This Is Why We Fight

Album: The King Is Dead (2011)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The title of this mid-tempo rocker suggests a critique of American policy abroad, however frontman Colin Meloy told Spin magazine that it isn't specifically about the War in Iraq. "In some ways, it's political but I have not attributed it to anything," he said. "I think of it more as a song for somebody who's up against great odds, whether political or social."
  • The track closes with a raw recording of a woman singing about her dog running through a field, accompanied by banjo and harmonica. The female voice belongs to studio owner, Sherry Pendarvis, and she is accompanied by Chris Funk and Jenny Conlee of the Portland troubadours jamming on a porch. "She was sitting out front with her dog," Meloy told Spin. "She had just been to the vet and she was soaking the dog's paw and started making up this song."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Philip Cody

Philip CodySongwriter Interviews

A talented lyricist, Philip helped revive Neil Sedaka's career with the words to "Laughter In The Rain" and "Bad Blood."

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.

Graham Parker

Graham ParkerSongwriter Interviews

When Judd Apatow needed under-appreciated rockers for his Knocked Up sequel, he immediately thought of Parker, who just happened to be getting his band The Rumour back together.

Dennis DeYoung

Dennis DeYoungSongwriter Interviews

Dennis DeYoung explains why "Mr. Roboto" is the defining Styx song, and what the "gathering of angels" represents in "Come Sail Away."

Chris Frantz of Talking Heads

Chris Frantz of Talking HeadsSongwriter Interviews

Talking Heads drummer Chris Frantz on where the term "new wave" originated, the story of "Naive Melody," and why they never recorded another cover song after "Take Me To The River."

Dar Williams

Dar WilliamsSongwriter Interviews

A popular contemporary folk singer, Williams still remembers the sticky note that changed her life in college.