Megadeth - Peace Sells

Megadeth - Peace Sells - Meaning of the song

One of Megadeth's most popular songs, "Peace Sells" deals with disillusion, Cold War politics, and military combat - all recurring themes in Megadeth songs.

Frontman Dave Mustaine mentioned:

"I was homeless at the time, and I was living in a rehearsal place in Vernon, California. I was seeing a girl, Diana - there were a lot of songs I wrote about her. I actually wrote the lyrics to that song on the wall, in that building. I didn't have any paper in the studio, but I had a Sharpie, so I just wrote on the wall. Whoever inherited our rehearsal room after I moved out, saw the original lyrics to 'Peace Sells' on the wall. They probably painted right over it and didn't even know it."

According to former Megadeth guitarist Chris Poland, Dave Mustaine originally conceived this as an 8-minute piece before drummer and close friend Gar Samuelson talked him out of it. Poland said:

"I think originally it was eight minutes long, and Gar said, 'You know what? This is too good a song to drag it out like this. Let's shorten the arrangement, cut it down to size and make it a single. Dave accepted. I honestly think Dave respected Gar's opinion on stuff – he was the only guy in the band Dave wouldn't mess with. He totally respected Gar, and thank God he did, If Gar hadn't talked Dave into shortening the song."

Peace sells - Lyrics

What do you mean I "don't believe in God?"

I talk to him every day

What do you mean I "don't support your system?"

I go to court when I have to

What do you mean I "can't get to work on time?"

Got nothing better to do

And, what do you mean I "don't pay my bills?"

Why, do you think I'm broke? Huh?

If there's a new way, I'll be the first in line

But it better work this time

What do you mean I "hurt your feelings?"

I didn't know you had any feelings

What do you mean I "ain't kind?"

I'm just not your kind

What do you mean I "couldn't be the president

Of the United States of America?"

Tell me something

It's still "we the people," right?

If there's a new way, I'll be the first in line

But it better work this time

Can you put a price on peace?

Peace, peace sells

Peace, peace sells!

Peace sells, but who's buyin'?

Peace sells, but who's buyin'?

Peace sells, but who's buyin'?

Peace sells, but who's buyin'?

Peace sells, but who's buyin'?

Peace sells, but who's buyin'?

Peace sells, but who's buyin'?

Peace sells, but who's buyin'?

Peace sells, but who's buyin'?

Peace sells, but who's buyin'?

Peace sells, but who's buyin'?

Peace sells, but who's buyin'?

No, no-no-no-no

Peace sells

(Peace sells)

Peace sells!

Megadeth - Peace Sells - Live