Die Trying

Album: Vices and Virtues (2011)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is the lead single from Vices and Virtues, the second studio album by Canadian rock band Art of Dying. Produced by Howard Benson (Papa Roach, Three Doors Down), the record was the band's major label debut after signing under David Draiman and Dan Donegan's Intoxication records.
  • The song finds vocalist Jonny Hetherington singing, "I wish I knew then what I know now / but I'd probably do the same." "That line sums up a lot for me," the singer told Noisecreep. "There's definitely a little smile behind it when I'm singing it. It's kind of like - will I ever learn? Of course the answer is, not a chance [laughs]."
  • Vices and Virtues was released on March 22, 2011, the same day as Panic At The Disco released the very similarly titled Vices & Virtues.
  • Hetherington explained the band's name to Gibson.com: "It's the idea that the day you're born is your first day on the planet, but it's also your first day in your eventual path to your death. It's a dark way to think of it, but once you embrace the thought you're not going to last forever, it makes your time here more important. That's how we live, and there's seriousness to it in the sense that it's really cool to try to accomplish something while you're here, but there's also an enjoyment side of things and making sure you don't take yourself too seriously. We're a fun band that likes to have a lot of fun every day, too. So it's that combination of life."

Comments: 1

  • Guy from Woodinville, WaNot to be confused with "Art of Dying" by George Harrison on his All Things Must Pass album in 1970.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

James Williamson of Iggy & the Stooges

James Williamson of Iggy & the StoogesSongwriter Interviews

The Stooges guitarist (and producer of the Kill City album) talks about those early recordings and what really happened with David Bowie.

Jon Foreman of Switchfoot

Jon Foreman of SwitchfootSongwriter Interviews

Switchfoot's frontman and main songwriter on what inspires the songs and how he got the freedom to say exactly what he means.

Gary Louris of The Jayhawks

Gary Louris of The JayhawksSongwriter Interviews

The Jayhawks' song "Big Star" has special meaning to Gary, who explains how longevity and inspiration have trumped adulation.

Weezer

WeezerFact or Fiction

Did Rivers Cuomo grow up on a commune? Why did they name their albums after colors? See how well you know your Weezer in this Fact or Fiction.

Edie Brickell

Edie BrickellSongwriter Interviews

Edie Brickell on her collaborations with Paul Simon, Steve Martin and Willie Nelson, and her 2021 album with the New Bohemians.

90210 to Buffy to Glee: How Songs Transformed TV

90210 to Buffy to Glee: How Songs Transformed TVSong Writing

Shows like Dawson's Creek, Grey's Anatomy and Buffy the Vampire Slayer changed the way songs were heard on TV, and produced some hits in the process.