Seeing as it's back-to-school time for many a Green Day fan, this week's Song of the Week is the classroom-inspired 409 In Your Coffee Maker, originally released in 1990 on the Slappy EP, but better known these days as track 13 off 1039/Smoothed Out Slappy Hours (1991). A re-recorded but un-mixed version of the song was also released as a b-side to the Basket Case single in 1994.

The song's title refers to the time that Billie supposedly put 409 (a cleaning agent) into his teacher's coffee maker at school. The lyrics to the song reflect that act's disregard for school, its teachers and its teachings, with Billie quite unabashedly likening his schooling experience to being in chains that keep him from his true interests. 409 In Your Coffee Maker features one of the band's earlier material's most distinctive riffs, as well as some great vocal harmonies from Mike during the chorus.

This amazingly high-quality video was recorded at Foreign Foods Day at Pinole Valley High School on May 10, 1990, right after the band changed their name to Green Day.


Lyrics and a download of the song can be found here, and this is 409 In Your Coffee Maker's Song of the Week thread, where you'll find a greater song-analysis and some member-discussion. Feel free to stop by and post your opinion, or nominate next week's song.