During the opening of the song at Operation Ivy's last show at Gilman St. (which was released on theLint Rides Again bootleg), Michaels opens the song by saying, "this song is called 'Knowledge', and it's about growing up."
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 Bay Area musical trioGreen Day on their EPSlappy (also featured on the compilation album1,039/Smoothed Out Slappy Hours). When Green Day performs the song live, fans are invited to come on-stage and play instruments. On the Green Day version there is a hidden message when played backwards at the beginning which says "I'm a very stupid person."
The Aquabats recorded a cover for the Operation Ivy tribute albumTake Warning: Songs of Operation Ivy.
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 guitaristTim Armstrong and bassistMatt Freeman, often play this song live.
mgk used a lyric from "Knowledge" on his song "All I Know", released on his 2020 albumTickets to My Downfall. Jesse Michaels confirmed on his Instagram that the members of Operation Ivy had licensed the lyric to Machine Gun Kelly.[2]
