I Don't Want to Die (In the Hospital)

Album: Conor Oberst (2008)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Oberst told MTV News: "I think it has a sort of comedic aspect to it. The juxtaposition of the music and what's being sung about I suppose. I just think of sort of a stubborn old cowboy man that just wants to go lay in the grass and, you know, die out by the tree or something."
  • Conor Oberst told Mojo magazine September 2008 the story behind this song: "I have a friend who just celebrated his 75th birthday. It's a song for him: he's very strong, for the record I think he'll live forever, but we've talked about stuff like this… He doesn't want to die with his boots on, in the desert, looking up at the stars, and I think he deserves that. It's kind of a jailbreak song, a promise…if I'm ever in hospital you gotta come break me out."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Donald Fagen

Donald FagenSongwriter Interviews

Fagen talks about how the Steely Dan songwriting strategy has changed over the years, and explains why you don't hear many covers of their songs.

Matt Sorum

Matt SorumSongwriter Interviews

When he joined Guns N' Roses in 1990, Matt helped them craft an orchestral sound; his mezzo fortes and pianissimos are all over "November Rain."

Classic Metal

Classic MetalFact or Fiction

Ozzy, Guns N' Roses, Judas Priest and even Michael Bolton show up in this Classic Metal quiz.

Does Jimmy Page Worship The Devil? A Look at Satanism in Rock

Does Jimmy Page Worship The Devil? A Look at Satanism in RockSong Writing

We ring the Hell's Bells to see what songs and rockers are sincere in their Satanism, and how much of it is an act.

Kiss

KissFact or Fiction

Kiss is the subject of many outlandish rumors - some of which happen to be true. See if you can spot the fakes.

Danny Kortchmar

Danny KortchmarSongwriter Interviews

Danny played guitar on Sweet Baby James, Tapestry, and Running On Empty. He also co-wrote many hit songs, including "Dirty Laundry," "Sunset Grill" and "Tender Is The Night."