Meaning of 'I Don't Want to Be a Hero'

by Johnny Hates Jazz

Interpretation

The lyrics of the song "I Don't Want to Be a Hero" by Johnny Hates Jazz are about a person who refuses to be a hero or to die for someone. The lyrics question war and sacrifice.

In the first part of the song, it is about the idea of sending someone to war and making them kill. However, the singer says he won't pull the trigger and that he's not willing to die for someone. He also describes the fate that awaits him if he follows the call to war.

In the chorus, the singer repeats over and over again that he doesn't want to be a hero and that he doesn't want to die for someone. He expresses his rejection of war and the idea of heroism.

In the second part of the song, the singer talks about being sent to a war he knew nothing about. He talks about the truth, the horror, and the suffering he will be exposed to until his mind is twisted. He wonders what will happen if he fails and if he will go to jail, even though he hasn't committed murder. He emphasizes that one only understands when they have blood on their hands, that it's time to forget and forgive.

The chorus is repeated and emphasizes that those who return from war are often hated by those who love them. The singer expresses that one only understands when they have blood on their hands, that it's time to forget and forgive.

Overall, the lyrics of the song express the rejection of war and heroism, and question the idea that someone should be willing to die for others. It appeals to the need to understand, forgive, and overcome war.