Devil's Island

Album: Peace Sells... But Who's Buying? (1986)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Devil's Island was a penal colony in French Guiana active from 1852-1946. Even by island prison standards, it was notoriously brutal, and most inmates died there (the book Papillon, made into a movie in 1973, is written by Henri Charrière, who escaped from the island and told his story).

    Dave Mustaine of Megadeth wrote this song from the perspective of a prisoner on the island, hopeless and confronting his inevitable death there.

Comments: 10

  • Nathan By looking at the lyrics I thought it was about a prisoners condemned to death penalty and about to go to hell.
  • Jasle from PennsylvaniaRE:Joern from Bergen and Papillion is about the Island in France, Called Devils Island.
  • Shannon from Pheonix, AzIm not positive but...Devils island is a place in Arizona
  • Carmen Lopez from Santa Ana, CaHaha. The Song is about Devil's Island on the side of France. Haha Duh! Hence the name Devil's Island. Hahaha "It's about Alcatraz."
  • Stephen from Dublin, IrelandOh, Alcatraz is located on and island? Never! Get out of here... And what's that island called? Learn something new every day.

    Thanks a million, Colin from Canada... you truly are a sage of epic proportions.
  • Omar from Sylmar, CaI think that this song is the best song on the peace sells but who's buying album.
  • Andrew from Columbus, OhThe song is a description of a French New Guinea prison island from the movie Papillon.
  • Devon from Westerville, Ohthe intro tapped solo is freakin' awesome.
  • Dave from Richland, CanadaAlso could be interpreted as the group of islands in Guiana, France that was home to one of France's most notorious and dangerous prisons.
  • Joern from BergenClose but wrong. It's about a movie called Papillon.Is THIS Songfacts ?
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Spooner Oldham

Spooner OldhamSongwriter Interviews

His keyboard work helped define the Muscle Shoals sound and make him an integral part of many Neil Young recordings. Spooner is also an accomplished songwriter, whose hits include "I'm Your Puppet" and "Cry Like A Baby."

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.

Jules Shear - "All Through The Night"

Jules Shear - "All Through The Night"They're Playing My Song

Shears does very little promotion, which has kept him secluded from the spotlight. What changed when Cyndi Lauper had a hit with his song? Not much, really.

Gentle Giant

Gentle GiantSongwriter Interviews

An interview with Ray and Derek Shulman of the progressive rock band Gentle Giant to discuss counterpoint, polyrhythms, and... Bon Jovi.

Andy McClusky of OMD

Andy McClusky of OMDSongwriter Interviews

Known in America for the hit "If You Leave," OMD is a huge influence on modern electronic music.

Charlotte Caffey of The Go-Go's

Charlotte Caffey of The Go-Go'sSongwriter Interviews

Charlotte was established in the LA punk scene when a freaky girl named Belinda approached her wearing a garbage bag.