We're Only Gonna Die

Bad Religion

About We're Only Gonna Die

"We're Only Gonna Die" is a song penned by frontman Greg Graffin for Bad Religion's debut album How Could Hell Be Any Worse?, which was released in 1982. It is the album's opening track, as well as the now-out of print 80–85 compilation, which was released in 1991. The song is often referred to only by the name "Gonna Die". The liner notes to the How Could Hell Be Any Worse album lists the title as "We're Only Gonna Die from Our Own Arrogance". Graffin occasionally introduces the song with this complete title. The band also called the song "Modern Man" before the release of their 1990 fifth album Against the Grain, which contained a track by that name. The song can also be heard in the movie Glory Daze. It also appears on the soundtrack of the videogame, Tony Hawk's American Wasteland. More than 30 years after its release, "We're Only Gonna Die" is still a fan favorite and remains one of the band's concert staples. 


Year:
1982
252 
#1

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Early man walked away as modern man took control.
Their minds weren't all the same, to conquer was his big goal,
So he built his great empire and slaughtered his own kind,
Then he died a confused man, killed himself with his own mind.
Go!

We're only gonna die from our own arrogance.

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Bad Religion

Bad Religion is a punk rock band that formed in Los Angeles in 1979. The band makes extensive use of soaring 3-part vocal harmonies (which they refer to in their album liner notes as the "oozin' aahs"), guitar solos and intellectual lyrics that often contain political or religious commentary. Their lyrics often relate to matters of social responsibility. The band's lineup has changed several times over its lifespan, with lead vocalist Greg Graffin being the only consistent member; the current lineup, however, features three out of four of the band's original members (Graffin, Brett Gurewitz and Jay Bentley). more »

1 fan

Written by: GREG GRAFFIN

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Album Fact
"We're Only Gonna Die" is the opening track on Bad Religion's debut album "How Could Hell Be Any Worse?" released in 1982.
Songwriting Fact
The song was written by Greg Graffin, the lead vocalist and founder of Bad Religion. This emphasizes Graffin's significant role in the band's songwriting process.
Theme Classification
The song deals with themes of human fallibility, mortality and existential nihilism - common themes within the punk genre and specifically within Bad Religion's discography.
Literary Inspiration Fact
The lyrics of the song were inspired by the sci-fi novel "Alas, Babylon" by Pat Frank.
Song Duration Fact
"We're Only Gonna Die" is one of Bad Religion's shorter songs, clocking in at just over two minutes long.
Music Style Fact
The song's style is distinctly punk, with fast tempos, aggressive guitar riffs, and emotive, politically charged lyrics.
Recognition Fact
Despite its age, "We're Only Gonna Die" continues to be one of Bad Religion's most popular and recognizable songs.
Cover Version Fact
Metal band Biohazard covered "We're Only Gonna Die" in their 1990 self-titled debut album, showcasing the song's enduring appeal and reach.
Live Performance Fact
As a fan favorite, "We're Only Gonna Die" is often included in the band's setlist for their live performances.
Title Fact
The song's title, "We're Only Gonna Die", is often seen as a reflection of the band's cynical view of life and society, which is a hallmark of their music.

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