Countdown to Extinction

Album: Countdown to Extinction (1992)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Written by all four band members, Megadeth were encouraged to write this song when they read an article about animals being poached. They felt it was the perfect example of a society going mad and becoming extinct. The song is mainly about animals being hunted until gradually there remains only one of their kind left. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alex Yeo - Hobart, Australia
  • The idea for this song came from a Time magazine story that drummer Nick Menza had read. Dave Mustaine was particularly interested in coverage of hunts held in captive areas where hunters could pay lots of money to kill exotic animals.
  • The spoken part around the 3-minute mark was done by a friend of Dave Mustaine's who worked at a sushi bar near Enterprise Studios in Burbank, California, where the band was recording the album.
  • At the 1993 Genesis Awards, which are presented by the Humane Society to honor those supporting animal rights, Megadeth was presented with The Doris Day Music Award for their work on this song.

Comments: 8

  • Metahead from MalaysiaFrom my point of view, the song not only voice out the concern for endangered animal species, it is also payback time for Dave who was kicked out of Metallica, sarcastically criticized James as a hunter, 'Squeeze the trigger that makes u a man,
    'Point blank, u r so courageous'
  • Rusk From Oslo from NorwayA fantastic song even acoustic.
  • Attila from Dunavarsány, HungaryAmazing song, just amazing, I love it! But that "All are gone, all but one" and "No more left, only one" doesn't mean that there is only one animal from the species remains, it means that only one species is left, and that is humanity. (Ya know, hunting and killing all the animals? Get it?)
  • Sarah from New Castle, PaNick Menza is amazing! I love the bass riff at the begining of the song. Megadeth is so amazing and intense i love them!!!!!!!!
  • Phil from Melbourne, AustraliaI think a big commercial band should cover this song and sell it as a single donate the procedes to the WWF or another wildlife charity. if Metallica had made this song it would have been a number one hit but james is a Hunter so fat chance
  • Dylan from Olmsted Falls, United StatesGreat song!!
  • Cory from Calgary, Canadayeah that was Nick Menza. Great song.
  • Zac from Sydney, Australia"Why do i wanna play in megadeth? i wanna play in megadeth because it's the most intense music i wanna play... i don't wanna play anything heavier than that... coz i wanna live to be 60"

    i think that woz the drummer
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Francesca Battistelli

Francesca BattistelliSongwriter Interviews

The 2011 Artist of the Year at the Dove Awards isn't your typical gospel diva, and she thinks that's a good thing.

Johnette Napolitano of Concrete Blonde

Johnette Napolitano of Concrete BlondeSongwriter Interviews

The singer/bassist for Concrete Blonde talks about how her songs come from clairvoyance, and takes us through the making of their hit "Joey."

Danny Clinch: The Art of Rock Photography

Danny Clinch: The Art of Rock PhotographySong Writing

One of rock's top photographers talks about artistry in photography, raising funds for a documentary, and enjoying a County Fair with Tom Waits.

Richie Wise (Kiss producer, Dust)

Richie Wise (Kiss producer, Dust)Songwriter Interviews

Richie talks about producing the first two Kiss albums, recording "Brother Louie," and the newfound appreciation of his rock band, Dust.

Rob Halford of Judas Priest

Rob Halford of Judas PriestSongwriter Interviews

Rob Halford dives into some of his Judas Priest lyrics, talking about his most personal songs and the message behind "You've Got Another Thing Comin'."

Gavin Rossdale of Bush

Gavin Rossdale of BushSongwriter Interviews

On the "schizoid element" of his lyrics, and a famous line from "Everything Zen."