Knowledge (song)

"Knowledge"
Song

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.

During the opening of the song at Operation Ivy's last show at Gilman St. (which was released on the "Lint Rides Again" bootleg), Michaels opens the song by saying that "this song is called 'Knowledge', and it's about growing up."

Popularity and covers

• The song is one of the most popular songs by Operation Ivy, and has been covered by many artists, including a notable cover by fellow Berkeley musical trio Green Day on their EP Slappy (also featured on the compilation album 1,039/Smoothed Out Slappy Hours). When Green Day performs the song live, fans are invited to come on-stage and play instruments.
• The Aquabats recorded a cover for the Operation Ivy tribute album Take Warning: Songs of Operation Ivy.
• The Menzingers covered the song, as well as Rancid's Roots Radicals on December 27, 2012 during a secret show at The Asbury Lanes.
• A Millencolin cover of the song is available on their compilation The Melancholy Collection.
• Even in Blackouts recorded a version of the song for their album Myths & Imaginary Magicians.
• Evergreen Terrace recorded a version of the song for their cover album Writer's Block.
• The Static Locals have also covered Knowledge, it was also the first thing they have ever recorded.
• Although they have never officially covered it, Rancid, the later band of Operation Ivy guitarist Tim Armstrong and bassist Matt Freeman, often play this song live.

Personnel

• Tim Armstrong - guitars, background vocals
• Jesse Michaels - lyrics, lead vocals
• Dave Mello - drums, background vocals
• Matt McCall - bass, background vocals