Venom's original personnel came from three different bands: Guillotine, Oberon and Dwarfstar. The original Guillotine featured Jeffrey Dunn and Dave Rutherford on guitars, Dean Hewitt on bass guitar, Dave Blackman on vocals, and Chris Mercater on drums who replaced Paul Burke, the original drummer when the band was founded. Blackman and Mercater were later also replaced by drummer Anthony Bray and vocalist Clive Archer. Later, Dean Hewitt was replaced by Alan Winston on bass. Around that time a number of personnel changes occurred. Clive Archer, Eric Cook, Tony Bray and Ian Kell formed a band while working at Reyrolles. Ian Kell was replaced in mid-1978. In late 1979, Conrad Lant replaced Dave Rutherford. Lant later switched to bass after the departure of Winston. The band members took on new stage names. Archer became "Jesus Christ", Lant "Cronos", Tony Bray "Abbadon", and Jeff Dunn "Mantas".
Prime influences of the formative band were Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Motörhead, and Kiss. Other musicians that have influenced Venom are Deep Purple, Sex Pistols, the Who, the Tubes, Van Halen, the Rolling Stones, and Elvis Presley.
'Welcome to Hell' influenced several later bands. Venom's music helped shape the development of many thrash metal bands, specifically the "Big Four of Thrash" (who in turn were highly influential): Metallica, Slayer, Anthrax, and Megadeth (Metallica opened for Venom on an early 1980s tour, and Venom opened for Metallica and Slayer on the Ride the Lightning tour, and Slayer played with them and Exodus on the Combat Tour in 1985). Venom would also be of extreme importance to the black metal scene and even the early death metal scene, with numerous bands copying styles, themes, and imagery from the band, such as the Swiss band Hellhammer (later to become Celtic Frost), whom also helped pioneer the genres. Music critic Bradley Torreano wrote that Venom "caught the attention of both metalheads and punks, the band was emulated by the former and turned into camp icons by the latter." Henry Rollins once compared the band to Spinal Tap.
A Good Day to Die
Venom Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Words will get mixed up inside of your head
When you're playing the game can't remember your name
You know it's fucked up the same
You and me got a lot to say but I won't get down on my knees and pray
Loud and proud I fight every day
Fighting back - Come what may
A good day to die - A cold grave to lie
A good day to die
The lies and the greed of the demon seed
World of the ignorant trying to breed
Never settled the score as I opened the door
But you kept wanting more
You and me got a lot to say but I won't get down on my knees and pray
Loud and proud I fight every day
Kicking back - Come what may
A good day to die
Stand up and fight
A cold grave to lie
This secret lie
Good day to die
No time to cry
You tried to fly
Reach for the sky
With your Russian roulette you'll take the bet
Sleeping on coals that you'll live to regret
In an orgy of death and your crimes and the tests
Is this your final breath?
You and me got a lot to say but I won't get down on my knees and pray
Loud and proud I fight every day
Fighting back - Come what may
The lyrics to Venom's song "A Good Day to Die" seem to be about living life with purpose and pride, despite the odds and the possible consequences. The first verse talks about not giving up, even when the pressure and confusion of life makes you question your own identity. The second verse criticizes the corrupt and selfish nature of society, while also acknowledging that some people will never be satisfied, no matter how much you give. The chorus is almost celebratory, suggesting that death is not something to fear, but rather a natural end to a life lived with passion and honesty. The final verse is a warning shot to those who waste their lives on drugs and violence, asking them if they are ready to face the music and accept the consequences of their actions.
In short, the song is about fighting to live and die on your own terms, refusing to be beaten down or consumed by the negativity of the world around you.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't let it be said you'd be better off dead
Don't ever let anyone convince you that death is better than life.
Words will get mixed up inside of your head
When your thoughts are cluttered, it's hard to make sense of them and express yourself.
When you're playing the game can't remember your name
It's easy to lose yourself in the hustle and bustle of life and forget who you are.
You know it's fucked up the same
Life is messed up in many ways, and it's a common experience for many.
You and me got a lot to say but I won't get down on my knees and pray
We both have a lot to express, but I won't rely on prayer to solve my problems.
Loud and proud I fight every day
I am unafraid to speak and fight for what I believe in.
Fighting back - Come what may
I will always fight back, no matter what challenges come my way.
A good day to die - A cold grave to lie
Today is a good day to die, knowing that I will be laid to rest in a cold grave.
The lies and the greed of the demon seed
The falsehoods and selfish desires of evil people cause harm to others.
World of the ignorant trying to breed
Society is full of people who are uninformed but continue to propagate their beliefs.
Never settled the score as I opened the door
I didn't seek revenge as I moved on from a difficult situation.
But you kept wanting more
Despite my efforts to move on, someone else continued to create problems for me.
Kicking back - Come what may
I am standing my ground, no matter what obstacles come my way.
Stand up and fight
It's important to stand up for your beliefs and fight for what is right.
This secret lie
There is a hidden truth that needs to be uncovered.
Good day to die
Today is the perfect day to die, having lived my life to the fullest.
No time to cry
There's no time for tears, as I am ready to meet my fate.
You tried to fly
Despite your efforts, you failed to achieve your goals.
Reach for the sky
Aim high and strive for greatness.
With your Russian roulette you'll take the bet
You are risking everything on a dangerous gamble.
Sleeping on coals that you'll live to regret
You are ignoring the dangers and setting yourself up for future regret.
In an orgy of death and your crimes and the tests
You are surrounded by death and the consequences of your actions.
Is this your final breath?
Are you about to die, without having made a positive impact on the world?
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: ANTONY ESME LANT, CONRAD THOMAS LANT, MIKE HICKEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@flambo1500
Day is okay, but let me finish this song first \m/
@brandostone666
Totally hear where rob zombie got his influence from. love it!
@Gakusangi
I'm here because of Guilty Gear. Venom kicks ass in both fighter and band form!
@SzymonZ.Olszowski
Dobry dzień by umrzeć
@raulsmirnov6615
This is a good fuckingnda to die!!!
First line of Chile chuchetumare!!!
@anthonyd4778
💀🤘💀
@luis_punisher9045
intro sounds like Triumph of Death vader
@cubiirc
10 months ago? xD i was probably going after sarcasm. like "damn :S"
@praisedio4763
My ears have died.
@cubiirc
mierda :S