The first few lines and the fast tempo give this song a very urgent feel. This parallels the less-than-desirable state that Ashley is in: struggling with substance abuse and looking for somewhere to go. The narrator says that he used to love Ashley (“Back when I loved you…”/“You used to dangle my he...
[Chorus]
Ashley! Are you running around?
Are you crying out in bloody murder?
Ashley! Are you bumming around?
You're crying on my cold shoulder
[Verse 1]
You used to dangle my heart with your puppet strings
You dangled your desires right in front of my face
You led me to the well, but wouldn't let me drink
Swallowing my pride, and I never even got the taste
[Pre-Chorus]
But time comes around and I'm not so naive
(Ah-ah-ah, ah-ah-ah)
I finally lost touch, 'cause you're so out of reach
(Ah-ah-ah, ah-ah-ah)
You say that you're fine, but I know that you ain't
(Ah-ah-ah, ah-ah-ah)
You're looking like hell, and you're no fucking saint
[Chorus]
Ashley! Are you running around?
Are you crying out in bloody murder?
Ashley! Are you bumming around?
You're crying on my cold shoulder
Ashley! Are you running around?
Are you crying out in bloody murder?
Ashley! Are you bumming around?
You're crying on my cold shoulder
[Guitar Solo]
[Bridge]
You are where you are
A wish on a shooting star
You are a filthy thought in my memory
[Verse 2]
I taste the cigarettes and liquor on your breath
We used to call it speed, but now it's crystal meth
Back when I loved you, but you're scaring me to death
This careless memory, and now I could care less
[Pre-Chorus]
But time comes around and I'm not so naive
(Ah-ah-ah, ah-ah-ah)
I finally lost touch, 'cause you're so out of reach
(Ah-ah-ah, ah-ah-ah)
You say that you're fine, but I know that you ain't
(Ah-ah-ah, ah-ah-ah)
You're looking like hell, and you're no fucking saint
[Chorus]
Ashley! Are you running around?
Are you crying out in bloody murder?
Ashley! Are you bumming around?
You're crying on my cold shoulder
Ashley! Are you running around?
Are you crying out in bloody murder?
Ashley! Are you bumming around?
You're crying on my cold shoulder
[Outro]
Ashley! Ashley! Ashley! Ashley!
Ashley was written by Billie Joe Armstrong & Mike Dirnt & Tré Cool.
Ashley was produced by Rob Cavallo & Billie Joe Armstrong & Jason White & Mike Dirnt & Tré Cool.