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The Decemberists — This Is Why We Fight
Album: The King Is Dead
Avg rating:
6.9

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2244









Released: 2011
Length: 4:21
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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Come the war
Come the avarice
Come the war
Come hell

Come attrition
Come the reek of bones
Come attrition
Come hell

And this is why
Why we fight
Why we lie awake
This is why
This is why we fight
And when we die
We will die
With our arms unbound
This is why
This is why we fight
Come hell

Bride of quiet
Bride of all unquiet things
Bride of quiet
Bride of hell

Come the archers
Come the infantry
Come the archers
Of hell

And this is why
Why we fight
Why we lie awake
This is why
This is why we fight
And when we die
We will die
With our arms unbound
This is why
This is why we fight
Come hell
So come to me
Come to me now
Lay your arms around me
This is why
This is why we fight
Come hell
Comments (194)add comment
 The drumming in this one is really excellent and interesting, and that chiming guitar and sinister bass are pretty cool, too. I can appreciate the passion in the vocals in their work; it well matches the always earnest and fearlessly bold messages and styles of this rather unique band that RP introduced to me.
Posted 1 year ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
 





alezz_ua wrote:
And when we die
We will die
With our arms unbound
This is why
This is why we fight







Yupp.













Posted 2 years ago by sfyi2001    [ Reply ]
 SpinyNorma wrote:

This.  Right now.

Big love to Ukraine.



Right on
We’re all Ukrainian
Posted 2 years ago by michael_crf    [ Reply ]
This.  Right now.

Big love to Ukraine.
Posted 2 years ago by SpinyNorma    [ Reply ]
 crackker8385 wrote:

I want to like the Decemberists, I really do... 



Me too. I just can't get past the pitchiness.
Posted 3 years ago by tompoll    [ Reply ]
My curve is getting messed up, handed out three 8's over the last tracks!
Posted 3 years ago by jlind    [ Reply ]
This song has become painful to listen to.
Posted 3 years ago by digitpopdesign    [ Reply ]
For some reason I get stuck focusing on many of the Decemberists' comments about the U.S. and Americans.  I guess that's another reminder to just listen to the music (from musicians). 
Posted 3 years ago by SeannRooney    [ Reply ]
 jonahboo wrote:


I just saw them on Tuesday - always a good show -!!!
hurry looks like the maybe taking a hiatus after this tour
 
9 years later, still a very good band, great live show, i mean is it KISS form '77 Live extravaganza? No....but great in a different way
Posted 3 years ago by Wonderloaf    [ Reply ]
PRESS PLAY LP!
Posted 3 years ago by Wonderloaf    [ Reply ]
Complete tosh 😡
Posted 3 years ago by Easyrider    [ Reply ]
Antifa Fight Song...Portland Based
Posted 3 years ago by mjbaumann    [ Reply ]
 maboleth wrote:
This is why, I rate it two. When I rate, I rate, this is why, I rate it two stars.
This is why, I rate it two. When I rate, I rate, this is why, I rate it two stars.
This is why, I rate it two. When I rate, I rate, this is why, I rate it two stars.

Actually one star. Such annoying song.
 
I disagree completely, but you get my upvote for the actual lol you created...
Posted 3 years ago by sfoster66    [ Reply ]
 maboleth wrote:
This is why, I rate it two. When I rate, I rate, this is why, I rate it two stars.
This is why, I rate it two. When I rate, I rate, this is why, I rate it two stars.
This is why, I rate it two. When I rate, I rate, this is why, I rate it two stars.

Actually one star. Such annoying song.
 
Fair enough -- no good song has ever had repetitive lyrics.

I'm a huge Dylan fan, but I also realize that the tune is generally more important that the lyrics. It either sounds good or it doesn't. I don't feel like your criticism has much merit. It's music, not poetry.
Posted 4 years ago by MLavender    [ Reply ]
This is why we fight. Kung Pao - man I'm hungry =D
Posted 4 years ago by dmiley    [ Reply ]
 GeorgeMWoods wrote:
So why the f@#$& do we fight? This song makes no sense.
 
So that when we die, we will die with our arms unbound.  This is why,  this is why we fight.  
Posted 4 years ago by Jakethemuss    [ Reply ]
Playing this song 3 times a month does not make it any better. Needs a break 
Posted 4 years ago by mkinnan    [ Reply ]
 GeorgeMWoods wrote:
So why the f@#$& do we fight? This song makes no sense.
 
To be free from oppression?  Am I missing something, or is the message here simple to comprehend?
Posted 4 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
 alezz_ua wrote:
Or as Mel Gibson screamed as William Wallace 
FREEDOM!!!!!!!!!


And when we die
We will die
With our arms unbound
This is why
This is why we fight

 

Posted 4 years ago by handyrae    [ Reply ]
 Duc1098 wrote:
hmm. A bunch of skinny hipsters from Portland singing about fighting?
 
Yes.  Clearly, they are the ones that missed the irony. 
Posted 4 years ago by sjccroquet    [ Reply ]
I seem to enjoy them more than others...painting and this set has been perfect
Posted 4 years ago by xcranky_yankee    [ Reply ]
 junebaby65 wrote:
Mommy make it stop!
 

Boring Hipster Fluff. 
Posted 4 years ago by ace-marc    [ Reply ]
Extremely boring song
Posted 4 years ago by bardh7    [ Reply ]
I want to like the Decemberists, I really do... 
Posted 4 years ago by crackker8385    [ Reply ]
hmm. A bunch of skinny hipsters from Portland singing about fighting?
Posted 4 years ago by Duc1098    [ Reply ]

GeorgeMWoods wrote:

So why the f@#$& do we fight? This song makes no sense.



alezz_ua wrote:


And when we die
We will die
With our arms unbound
This is why
This is why we fight

 
Duh!  Freedom.
Posted 4 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
This is why, I rate it two. When I rate, I rate, this is why, I rate it two stars.
This is why, I rate it two. When I rate, I rate, this is why, I rate it two stars.
This is why, I rate it two. When I rate, I rate, this is why, I rate it two stars.

Actually one star. Such annoying song.
Posted 5 years ago by maboleth    [ Reply ]
 Grayson wrote:
Admittedly, I was a The Decemberists skeptic for many years. Just felt they had too many of those march-y kinda "themes" (of warfare) going on for my tastes. Well, the years of letting them steep have resulted in serious fandom. Their songs season well.
 
I have had the opposite reaction
Posted 5 years ago by coyote620    [ Reply ]
It’s the music and production that’s good. Forget the lyrics
Posted 5 years ago by zappa501    [ Reply ]
Why We Fight is a series of seven documentary films commissioned by the United States government during World War II to justify to U.S. soldiers their country's involvement in the war. Later on, they were also shown to the U.S. public to persuade them to support U.S. involvement in the war.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Why_We_Fight
Posted 5 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
 GeorgeMWoods wrote:
So why the f@#$& do we fight? This song makes no sense.
 


And when we die
We will die
With our arms unbound
This is why
This is why we fight

Posted 5 years ago by alezz_ua    [ Reply ]
Admittedly, I was a The Decemberists skeptic for many years. Just felt they had too many of those march-y kinda "themes" (of warfare) going on for my tastes. Well, the years of letting them steep have resulted in serious fandom. Their songs season well.
Posted 5 years ago by Grayson    [ Reply ]
 aspicer wrote:

Actually great point - the song sounds like it should be clear until you read the lyrics! ...or are we missing something here? Please enlighten me (us) if so!
 

That's the point isn't it? It's not rational.
Posted 5 years ago by MattRudely    [ Reply ]
 GeorgeMWoods wrote:
So why the f@#$& do we fight? This song makes no sense.
 
Actually great point - the song sounds like it should be clear until you read the lyrics! ...or are we missing something here? Please enlighten me (us) if so!
Posted 5 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
Mommy make it stop!
Posted 5 years ago by junebaby65    [ Reply ]
 teleskialaska wrote:
Lots of angst towards this song.  I don't get the criticism, or rather the angst.  Personally, I like the Decemberists.  But, I am no expert so what do I know. 
 

Exactly.  I saw them last week here in Blighty and they were great.  Bit folky at times for my taste, especially the shanty types, but this track was tops amongst the rest.
Posted 5 years ago by DaidyBoy    [ Reply ]
 d-don wrote:
I always thought he said, "Kung Pao." We fight over Kung Pao.
 
Oh great.  Now I hear it too.  And so I laugh.   
Posted 6 years ago by dwhayslett    [ Reply ]
 d-don wrote:
I always thought he said, "Kung Pao." We fight over Kung Pao.
 
haaaaaaaaaaa, I have always sung along with him on this song and my entire family chimes in Kung Pao!  Hilarious!
Posted 6 years ago by Randomax    [ Reply ]
 d-don wrote:
I always thought he said, "Kung Pao." We fight over Kung Pao.
  
Yup now I'm hungry for some Kung Pao Chicken again {#Hungry}
Posted 6 years ago by GeneP59    [ Reply ]
I always thought he said, "Kung Pao." We fight over Kung Pao.
Posted 6 years ago by d-don    [ Reply ]
So why the f@#$& do we fight? This song makes no sense.
Posted 6 years ago by GeorgeMWoods    [ Reply ]
 rezzyrezzy wrote:
People, people, people!!  have none of you ever seen the 'Why We Fight' Propaganda films from the '40s?   Just read the lyrics of this song..it tells you why we fight..and it's not for us, that's for sure.  Some of you here really have worked up a head of steam about all this..it's a song, folks! Enjoy or turn it off!

 
Why all the fuss? Enjoy or turn it off like Rez sez. {#Rolleyes}
Posted 7 years ago by nomnol    [ Reply ]
Love it!
Posted 7 years ago by WannabeBanned    [ Reply ]
This is WHINE!
Posted 7 years ago by passsion8    [ Reply ]
"Oh my ears! Oh my EEEEAARRRS!!!
They have been Vi-o-Laay-Ted
They have been Violated la la la"

 
Posted 7 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
 lily34 wrote:
we fight because i can't stand this band.

 
Sad Bastard Music...Hello?{#Headache}
Posted 9 years ago by Coaxial    [ Reply ]
we fight because i can't stand this band.
Posted 9 years ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
very good song. 
Sometimes you have to fight.  
Posted 10 years ago by FrankDebbieCote    [ Reply ]
This is why we fight: Kung Pow.
Posted 10 years ago by mrselfdestruct    [ Reply ]
 rezzyrezzy wrote:
People, people, people!!  have none of you ever seen the 'Why We Fight' Propaganda films from the '40s?   Just read the lyrics of this song..it tells you why we fight..and it's not for us, that's for sure.  Some of you here really have worked up a head of steam about all this..it's a song, folks! Enjoy or turn it off!

 
I've not seen those films, not being someone who spends time watching WWII propaganda films. I've usually assumed that this song celebrates the old adage of "better to die on your feet than live on your knees". Which is an easy thing to say for fighting types fired with fanatical fervour, but often the ones who get the rough end of the pineapple of such glib slogans are civilians. I wonder how many of the hundreds of thousands of non-combatants who've died in Syria and Iraq, to take recent examples, signed up to such slogans. Not very many, I'd guess.

Of course, I could be misinterpreting the whole song, and it might be referring to a specific conflict in a specific time and place, rather than making a general point, in which case I'd be happy to have my ignorance assuaged.
Posted 10 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
Radio Paradise.....Playin' all the hits all the time !!!!
Posted 10 years ago by Dosequis    [ Reply ]
People, people, people!!  have none of you ever seen the 'Why We Fight' Propaganda films from the '40s?   Just read the lyrics of this song..it tells you why we fight..and it's not for us, that's for sure.  Some of you here really have worked up a head of steam about all this..it's a song, folks! Enjoy or turn it off!
Posted 10 years ago by rezzyrezzy    [ Reply ]
Love this!
Posted 10 years ago by JohnnySockhead    [ Reply ]
 Businessgypsy wrote:
Five minutes and thirty seconds.

 
... good one!!   lol
Posted 10 years ago by drivingunit103    [ Reply ]
 JetC615 wrote:
I really don't care for this band. I've tried but I prefer the Pogues.
 
I've honestly no idea why you group the two together.  
Posted 10 years ago by xkolibuul    [ Reply ]
 easmann wrote:
 teleskialaska wrote:
Lots of angst towards this song.  I don't get the criticism, or rather the angst.  Personally, I like the Decemberists.  But, I am no expert so what do I know.  

You are an expert in what you do and do not like, though not necessarily why. It's probably easier to explain why we don't like something, especially if there's an obvious irritant. Try explaining why you like something though. I have a hard time with that. And why bother with analysis?

 
Great observation. I don't think it is really possible to say why you like something in a meaningful way.  Take wine...I think it's pointless to try to describe how it tastes...nothing worse than an arrogant wine bore if u ask me
Posted 10 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
 GeorgeMWoods wrote:
What the hell is this song about?
 Five minutes and thirty seconds.
Posted 10 years ago by Businessgypsy    [ Reply ]
What the hell is this song about?
Posted 10 years ago by GeorgeMWoods    [ Reply ]
Lots of angst towards this song.  I don't get the criticism, or rather the angst.  Personally, I like the Decemberists.  But, I am no expert so what do I know. 
Posted 11 years ago by teleskialaska    [ Reply ]
I really don't care for this band. I've tried but I prefer the Pogues.
Posted 11 years ago by JetC615    [ Reply ]
 lily34 wrote:
this is why we hit PSD.

 

lol
Posted 11 years ago by junebaby65    [ Reply ]
Bit of a grower, this one.
Posted 11 years ago by DaidyBoy    [ Reply ]
this is why we hit PSD.
Posted 11 years ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
 Giselle62 wrote:
this song also reminds me with the jangly guitar of some Natalie Merchant 10000 Maniacs. she could do this justice.

 
On a good day, yes. 
Posted 11 years ago by handyrae    [ Reply ]
"this is why we whine..."

time to hit PSD
Posted 11 years ago by phlattop    [ Reply ]
this song also reminds me with the jangly guitar of some Natalie Merchant 10000 Maniacs. she could do this justice.
Posted 11 years ago by Giselle62    [ Reply ]
 JHZ wrote:

You don't listen? So you just sit there reading the comments and checking out what songs are played? That must be boring.

 

Actually when you find me in here is when I do get bored when I am at work. So I suppose you are right.
Posted 11 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
Funny progress with this song for me.  I started to like it more as I heard it more.  Now it's on the decline.  The more I hear it the less I like it.  "this is why", "this is why", etc. "come hell", "come hell", etc..  Kinda getting tired of the sound.  I'm not speaking of the message just the tune itself.  Maybe it's just me.
Posted 11 years ago by NicJohn    [ Reply ]
 JHZ wrote:

You don't listen? So you just sit there reading the comments and checking out what songs are played? That must be boring.
 
Sid has many good comments.  This is also a place to come to for the forum.
Posted 11 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
LOVE this song !!!   Keep up the good work Radio Paradise.
Posted 11 years ago by pontfarrer    [ Reply ]
Love this - a great anthem
Posted 11 years ago by Pommie    [ Reply ]
Does anyone else hear this being a good song for Morrissey to cover?
Posted 11 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
 sirdroseph wrote:


This is why I don't listen to RP. It's all good, ain't subjectivity and free expression great?!{#High-five}
 
You don't listen? So you just sit there reading the comments and checking out what songs are played? That must be boring.
Posted 11 years ago by JHZ    [ Reply ]
Jeez ..twice in one day...was I a bad boy or something? PSD
Posted 11 years ago by neuticle    [ Reply ]
Here is another band that it has become cool to dismiss.        But, Bill knows best, I think.  
Posted 12 years ago by dsd    [ Reply ]
Love the great breakthrough bands, like Decemberists and Collective Soul.. so daring, different, and cutting edge. hahaha

Posted 12 years ago by floydoftherocks    [ Reply ]
Love this song and the Decemberists! This is a really great album!
Posted 12 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
This is why it should be struck off the play list,sucko barfo awful!
Posted 12 years ago by Easyrider    [ Reply ]
kung-pow-pause.
Posted 12 years ago by foothillfreak    [ Reply ]
 subdude wrote:
Is it possible to have a rating lower than sucko barfo. If so this song should be in it.
 

I reserve that for Björk. These guys get a higher rating.
Posted 12 years ago by smackiepipe    [ Reply ]
 jnesser wrote:

same here.... this is why i don't listen to mainstream radio, to not hear this and the like.
 
This would NEVER get play on any mainstream radio.  
Posted 12 years ago by Byronape    [ Reply ]
I loathe this song and its lyrical content also the way it is sung.
Posted 12 years ago by Easyrider    [ Reply ]
 subdude wrote:
Is it possible to have a rating lower than sucko barfo. If so this song should be in it.
 
This made me laugh. Tell us all how you REALLY feel.
Posted 12 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
Is it possible to have a rating lower than sucko barfo. If so this song should be in it.
Posted 12 years ago by subdude    [ Reply ]
Lovely. A first listen 8.
Posted 12 years ago by madaxeman    [ Reply ]
 stf9 wrote:
sick of this song.
 
same here.... this is why i don't listen to mainstream radio, to not hear this and the like.
Posted 12 years ago by jnesser    [ Reply ]
I could easily hear this as a Smiths tune. The phrasing is almost exact. All we need is Johnny Marr and Morrissey wailing...
Posted 12 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
 number7 wrote:
This is why we listen to Radio Paradise.
This is why we vote for a great song and band.
 

This is why I don't listen to RP. It's all good, ain't subjectivity and free expression great?!{#High-five}
Posted 12 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
 Chelshite wrote:

Me too. Saw them live at the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill on their last tour. Amazing.

By the way, to any of our colonial cousins in Delaware, the Pavilion takes the name of the local folks who gave their name to your state.  Small world and great music too eh?
 
I'll never say Delaware the same way again.  Now it's De La WARRRR!

Posted 12 years ago by DaMoGan    [ Reply ]
 stf9 wrote:
sick of this song.
 
I really like this album, and this song, but I see where you're coming from... I bought the album when it came out (and before it received much airplay here) but haven't listened to it in months because RP plays tracks off it so much!!
Posted 12 years ago by toomanyollys    [ Reply ]
yawn....
Posted 12 years ago by Jazbo    [ Reply ]
sick of this song.
Posted 12 years ago by stf9    [ Reply ]
Okay, I'll just give it a 9 today.   BTW......I finally watched "Portlandia" and laughed my ass off.   Highly recommended if you haven't seen it..
Posted 12 years ago by cohifi    [ Reply ]
 hippiechick wrote:
Great album, I love the Decemberists
 

Yep to both!
Posted 12 years ago by Darlington    [ Reply ]
 hippiechick wrote:
Great album, I love the Decemberists
 
Me too. Saw them live at the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill on their last tour. Amazing.

By the way, to any of our colonial cousins in Delaware, the Pavilion takes the name of the local folks who gave their name to your state.  Small world and great music too eh?
Posted 12 years ago by Chelshite    [ Reply ]
Great album, I love the Decemberists
Posted 12 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
 socalhol wrote:
If you really want to find out more about Why We Fight — watch the documentary! 

 
I bought that for my wife a couple years ago.  It really is stellar and makes me almost ashamed of my country. 

Posted 12 years ago by Byronape    [ Reply ]
Hating
Posted 12 years ago by neuticle    [ Reply ]
There are more than a few who dislike Colin's voice.  I love it actually.  But I love Aimee Mann's also and she gets mixed reviews as well.
Posted 12 years ago by dsd    [ Reply ]
 df1489 wrote:
I'm hearing kung pao! We're fighting for chinese food?
 
{#Roflol}

Posted 12 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
I'm hearing kung pao! We're fighting for chinese food?
(It's still a great song by the way)
Posted 12 years ago by df1489    [ Reply ]
From the best album of the year!  Though this isn't my favorite on the album, it still moves me nevertheless.  Meloy is an amazing wordsmith and his lyrics are poetry.
Posted 12 years ago by demenshea    [ Reply ]
I am back and forth on this.  I want my Crane's Wife back.

Posted 12 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
 fredriley wrote:
This is an appropriate song given current events in the Middle East, particularly Syria right now. People there have plainly chosen to die free than live oppressed. Reminds me of a good Mark Twain quote:

I am said to be a revolutionist in my sympathies, by birth, by breeding and by principle. I am always on the side of the revolutionists, because there never was a revolution unless there were some oppressive and intolerable conditions against which to revolt.

 
Well said that man...

Posted 12 years ago by Neil66    [ Reply ]
Colin Meloy's sister, Maile, is a good author. Her short story collection from a few years ago, Both Ways Is The Only Way I Want It, makes for good reading or a good gift for a reader.
Posted 12 years ago by squeeze1234    [ Reply ]
 socalhol wrote:
If you really want to find out more about Why We Fight — watch the documentary! 

  Was it the basis for the song? Just wondering.


Posted 12 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
Would have given it a 9 if it wasn't for the drum banging.
Posted 12 years ago by jcjoh    [ Reply ]
Great music for the wet and cold morning here in Europe!
Posted 12 years ago by pe0mot    [ Reply ]
 number7 wrote:
This is why we listen to Radio Paradise.
This is why we vote for a great song and band.
 
{#High-five}

Posted 12 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
 oppositelock wrote:
Lot's of negative comments.  I like this.  I will give this song an 8.
 
This is the first song by the Decemberists that I have not given a 1 rating. Gave it a 7. Actually kinda catchy little tune.

But I still don't like the majority of the drivel they play/produce. But I am open minded to new songs, styles, compositions.

This one works for me.

Posted 12 years ago by horstman    [ Reply ]
This is why we listen to Radio Paradise.
This is why we vote for a great song and band.


Posted 12 years ago by number7    [ Reply ]
 ERERER wrote:
"This is why" we have a mute button.

 
Amen.

Posted 12 years ago by phlattop    [ Reply ]
If you really want to find out more about Why We Fight — watch the documentary! 

Posted 12 years ago by socalhol    [ Reply ]
A great song from the best album of the year. Love it. An 8. (There a 3 or 4 10s on this record.)

Posted 12 years ago by jnhashmi    [ Reply ]
One of my favorites. I like the fact that the group produces not only interesting music but also interesting lyrics. Too little of that out there!
Posted 12 years ago by salzburg4321    [ Reply ]
Lot's of negative comments.  I like this.  I will give this song an 8.
Posted 12 years ago by oppositelock    [ Reply ]
 ckcotton wrote:

Couldn't agree more.....

same nasally voice... grating.... 
 
I just checked in to write exactly what you said. coincidence?

Posted 12 years ago by subdude    [ Reply ]
 neuticle wrote:
These guys get more and more annoying....
 
Couldn't agree more.....

same nasally voice... grating.... 
Posted 12 years ago by ckcotton    [ Reply ]
 kittyharker wrote:
I think it's odd how people seem to either love the Decemberists (like me) or else absolutely loathe them.
 
{#Dancingbanana_2}I'm fully in the love them camp, and I have been addicted to this CD for a while now, as my driving music. I love the literacy of the lyrics. No bubblegum pop lyrics ever from these guys! Also,  I've seen them live twice now, and they are an excellent live band, sounding even better than recorded. 
Posted 13 years ago by pamohearn    [ Reply ]
These guys get more and more annoying....
Posted 13 years ago by neuticle    [ Reply ]