything he could think of. But it is worth looking into, I guess. And I'm not the judge to what makes sense or not, it just sounds a little like it when you look for it.

Besides, going off that theory, it would have something to do with looking back at certain events and wishing you did something different.

[ParadoxAndPlaid]

"There is no return from any sex" sounds like the slogan for a conservative abstinence movement.

Interesting theory though. I'm pretty sure the song is about what Billie has said it's about; they were alienated in the local music scene once they got popular, and it hurt.

[Guest Mia Joe]

Too bad the song isn't called Shitty Sex.

Hahahha. I lol'd at this xD

[shit]

There's no return from 80's sex. Maybe there's a bear trap down there.

[Clayish]

That is all.

[mandajane]

There's no return from 80's sex.

i always heard that too

[gdfan1]

The only reason I bring this up is because of the interview things, but I think it was just some dude trying to back up his point with anything he could think of. But it is worth looking into, I guess. And I'm not the judge to what makes sense or not, it just sounds a little like it when you look for it.

Besides, going off that theory, it would have something to do with looking back at certain events and wishing you did something different.

I understand, i think that you are right about some dude trying to back up his point with anything he could think of.

[greendepent]

Just for give an information, Gilman was founded in the year 1986.

I always think that "theres no return to 86" means "theres no return to the begining" or "theres no return to the roots"

[Mega Man]

Wow, that would be an odd coincidence, if not intentional. Billie had been attending since he was a kid, and the Sweet Children were formed just a year later.

[Guest]

Just for give an information, Gilman was founded in the year 1986.

I always think that "theres no return to 86" means "theres no return to the begining" or "theres no return to the roots"

that would make sense if the song said "there's no return to 86" but i'm pretty sure the song says from, not to.

[captain peroxide]

It is from, I looked up the lyrics.

Maybe it means "once you're a part of the punk scene (or whatever), you're hooked for life" or something like that.

[Guest]

Just for give an information, Gilman was founded in the year 1986.

I always think that "theres no return to 86" means "theres no return to the begining" or "theres no return to the roots"

As far as I understand it, Billie wrote the song about being ousted from Gilman after GD "sold out". The band was 86'd (slang for booted out) from the local punk scene after signing to a major label.

[umbjisfhinefum]

Too bad the song isn't called Shitty Sex.

this is hilarious. and soooo true. i think shitty sex would be a great song

[gdfan1]

As far as I understand it, Billie wrote the song about being ousted from Gilman after GD "sold out". The band was 86'd (slang for booted out) from the local punk scene after signing to a major label.

that is exactly what i thought

[shit]

All I can think of is Party Monster when I hear this song. (at 1:30)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VM8wScw6lNY#t=1m30s

[pasalaska]

ahahaha no...

to be 86'd is to be kicked out or banned for life. Gilman St had an '86 list' of people that were banned from the club for life, just like Green Day are banned because they are signed to a major label.

So 'there's no return from 86' is basically saying 'there's no returning to Gilman st'

If you have a look at the Gilman St book that was released about 5 or 6 years back you can see photos of an old 86 list.

edit:

here's the scan from the 924 Gilman book

and before anyone says 'OMG IT SAYS BILLIE OMG' note that this is from 1991.

[insomniac98]

i think what the person is trying to say is "any sex" means any gender, so they mean its about billie joe being bisexual.