Lyric of the Day #29: “Rooster” by Alice In Chains

Probably one of the most memorable grunge/metal bands of our time Alice In Chains made music history with their 1992 album “Dirt”.  This album was made famous by songs such as “Would?” and “Them Bones” but none so memorable as their 4th single released off of it which was “Rooster”.  Seems kind of stupid that a band would name an epic song off of a very small almost mechanical bird.  But to better understand it one has to look at the lyrics.

Aint found a way to kill me yet, Eyes burn with stinging sweat, Seems every path leads me to nowhere, Wife and kids household pet, Army green was no safe bet
The bullets scream to me from somewhere
Here they come to snuff the rooster
Yeah here come the rooster, yeah
You know he aint gonna die
No, no, no, ya know he aint gonna die
Walkin tall machine gun man
They spit on me in my home land
Gloria sent me pictures of my boy
Got my pills gainst mosquito death
My buddys breathin his dyin breath
Oh God please wont you help me make it through
Here they come to snuff the rooster
Yeah here come the rooster, yeah
You know he aint gonna die
No, no, no ya know he aint gonna die

The song was actually written by guitarist Jerry Cantrell for his father who had served in Vietnam.  The term Rooster was his father’s nickname which originated from the natives of Vietnam looking at the Eagles on the soldiers uniforms and since they did not know what an Eagle was they were calling them Chickens.  This whole song is about his fathers experience throughout the war.