10 Radio Friendly Songs About Dying
9. Blue Oyster Cult - Don't Fear The Reaper
The clue is sort of in the title with this one, but Blue Oyster Cult’s legendary track is very much a meditation on the inevitability of death, and how it is nothing to be scared of. The song was written and sung by lead guitarist Buck Dharma, who came across the idea for it after contemplating what would happen if he were to die young.
A dour origin for any tune, sure, but what was borne from his musings was a surprisingly resolute message that reaffirms humanity’s place in the natural order of things - reminding us that the seasons and the weather don’t fear death, so why should we?
The song did court some controversy when people misinterpreted Dharma’s line about Romeo and Juliet living together in eternity as a hint that the whole thing related to a murder-suicide, but he has always quelled those rumours, and instead insists that track is actually about unending love, and how not even death can stop it.
Also, if you’re in need of a bit of a laugh, type ‘More Cowbell’ into Youtube. Trust me, you will not regret it.