About The Song
“(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” is a classic rock song by the American rock band Blue Öyster Cult, released in 1976 as a single from their fourth studio album, “Agents of Fortune.” Known for its haunting melody, intricate guitar work, and enigmatic lyrics, the song has become one of Blue Öyster Cult’s most iconic tracks.
Five facts about Blue Öyster Cult’s “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” (1976):
- Widely Recognized Guitar Riff: The song is notable for its memorable guitar riff, played by Donald “Buck Dharma” Roeser, the lead guitarist of Blue Öyster Cult. The riff is often cited as one of the greatest in rock music history and is instantly recognizable.
- Songwriting by Buck Dharma: The lyrics were written by Buck Dharma, and they explore themes of love and mortality. Despite the title, the song is not necessarily about death but rather about the inevitability of time and the enduring nature of love.
- Cultural Impact: “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” gained widespread popularity and has been featured in various films, TV shows, and commercials. It became a staple of classic rock radio and has been covered by several artists over the years.
- Album Success: The song played a crucial role in the success of the “Agents of Fortune” album, helping it to reach platinum status. The album also featured other notable tracks like “Godzilla” and “E.T.I. (Extra Terrestrial Intelligence).”
- The “More Cowbell” Sketch: The song achieved a new level of pop culture recognition thanks to a famous Saturday Night Live sketch in 2000, in which Will Ferrell portrays a fictionalized version of the song’s producer insisting on adding “more cowbell” to the recording. The sketch humorously highlighted the distinctive cowbell sound in the song’s percussion.
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Lyrics
All our times have come
Here but now they’re gone
Seasons don’t fear the reaper
Nor do the wind, the sun or the rain
We can be like they areCome on, baby (don’t fear the reaper)
Baby, take my hand (don’t fear the reaper)
We’ll be able to fly (don’t fear the reaper)
Baby, I’m your manLa, la, la, la, la
La, la, la, la, laValentine is done
Here but now they’re gone
Romeo and Juliet
Are together in eternity (Romeo and Juliet)
40, 000 men and women everyday (like Romeo and Juliet)
40, 000 men and women everyday (redefine happiness)
Another 40, 000 coming everyday (we can be like they are)Come on, baby (don’t fear the reaper)
Baby, take my hand (don’t fear the reaper)
We’ll be able to fly (don’t fear the reaper)
Baby, I’m your manLa, la, la, la, la
La, la, la, la, laLove of two is one
Here but now they’re gone
Came the last night of sadness
And it was clear she couldn’t go onThen the door was open and the wind appeared
The candles blew and then disappeared
The curtains flew and then he appeared
Saying don’t be afraidCome on, baby (and she had no fear)
And she ran to him (then they started to fly)
They looked backward and said goodbye (she had become like they are)
She had taken his hand (she had become like they are)
Come on, baby (don’t fear the reaper)