Ain’t 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 ain’t gonna die
No, no, no, ya know he ain’t gonna die
Here they come to snuff the rooster
Yeah here come the rooster, yeah
You know he ain’t gonna die
No, no, no, ya know he ain’t 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 buddy’s breathin’ his dyin’ breath
Oh God please won’t you help me make it through
Here they come to snuff the rooster
Yeah here come the rooster, yeah
You know he ain’t gonna die
No, no, no ya know he ain’t gonna die
Facing War and Resilience: The Story Behind “Rooster”
“Rooster” by Alice In Chains is a haunting reflection on the personal struggles of a soldier enduring the Vietnam War. The lyrics, written from the perspective of someone entrenched in the conflict, capture the physical and emotional toll of battle. References to burning eyes, deadly bullets, and the constant threat of death evoke a vivid sense of danger and vulnerability. Yet, amidst this chaos, the chorus stands as a testament to the enduring human spirit—”You know he ain’t gonna die”—a fierce declaration of survival despite overwhelming odds.
Personal Sacrifice and Strength
The song also touches on themes of isolation and longing for home, as the protagonist recalls family memories and faces the trauma of war. The mention of a loved one sending pictures and the struggle to survive in the face of illness and loss further deepen the song’s emotional impact. Ultimately, “Rooster” serves as both a tribute to the songwriter’s father—a Vietnam veteran—and a universal anthem of resilience.
Song Credits
Songwriter: Jerry Cantrell
Release Year: 1992
Label: Columbia Records