Survivor Guilt

Album: Endgame (2011)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song was inspired by the film adaptation of Joseph Heller's novel, Catch-22 and features dialogue from one of the movie's central scenes, where Art Garfunkel's character argues with an Italian solider about America's military importance. Frontman Tim McIlrath explained to Spin magazine: "Garfunkel says to him, 'How can Italy be powerful when they were occupied by Nazi Germany?' and the soldier just sort of laughs at his stupidity and tells him, 'Well, we're still here — where are those people who occupied us? They lost.' It's this interesting anti-war statement and you can just see it blowing the soldier's mind."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Janet Jackson

Janet JacksonFact or Fiction

Was Janet secretly married at 18? Did she gain 60 pounds for a movie role that went to Mariah Carey? See what you know about Ms. Jackson.

David Sancious

David SanciousSongwriter Interviews

Keyboard great David Sancious talks about his work with Sting, Seal, Springsteen, Clapton and Aretha, and explains what quantum physics has to do with making music.

Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes

Chris Robinson of The Black CrowesSongwriter Interviews

"Great songwriters don't necessarily have hit songs," says Chris. He's written a bunch, but his fans are more interested in the intricate jams.

Max Cavalera of Soulfly (ex-Sepultura)

Max Cavalera of Soulfly (ex-Sepultura)Songwriter Interviews

The Brazilian rocker sees pictures in his riffs. When he came up with one of his gnarliest songs, there was a riot going on.

James Bond Theme Songs

James Bond Theme SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know the 007 theme songs?

Psychedelic Lyrics

Psychedelic LyricsMusic Quiz

Whoa man! Do you know which band came up with these cosmic lyrics?