I Don't Want to Be a Hero

Johnny Hates Jazz

About I Don't Want to Be a Hero

"I Don't Want to be a Hero" is a 1987 song by the British band Johnny Hates Jazz. It reached #11 in the UK top 40 in August 1987 spending 10 weeks on the chart. It is taken from their #1 album Turn Back the Clock.


Year:
1987
3:37
569 
#2

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Oh, send me off to war
With a gun in my hand
But I won't pull the trigger
Our destiny is here
Beneath the red, white and blue
So lead me to the slaughter

Now don't be afraid
Come and join the parade
For the ultimate in sacrifice
It's an old-fashioned story

Of hope and of glory
A ticket for taking a life

[Chorus:]
I, I don't want to be a hero
I don't want to die for you
I don't want to be a hero

Oh send me off to war
In a far away land
I never knew existed
Subject me to the truth
To the horror and pain
Until my mind is twisted

And what if I fail
Will you put me in jail
For a murder I will not commit?
'Cause you don't understand
Till there's blood on your hands
That it's time to forget and forgive

[Chorus]

And those who return
Come back only to learn
That they're hated by those who they love
'Cause you don't understand
Till there's blood on your hands
That it's time to forget and forgive

[Chorus]

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Johnny Hates Jazz

Johnny Hates Jazz is an English pop/rock band, formed in London in 1986 by Clark Datchler (vocals, keyboards, guitar), Mike Nocito (bass, guitar), and Calvin Hayes (keyboards, drums). In April 1987 they saw international success with their first hit single "Shattered Dreams". more »

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Written by: CLARK DATCHLER

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Genre
"I Don't Want to Be a Hero" is a synth-pop song which blends electronic music with pop, a beloved genre in the late 1980s.
Chart Success
The song was a hit in many countries, reaching No. 5 in the UK Singles Chart and No.31 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Album
The song is featured on the band's debut album "Turn Back the Clock," which also includes other hit tracks like “Shattered Dreams.”
Release Date
"I Don't Want to Be a Hero" was released in August 1987 as the second single from their debut album.
Anti-War Sentiments
The song is known for its anti-war lyrics which largely captured the global sentiments towards war during that era.
Songwriters
The song was written by band members Clark Datchler, Calvin Hayes, and Mike Nocito.
Music Video Representation
The music video for the song also reflected its anti-war message showing historical and contemporary wartime footage.
Sales
It also reached gold status in many countries, being sold more than 500,000 copies globally.
Band's Identity
The song, alongside "Shattered Dreams," played a significant role in shaping Johnny Hates Jazz's sound and identity worldwide.
Live Performances
Even years after its release, "I Don't Want to Be a Hero" has often been performed live during Johnny Hates Jazz's concerts, reflecting the song's lasting popularity.

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    "I Don't Want to Be a Hero Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/75074/Johnny+Hates+Jazz/I+Don%27t+Want+to+Be+a+Hero>.

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    I Don't Want to Be a Hero

    4.5M
    26,793     829

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1988

    Billboard #31


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