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

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About Transgenderism

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About TransgenderismSong Writing

A history of songs dealing with transgender issues, featuring Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Morrissey and Green Day.

Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet Sprocket

Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet SprocketSongwriter Interviews

The "All I Want" singer went through a long depression, playing some shows when he didn't want to be alive.

Tony Banks of Genesis

Tony Banks of GenesisSongwriter Interviews

Genesis' key-man re-examines his solo career and the early days of music video.

Tim Butler of The Psychedelic Furs

Tim Butler of The Psychedelic FursSongwriter Interviews

Tim and his brother Richard are the Furs' foundation; Tim explains how they write and tells the story of "Pretty In Pink."

Keith Reid of Procol Harum

Keith Reid of Procol HarumSongwriter Interviews

As Procol Harum's lyricist, Keith wrote the words to "A Whiter Shade Of Pale." We delve into that song and find out how you can form a band when you don't sing or play an instrument.

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And Scandals

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And ScandalsSong Writing

Surprise exits, a catfight and some very memorable performances make our list of the most memorable Idol moments.