Set The World Afire

Album: So Far, So Good... So What! (1988)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song is about destruction of all life on Earth through nuclear weapons and the horrible aftermath. The line, "Einstein said 'We'll use rocks on the other side'," refers to the Einstein quote, "The next World War will be fought with stones," meaning, that nuclear weapons would bomb the world back to the stone age. The line, "The arsenal of Megadeth can't be rid of," comes from a pamphlet by California Senator Alan Cranston which reads, "The arsenal of megadeath can't be rid no matter what the peace treaties come to."
  • The introduction comes from is a song by The Ink Spots called "I Don't Want To Set The World On Fire." >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Jon - Sweden, for above 2
  • Dave Mustaine started writing this song on his trip home after being fired from Metallica while they were recording in New York. Mustaine says he found the pamphlet with the "megadeath" quote in a Greyhound terminal, and started writing lyrics on food wrappers and whatever else he could find.

Comments: 3

  • Derek from Flin Flon, MbThis song is an endless bombardment of awesome riffs
  • Whiplash from Glendale, NyBest song on the album So far, so good... so what in my opnion. Dave your a beast :)
  • Devon from Westerville, Ohi love this song. megadeth is pretty sweet. one of my favorites from so far so good so what
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Melanie

MelanieSongwriter Interviews

The singer-songwriter Melanie talks about her spiritual awakening at Woodstock, "Brand New Key," and why songwriting is an art, not a craft.

We Will Rock You (To Sleep): Pop Stars Who Recorded Kids' Albums

We Will Rock You (To Sleep): Pop Stars Who Recorded Kids' AlbumsSong Writing

With the rise of Kindie rock, more musicians are embracing their inner child with tunes for tots - here, we look at pop stars who recorded kids' albums.

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.

Tom Keifer of Cinderella

Tom Keifer of CinderellaSongwriter Interviews

Tom talks about the evolution of Cinderella's songs through their first three albums, and how he writes as a solo artist.

Lori McKenna

Lori McKennaSongwriter Interviews

Lori's songs have been recorded by Faith Hill and Sara Evans. She's performed on the CMAs and on Oprah. She also has five kids.

Stand By Me: The Perfect Song-Movie Combination

Stand By Me: The Perfect Song-Movie CombinationSong Writing

In 1986, a Stephen King novella was made into a movie, with a classic song serving as title, soundtrack and tone.