Last to Die

Album: Magic (2007)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song refers to a John Kerry quote on ending the Vietnam War: "We are asking Americans to think about that because how do you ask a man to be the last man to die in Vietnam? How do you ask a man to be the last man to die for a mistake?" >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Emily - Toronto, Canada
  • This anti-war track was covered by The Pet Shop Boys for their 2013 Electric album. Neil Tennant of the band explained why they chose this song to Spin magazine: "My favorite records by Bruce Springsteen are pop records: 'Dancing In The Dark,' 'Tunnel Of Love,' 'Streets Of Philadelphia.' I think the cover we've done of the Bruce Springsteen song on this album makes it into a pop song," he said. "But we haven't changed it any way at all. It's just done in a pop style rather than his E Street Band style. We could do a lot of Bruce Springsteen - not that we will. They're very powerfully written songs with good melodies and quite simple chord changes, more simple than our chord changes, so they take to the electronic treatment."

Comments: 1

  • S from ScotlandThanks for this explanation. I was aware of the Pet Shop Boys cover, but was wondering where its origins were. Such a strong song!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Prince

PrinceFact or Fiction

Prince is shrouded in mystery, making him an excellent candidate for Fact or Fiction. Is he really a Scientologist? Does he own an exotic animal?

Alan Merrill of The Arrows

Alan Merrill of The ArrowsSongwriter Interviews

In her days with The Runaways, Joan Jett saw The Arrows perform "I Love Rock And Roll," which Alan Merrill co-wrote - that story and much more from this glam rock pioneer.

Van Dyke Parks

Van Dyke ParksSongwriter Interviews

U2, Carly Simon, Joanna Newsom, Brian Wilson and Fiona Apple have all gone to Van Dyke Parks to make their songs exceptional.

Jesus Christ Superstar: Ted Neeley Tells the Inside Story

Jesus Christ Superstar: Ted Neeley Tells the Inside StorySong Writing

The in-depth discussion about the making of Jesus Christ Superstar with Ted Neeley, who played Jesus in the 1973 film.

Amy Grant

Amy GrantSongwriter Interviews

The top Contemporary Christian artist of all time on song inspirations and what she learned from Johnny Carson.

Janis Ian: Married in London, but not in New York

Janis Ian: Married in London, but not in New YorkSong Writing

Can you be married in one country but not another? Only if you're part of a gay couple. One of the first famous singers to come out as a lesbian, Janis wrote a song about it.