 Hoppus was inspired by one of his friends that died while on tour ; while his bandmates had significant others to return home to , he was single . He was also influenced by a teen suicide letter he read in a magazine . The song takes the form of a suicide note , and contains lyrical allusions to the grunge band Nirvana . " Adam 's Song " was one of the last songs to be written and recorded for Enema of the State , and it was nearly left off the album . Though Hoppus worried the subject matter was too depressing , his bandmates were receptive to its message . The song was produced by Jerry Finn . 
