Rust in Peace... Polaris by Megadeth

Album: Rust in Peace (1990)

Get the Sheet Music License This Song

This song is written from the perspective of a nuclear weapon. Polaris was a nuclear missile in the United States' arsenal. Dave Mustaine of Megadeth got the idea for the song after he went skydiving, and on the way home noticed a bumper sticker reading "May all of your warheads rust in peace." According to Mustaine, the dialog in the song is the missile speaking, saying things like "Tremble you weaklings, cower in fear." Said Mustaine: "As soon as the f--king thing detonates, it discharges nuclear fallout. People think they can go underground and get away from it, but what happens when you come up. It's still there. There is no safety."
The final song on Rust In Peace, this track is intended to be the climax, or as Mustaine calls it, the "grand finale" of the album. There is no guitar solo on the track, just a few quick lead guitar notes in the beginning to set the mood.

Please sign in or register to post comments.

Comments: 6

Zeke from Colorqa, MdHonestly, as odd as this may sound, lets go over lyrics and see what this song could also entitle...

"Tremble you weaklings, cower in fear
I am your ruler, land, sea and air
Immense in my girth, erect I stand tall...
I spread disease like a dog
Discharge my payload a mile high
Rotten egg air of death wrestles your nostrils."

Is this song about his/a penis?
Derek from Flin Flon, MbI believe Steven is entitled to his opinion, but I dont agree with him at all. Avenged Sevenfold are not the best band by any standards. Thats cool if you like them but they're not the best band, not even f--king close.
Darrell from EugeneHell yeah, Megadeth! Let the nukes rust!
Paul from California, SdSteve, your crazy, man. Comparing Megadeth to avenged sevenfold, is like comparing a german sheapard to a palmeranian. The german shepard will chew it up and spit out the palmeranian just like Megadeth does to avenged sevenfold! Have you heard Rust in Peace? Have you heard Marty Friedman shred on this album? I mean, Dave is better than 90% of the guitarists out there, and Marty is better than Dave! avewnged has no songs like Rust In Peace....Polaris, Hnger 18, Five Magics, Tornado of Souls, etc...
Zach from Darlington, ScDude both Metallica and Megadeth are waaaaay better than Avenged Sevenfold. Don't be stupid Dave Mustaine can school the (deleted) out of Synyster.
Steven from Viking, CanadaI love this song, and Megadeth are way better then Metallica, no matter what I have put on here in the past, but Avenged Sevenfold are still the best, no matter who says what.

see more comments

CommercialsFact or Fiction

Was "Ring Of Fire" really used to sell hemorrhoid cream?

Al Jourgensen of MinistrySongwriter Interviews

In the name of song explanation, Al talks about scoring heroin for William Burroughs, and that's not even the most shocking story in this one.

80s Video Director Jay DubinSong Writing

Billy Joel and Hall & Oates hated making videos, so they chose a director with similar contempt for the medium. That was Jay Dubin, and he has a lot to say on the subject.

Crystal WatersSongwriter Interviews

Waters tells the "Gypsy Woman" story, shares some of her songwriting insights, and explains how Dennis Rodman ended up on one of her songs.

Charlie Benante of AnthraxSongwriter Interviews

The drummer for Anthrax is also a key songwriter. He explains how the group puts their songs together and tells the stories behind some of their classics.

Zac HansonSongwriter Interviews

Zac tells the story of Hanson's massive hit "MMMbop," and talks about how brotherly bonds effect their music.