(Don't Fear) The Reaper (Blue Oyster Cult)

from Covers 2014 by JSchnaub

	/

Buy the Full Digital Album

about

While this song usually makes it onto Top 500 Songs of All Time lists, it peaked at #10. The iconic cowbell probably helps. The guitarist/songwriter from BOC was surprised to hear some people thought it was condoning murder-suicide pacts, when he intended for it to be about undying, eternal love that continues even into the afterlife. The lyrics "40,000 people" refers to what he figured was the number of people that died on earth every day. This song has always been one of my favorites.

lyrics

(Don't Fear) The Reaper"

All our times have come
Here but now they're gone
Seasons don't fear the reaper
Nor do the wind, the sun or the rain... we can be like they are
Come on baby... don't fear the reaper
Baby take my hand... don't fear the reaper
We'll be able to fly... don't fear the reaper
Baby I'm your man...

La la la la la
La la la la la

Valentine is done
Here but now they're gone
Romeo and Juliet
Are together in eternity... Romeo and Juliet
40, 000 men and women everyday... Like Romeo and Juliet
40, 000 men and women everyday... Redefine happiness
Another 40, 000 coming everyday... We can be like they are
Come on baby... don't fear the reaper
Baby take my hand... don't fear the reaper
We'll be able to fly... don't fear the reaper
Baby I'm your man...

La la la la la
La la la la la

Love of two is one
Here but now they're gone
Came the last night of sadness
And it was clear she couldn't go on
Then the door was open and the wind appeared
The candles blew then disappeared
The curtains flew then he appeared... saying don't be afraid
Come on baby... and she had no fear
And she ran to him... then they started to fly
They looked backward and said goodbye... she had become like they are
She had taken his hand... she had become like they are
Come on baby... don't fear the reaper

credits

from Covers 2014, track released June 17, 2014
Donald Roeser / Blue Öyster Cult original

license

some rights reserved

about

JSchnaub Phoenix, Arizona

Just an indie guy writing, playing and producing LoFi records with GarageBand, and a Yeti microphone. Goal: Share my original and cover songs while getting better at creating using only basic resources.

contact / help

Contact JSchnaub

Streaming and
Download help

Report this track or account

If you like JSchnaub, you may also like:

AGES
by Incredible Polo

featured on Bandcamp Radio Apr 28, 2015
go to album
Snowflakes in July - EP
by Alex Henry Foster & The Long Shadows

Three renditions of “Snowflakes in July” explore all aspects of the song’s stunning beauty, including a mind-blowing 17-minute live version. Bandcamp New & Notable Aug 15, 2020
go to album
Mind Bahn
by Jouis

The spirit of the Canterbury scene is alive and well across this groovy, harmonic psychedelic suite. Bandcamp New & Notable Apr 10, 2019
go to album
Before The Day Has Gone
by Bellini

Ten years may have passed since the last Bellini record, but the math rock group sound as fierce as ever. Bandcamp Album of the Day Jul 31, 2018
go to album
Variety of Rhythm
by Samuel Hällkvist

featured on Bandcamp Radio Dec 5, 2017
go to album
Every Country's Sun
by Mogwai

On their latest LP, Mogwai broaden their palette with rich synths and icy grooves. Bandcamp Album of the Day Aug 30, 2017
go to album
Dojo
by Jouis

featured on Bandcamp Radio May 17, 2016
go to album