B-side "The Cage" | Recorded 1986–1987 | |
Released August 1987 (UK)October 1987 (US) | ||
"I Don't Want to be a Hero" is a 1987 song by the British band Johnny Hates Jazz. It reached #11 in the UK top 40 in August 1987 spending 10 weeks on the chart. It is taken from their #1 album Turn Back the Clock.
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Writing and inspiration
The song was written by the band's lead singer and main songwriter, Clark Datchler. It has a strong anti-war sentiment and is written from the perspective of a soldier who is questioning their participation in what they consider an unjust war. The band's American record company were reluctant to release the single in the U.S. because of its anti-war stance. The song makes references to conscription and propaganda.
Music video
The international music video for the song was directed by Andy Morahan.
Yōko Nagayama version
In 1988, Japanese singer Yōko Nagayama covered the song, "反逆のヒーロー".