Dead Don't Die

Album: Planet Zero (2022)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Showcasing powerful drums and scorching, unbridled guitar solos, "Dead Don't Die" is a stirring tribute to resilience in the face of adversity.

    I'm never running, so try it again
    Started me over right back at the end
    "When's the last time you were afraid?"
    "I haven't been afraid a day in my life"


    The song celebrates the defiant, unbreakable spirit of humanity during challenging times.
  • Shinedown vocalist Brent Smith, bassist Eric Bass, and guitarist Zach Myers wrote "Dead Don't Die" alongside Nashville-based songwriters Blair Daly and Zac Maloy. Myers penned the original demo. "'Dead Don't Die' is the first song I think any of us had ever brought in completed that really didn't go through some sort of major change," he said. "Truly one of the greatest feelings I've had in this band."
  • Myers wrote the rousing, stomping anthem about Brent Smith and people like him. "The strong-willed, refuse to give up, bend but never break human spirit," he explained. "I've seen this man be at the bottom before, and pick himself up, and never stop trying to be better. I hope everyone feels something when they listen to it. I hope it makes you feel like you can run through a brick wall."
  • Shinedown released "Dead Don't Die" as the third single from Planet Zero on January 17, 2023. The band composed and recorded the album at Big Animal Studio in Charleston, South Carolina. Eric Bass produced and mixed it, just as he had done with their previous release, Attention Attention, which came out in 2018.
  • Director Lewis Cater shot the song's music video at The Crossness Pumping Station in London. It's the first Shinedown visual shot outside the US.

    The video conveys the song's message using visuals reminiscent of an action movie. 'Almost an homage to John Wick," Smith commented to Under The Radar. Smith also admired London's stunning architecture, praising it in glowing terms.

Comments: 1

  • Aj from OhioWho voices the "When was the last time you were afraid?" and the "I haven't been afraid a day in my life"? To me, it sounds like a movie quote that they sampled. Is it?
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"They're Playing My Song

The Nails lead singer Marc Campbell talks about those 44 women he sings about over a stock Casio keyboard track. He's married to one of them now - you might be surprised which.

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

Chris Fehn of Slipknot

Chris Fehn of SlipknotSongwriter Interviews

A drummer for one of the most successful metal bands of the last decade, Chris talks about what it's like writing and performing with Slipknot. Metal-neck is a factor.

Thomas Dolby

Thomas DolbySongwriter Interviews

He wrote "She Blinded Me With Science" so he could direct a video about a home for deranged scientists.

Superman in Song

Superman in SongSong Writing

Not everyone can be a superhero, but that hasn't stopped generations of musicians from trying to be Superman.