(Don't Fear) The Reaper
Blue Öyster Cult
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All our times have come Here but now they're gone Seasons don't fear the reaper Nor do the wind, the sun or the rain, we can be like they are Come on baby, don't fear the reaper Baby take my hand, don't fear the reaper We'll be able to fly, don't fear the reaper Baby I'm your man La, la, la, la, la La, la, la, la, la Valentine is done Here but now they're gone Romeo and Juliet Are together in eternity, Romeo and Juliet 40,000 men and women everyday, Like Romeo and Juliet 40,000 men and women everyday, Redefine happiness Another 40,000 coming everyday, We can be like they are Come on baby, don't fear the reaper Baby take my hand, don't fear the reaper We'll be able to fly, don't fear the reaper Baby I'm your man La, la, la, la, la La, la, la, la, la Love of two is one Here but now they're gone Came the last night of sadness And it was clear she couldn't go on Then the door was open and the wind appeared The candles blew then disappeared The curtains flew then he appeared, saying don't be afraid Come on baby, and she had no fear And she ran to him, then they started to fly They looked backward and said goodby, she had become like they are She had taken his hand, she had become like they are Come on baby, don't fear the reaper
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Written by: Donald Roeser
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
12 facts about this song
Creation of Song"(Don't Fear) The Reaper" was written and sung by Blue Öyster Cult's lead guitarist, Donald "Buck Dharma" Roeser. He created the track in 1974 and it was subsequently released in 1976.
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Billboard Chart SuccessThe song was a major success, reaching number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 in late 1976.
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Album SuccessThe song was the lead single from the band's 1976 album, "Agents of Fortune." This album became their highest-charting album, reaching number 29 on the Billboard 200.
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Grammy Nomination"Don't Fear The Reaper" was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1977.
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Song AnalysisDespite its title, the song is not about death, but rather eternal love. Roeser wrote the song while contemplating what would happen if he died prematurely.
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Cultural InfluenceThe song has been notably featured in various movies and shows, including "Halloween," "The Stand," and "Supernatural." It is also responsible for the infamous "More cowbell!" sketch on "Saturday Night Live."
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RecognitionRoeser's guitar solo was voted one of the Top 20 solos of all time by readers of Guitar World.
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Distinctive FeatureThe song is also distinguished by its use of a cowbell, which led to the popular phrase "more cowbell."
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Gold and Platinum CertificationThe track garnered a Gold certification by RIAA in 1976 and later, went on to earn a Platinum certification in 2019.
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Lyrics MisinterpretationIt was mistakenly assumed by many to be a song about suicide due to lyrics like "Romeo and Juliet are together in eternity." Because of this, it was included in a list of songs deemed 'inappropriate' by Clear Channel Communications after the 9/11 attacks.
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Multiple VersionsThe track has two distinct versions. One is an edited single version that has a shorter lead-in and contains fewer solos, and the other is the album version, which extends to nearly five minutes.
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Competitive Ranking"Don't Fear The Reaper” ranked at #397 on the Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
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Citation
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"(Don't Fear) The Reaper Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 31 Oct. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/4790958/Blue+%C3%96yster+Cult/%28Don%27t+Fear%29+The+Reaper>.
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