Helena

About this song

Helena was written as a tribute to Gerard and Mikey Way's late grandmother, who was known to her friends as Helen though her actual name was Elena. The song is sometimes titled "Helena (So Long & Goodnight)" on digital retailers such as iTunes, while the greatest hits album May Death Never Stop You lists it simply as "Helena."

What it's about

Gerard Way has called the song an angry open letter to himself, expressing the hatred he felt for himself after his grandmother's death. He has said it reflects his regret over not being around for the last year of her life.

Fun facts

• Sampled in 7 other songs, like “Age of Disintegration by Cacola”.
• Covered 23 times, including “Helena by Halocene (Ft. Lauren Babic & Violet Orlandi)”.
• Written by Frank Iero, Matt Pelissier, Ray Toro, Mikey Way and Gerard Way.
• Produced by Howard Benson.
• Recorded at Bay 7 Studios (Valley Village and Sparky Dark Studio (Calabasas.