Les Morts Dansant

Album: Vintage Magnum (1984)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Originally called "Cannon," this Tony Clarkin composition is about one of the horrors of war. In World War I, a surprising - some would say disgraceful - number of British soldiers were executed by firing squad for cowardice. Many of these men were in fact suffering from shell shock.
  • Although at 5 minutes 47 seconds "Les Mort Dansant" is not as long as the epic "Don't Wake The Lion," this is another magnificent effort by a man who knows how to paint a picture with words, shocking though that portrait may be. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England, for above 2

Comments: 2

  • Crüe from Chelmsford, United KingdomOne of the only rock bands to perform songs based on World War One. Perhaps one of the only rock bands to have been around then!
    Seriously, I love this song. Very moving!
  • Laurent from Manama, Bahrain"Les Morts Dansant" is IMHO Magnum's greatest song ever. It is an epic, moving and magnficent song. There are several live versions of this song that are all superb. Tony Clarkin is a genius songwriter and probably the most underrated English guitar player. Amazing band and one of my top 5 songs of all time.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

AC/DC

AC/DCFact or Fiction

Does Angus really drink himself silly? Did their name come from a sewing machine? See if you can spot the real stories about AC/DC.

Rickie Lee Jones

Rickie Lee JonesSongwriter Interviews

Rickie Lee Jones on songwriting, social media, and how she's handling Trump.

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many Songs

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many SongsSong Writing

For songwriters, Johnny represents the American man. He has been angry, cool, magic, a rebel and, of course, marching home.

Grunge Bands Quiz

Grunge Bands QuizMusic Quiz

If the name Citizen Dick means anything to you, there's a chance you'll get some of these right.

Kerry Livgren of Kansas

Kerry Livgren of KansasSongwriter Interviews

In this talk from the '80s, the Kansas frontman talks turning to God and writing "Dust In The Wind."

Songs Discussed in Movies

Songs Discussed in MoviesSong Writing

Bridesmaids, Reservoir Dogs, Willy Wonka - just a few of the flicks where characters discuss specific songs, sometimes as a prelude to murder.