Wake Me Up

"Wake Me Up When September Ends" was the fourth single from Green Day's seventh studio album, American Idiot. Although this single was released back in June of 2005, this song still hits home to many Military Wives and girlfriends across the US.

Billy Joe Armstrong composed the lyrics to WHEN SEPTEMBER ENDS; which was co-produced by Green Day and Rob Cavallo. Billy wrote the song in honor of his father, who passed away when Billy was just a child. September is the month his father passed away, and it is still to this day a very sad month for Billy - although, it has been 20 years since his fathers passing.

I will say, the music video has a much different meaning for viewers… the music video shows a picture of a young couple in love. Perhaps, just out of high school. In the beginning of the video it shows the young man promising his girlfriend he will never leave her. The couple seems so very happy, cuddling with each other in a field.

In the next few seconds, everything changes. The girlfriend then begins to yell and cry out repeatedly to her boyfriend. "How could you do this to me?"

Although, the first thought that comes to mind is, “wow - he must have cheated on her…”

In all actuality, her boyfriend took a stand for our country, for our freedom and the freedom of others. He became an American Soldier… a US Marine.

I am not here to preach for or against the war. I am here to say, I - am an Army wife. I am proud of my husband and all that he does for our country and others around the globe. He has sacrificed time with his own family; to help make this world a better place.

Upon viewing the video WHEN SEPTEMBER ENDS, I can feel my heart sink. I can feel my face redden. I can feel the tears roll down my face. I sympathize with the young woman in the video. I sense her heart breaking as the one she is in love with marches off to war. My reasons are more selfish than anything.

My three beautiful children will miss their daddy, I will be sleeping alone for the next few months, my best friend is in harms way… and I can’t do a darn thing about it.

Although I feel an emptiness, I know - I am not alone. There are other Army Wives like myself. Other girlfriends, other family members who feel the same way as I do…

I have also heard other Army wives talking about how they absolutely hate the song, as they feel like the media is once again making money and thriving on the war. I know many military families who have banned GREEN DAY from their homes.

For me however, I feel like the video helps to remind others that the war in Iraq is not over… it still continues.