Death from Above
Anthrax Lyrics

The lyrics to Anthrax's song Death From Above describe the thrill and power that comes with being a fighter pilot. The first two lines reference the iconic symbol of the United States, the bald eagle, and compares the singer's actions of being "on the run" to the freedom and agility of the eagle in flight. The following two lines describe the sense of control and power that comes with being able to kill others from above, as the singer declares he kills "for the fun." The next few lines highlight the impersonal nature of being a pilot, as the singer notes there is no reason or warning before something becomes his target. The chorus emphasizes the deadliness and fear associated with jets, which are described as "filling the sky" and being responsible for "a cold-blooded stab in the back." The final line of the chorus addresses the theme of revenge and the idea that death from the sky is a punishment to someone who deserves it.

The song seems to juxtapose the beauty and wonder of flight with the violence and detachment of warfare, driving home the idea that such technological advancements can be both a wonder and a curse. Perhaps the most telling portion of the lyrics, and one that underscores this juxtaposition, is the line "Vengeance is calling on you/And there's nothing that you can do." Here the singer acknowledges that the act of killing from above is part of a larger system of justice and punishment; however, this is done in a way that mimics the sense of detachment felt by someone behind a cockpit, as there is no personal stake in that vengeance but only the desire to fulfill one's duty.