Death And All His Friends by Coldplay

Album: Viva la Vida (2008)

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The vocals for this straight-up Rock tune that features a male choir were recorded in an art gallery in Barcelona that was once the medical room of an ancient nunnery. Drummer Will Champion explained to Q magazine July 2008: "This is us singing all together and then another us singing together. The Coldplay Choir. And it had an echo that lasted for a long, long time. When we did a lot of group singing we just roped in whoever was around. Studio engineers, whoever."
Chris Martin revealed to Rolling Stone magazine that it was producer Brian Eno who came up with the line "I don't want a cycle of recycled revenge." The Coldplay frontman explained: "I had this blank spot in the lyrics: 'I don't want to battle from beginning to end. Something, something, something. I don't want to follow death and all of his friends.' So we were all having a sandwich, and it's like, 'I don't want to watch too many episodes of Friends? No, that won't do. I don't want to listen to Radiohead's The Bends? No. I don't want to eat any Jerry and Ben's? No.' And then Brian came out with the line, and he was like, 'I quite like that. You should use that.'"
Chris Martin told MTV News: "Well, this is supposed to be the theme of the album, really. We're aware of all the bad stuff in life, you know - i.e. Death and all his friends - but that doesn't mean you should ever give in to it, you know? So we all sing that bit together really loudly, as kind of a message to ourselves: never giving up and never focusing on the bad stuff too much."

Comments: 16

Customer Dnp from Lockport, NyI know this song might be personal for Chris Martin and I really think he wrote this song for Gweneth his ex wife, mother of his children. Her father was dying at the time. So I think the first line is for her. Then he makes it universal as well, the vocals, lyrics and piano at the beginning always get me because of love on the rooftop scenario. Chris Martin wrote something that was both personal and universal. Do not give up, Try. You are lifted to another place something spiritual. After all they recorded the vocals in a church with a choir. The first note Johnny Buckland plays is incredibly beautiful. This Colplay at their best. One of the greatest live shows I have ever seen.
Tom from Melbourne, AustraliaThis song is fantastic. Definitely the best on the Viva La Vida or Death and all his Friends album. It has so much more depth than Viva La Vida, and it's great to listen to. I love the meaning in "No, I don't want a cycle of recycled revenge". It's such a fantastic line, and major credits go to Brian Eno for it. I think the meaning of this song is to make the most of life despite its inevitable end. I live comfortably knowing that my Dad once died, before being brought back with a defibrillator. He said it was the most peaceful, amazing experience of his life. He felt as if he was one with the Universe and this song reminds me of that every time I listen to it.
Brooklyn from Casa Grande, Azi love this song. it rocks. I listen to it when i read. it reminds me of Coraline.
William Swan from Wichita, Ks, KsMost inspiring song written by Coldplay since clocks, very good concept of death and the afterlife. I like how Coldplay is dealing with bigger subjects and objecting them with imagery and inspiring music like this one. OUTSTANDING, you must buy VIva. Can't wait to see what comes next.
William Swan from Wichita, KsJust a beatiful song.
William Swan from Wichita, KsIts hard to interpret this song but how i interpret it is an anthem against war. How they all scream i dont want a battle from beginning to end I dont want a cycle of recycled revenge I wanna see death and all of his friends. It screams that we just want world peace and we dont want to see people die but they have to go sometime. In the end i feel if someone is descending to heaven and how he will lie awake even after he's dead and they will try to escape death himself. Maybe the man died fighting in a war and he didnt get to marry his wife but then they descend to heaven and finally marry eachother. Just a brilliant song.
Johan from Kungsör, SwedenFeels good to hear anyone else but me thinking that this may be the best song ever made. I just love how the choiry vocals from "No I don't wanna" are "pushed" a bit from the ordinary pace of the instruments. It gives the sound incredible dynamics.
Dan from Lockport, NyThis song starts off with the most beautiful melody.It reminds me of Chris talking to Gwenyth about their relationship,"Don't worry, just be patient",because Gwenyth is a typical Jewish mother,and worries a lot.Then it seems to go universal about our struggles to avoid death and not to give up.I cry everytime I hear this song, it touches me so emotionally.
Daniel from Tomball, Txi think we are all death's friends because we all eventually join his big, everlasting party. We shouldn't fear death, because u should never fear sumthin that is inavoidable. fear nothin but fear itself.
Rachel from Suburban, Njone of my favorite songs of all time.
Dave from Plympton, MaTimmy, Mukilteo, WA: I totallyagreem this song is absolutely amazing!
Timmy from Mukilteo, Waeveryone would probably disagree with me, but this is by far THE BEST coldplay song ever.
screw viva la fricken vida! death and all of his friends is one of the best songs ever written!
Mitchell from Adelaide, Australia This should've been released with Viva La Vida instead of Violet Hill, I mean what the hell were they thinking!
Benjamin from Birmingham, AlDefinately the most powerful line is when he says, "No, I don't want a cycle of recycled revenge...". I think that that line represents letting go of the things people do to us... like, getting over it or something.
Andrea from Sønderborg, DenmarkOh my God, totally what I was going to write! Well, guess you've said it all. I agree, by the way.
Chris. from La Puente, CaLove this song. Love how it get's it all high at the end.

A very uplifting song.

The last part is saying how you just don't want all the bad, and want want what's good.

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