Die Trying

Album: Vices and Virtues (2011)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is the lead single from Vices and Virtues, the second studio album by Canadian rock band Art of Dying. Produced by Howard Benson (Papa Roach, Three Doors Down), the record was the band's major label debut after signing under David Draiman and Dan Donegan's Intoxication records.
  • The song finds vocalist Jonny Hetherington singing, "I wish I knew then what I know now / but I'd probably do the same." "That line sums up a lot for me," the singer told Noisecreep. "There's definitely a little smile behind it when I'm singing it. It's kind of like - will I ever learn? Of course the answer is, not a chance [laughs]."
  • Vices and Virtues was released on March 22, 2011, the same day as Panic At The Disco released the very similarly titled Vices & Virtues.
  • Hetherington explained the band's name to Gibson.com: "It's the idea that the day you're born is your first day on the planet, but it's also your first day in your eventual path to your death. It's a dark way to think of it, but once you embrace the thought you're not going to last forever, it makes your time here more important. That's how we live, and there's seriousness to it in the sense that it's really cool to try to accomplish something while you're here, but there's also an enjoyment side of things and making sure you don't take yourself too seriously. We're a fun band that likes to have a lot of fun every day, too. So it's that combination of life."

Comments: 1

  • Guy from Woodinville, WaNot to be confused with "Art of Dying" by George Harrison on his All Things Must Pass album in 1970.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

David Bowie Lyrics Quiz

David Bowie Lyrics QuizMusic Quiz

How well do you know your David Bowie lyrics? Take this quiz to find out.

Don Dokken

Don DokkenSongwriter Interviews

Dokken frontman Don Dokken explains what broke up the band at the height of their success in the late '80s, and talks about the botched surgery that paralyzed his right arm.

We Will Rock You (To Sleep): Pop Stars Who Recorded Kids' Albums

We Will Rock You (To Sleep): Pop Stars Who Recorded Kids' AlbumsSong Writing

With the rise of Kindie rock, more musicians are embracing their inner child with tunes for tots - here, we look at pop stars who recorded kids' albums.

Joe Jackson

Joe JacksonSongwriter Interviews

Joe talks about the challenges of of making a Duke Ellington tribute album, and tells the stories behind some of his hits.

Lecrae

LecraeSongwriter Interviews

The Christian rapper talks about where his trip to Haiti and his history of addiction fit into his songs.

Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes

Chris Robinson of The Black CrowesSongwriter Interviews

"Great songwriters don't necessarily have hit songs," says Chris. He's written a bunch, but his fans are more interested in the intricate jams.