Ashes In Your Mouth

Album: Countdown to Extinction (1992)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song is about general hopelessness for the future of humanity. The song says that since man has always turned to war in the past, war is the only thing that we can expect in the future. Therefore, we can anticipate Judgment Day and hope that God will be merciful. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Jon - Sweden
  • Both guitarist David Ellefson and frontman Dave Mustaine are committed Christians. However, Ellefson told the Raleigh Evangelical Examiner that rather than Megadeth being a "Christian band," they are "a band that has Christians in it." He added: We've used concepts and scripture in our songs for years. One example is in 'Ashes in Your Mouth' where we say, 'Turning plowshares into swords.'"

    Our Bible expert tells us that the quote is from the Old Testament Book of Joel 3:10, which reads: "Beat your plowshares into swords and your pruning hooks into spears. Let the weakling say, 'I am strong!'" (New International Version ©1984)

Comments: 6

  • Vic from Nowheredave mustaine's a christian??
  • Danica from Silver Springs, Nvactually this song is about the negative aftermath of war, asking the question was it really worth it???Is destroying a country and looting its riches really worth it? For example, Saddam Hussein setting all those Kuwaiti oil wells on fire and the ensuing economic and environmental holocaust. Did the sweet taste of vindication turn to ashes in your mouth, Saddam?
  • Phil from Melbourne, AustraliaAnother beauty great lyrics once again, an absolute classic metal album much better than the metallica black album but to hard for commercial success
  • Jeff from La Pine, Ornever really listened to this song or cared for it that much i always just thought it was a stupid song
  • Rob from Strongsville, OhDefinitely a Megadeth classic!!!
  • Dallas from Viking, Canadamy favorite megadeth song ever
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17Songwriter Interviews

Martyn talks about producing Tina Turner, some Heaven 17 hits, and his work with the British Electric Foundation.

Producer Ron Nevison

Producer Ron NevisonSong Writing

Ron Nevison explains in very clear terms the Quadrophenia concept and how Heart staged their resurgence after being dropped by their record company.

Black Sabbath

Black SabbathFact or Fiction

Dwarfs on stage with an oversize Stonehenge set? Dabbling in Satanism? Find out which Spinal Tap-moments were true for Black Sabbath.

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")Song Writing

Director Mark Pellington on Pearl Jam's "Jeremy," and music videos he made for U2, Jon Bon Jovi and Imagine Dragons.

Al Kooper

Al KooperSongwriter Interviews

Kooper produced Lynyrd Skynyrd, played with Dylan and the Stones, and formed BS&T.

Bob Daisley

Bob DaisleySongwriter Interviews

Bob was the bass player and lyricist for the first two Ozzy Osbourne albums. Here's how he wrote songs like "Crazy Train" and "Mr. Crowley" with Ozzy and Randy Rhoads.