The best ever death metal band out of Denton
Was a couple of guys who'd been friends since grade school
One was named Cyrus, the other was Jeff
And they practiced twice a week in Jeff's bedroom

The best ever death metal band out of Denton
Never settled on a name
But the top three contenders after weeks of debate
Were Satan's Fingers and The Killers and The Hospital Bombers

Jeff and Cyrus believed in their hearts
They were headed for stage lights and lear jets and fortune and fame
So in script that made prominent use of a pentagram
They stenciled their drum heads and guitars with their names

This was how Cyrus got sent to the school
Where they told him he'd never be famous
And this was why Jeff, in the letters he'd write to his friend
Helped develop a plan to get even

When you punish a person for dreaming his dream
Don't expect him to thank or forgive you
The best ever death metal band out of Denton
Will in time both outpace and outlive you

Hail Satan
Hail Satan tonight
Hail Satan
Hail, hail


Lyrics submitted by motionsickness

The Best Ever Death Metal Band in Denton Lyrics as written by Johh Darnielle

Lyrics © PACIFIC ELECTRIC MUSIC

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The Best Ever Death Metal Band in Denton song meanings
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  • +7
    General Comment

    youtube.com/watch In this version of the song, John says "People think this song is a joke, but there's nothing funny about being in a goddamn hospital when you're 12 and trying to explain to the people that the music you wanna listen to isn't gonna turn you into a serial killer or anything, it just makes you feel better."

    Lamefaunon October 31, 2010   Link
  • +3
    General Comment

    "the best ever death metal band out of denton will in time both outpace and outlive you"

    I'm not sure, but just now thinking about that line, i think it means that the band will go on forever (or past ''your'' life anyways) because it's their dream and it's what they (Jeff and Cyrus) want to do. Dreams will live forever, especially those that are followed and not abandoned.

    skateboarder873on August 29, 2007   Link
  • +3
    General Comment

    I always thought the lines "and this was why jeff/in the letters he'd write to his friend/helped develop a plan to get even" made the song less about simply chasing your dreams, and more of an explanation of rebellion.

    I always use this song as a benchmark of how amazing John Darnielle's music is - only he can get away with "hail satan" not detracting from his songs, much less ADDING to them. Bravo.

    thekingsknickerson October 31, 2007   Link
  • +2
    General Comment

    I love how John changes the lyrics for some live performances: "but the top three contenders, which have since been ripped off" since there's now at least one band under each of the names he lists.

    SubstanceMeon November 24, 2011   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    It is definatley Hospital Bombers. Very good song. Always the most popular for audience sing-alongs during concerts.

    SasquatchAttackon May 22, 2004   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    uh.. isnt it

    this is how sirus got sent to the school where they told him he'd never be famous ?

    anyway. I AGREE. i wish i could see the mountain goats live

    fromthehouseoflordson December 06, 2004   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    it may just be me, but i thinks it's "hospital bombers" great song, strange way of telling people to live their dreams.

    pintsofguinnesson March 13, 2003   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    It is definatley Hospital Bombers. Very good song. Always the most popular for audience sing-alongs during concerts.

    SasquatchAttackon May 22, 2004   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    Not to mention heavenly.

    iagoAdmireron October 06, 2004   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    yep, definitely hospital bombers. great song

    thisisjimon November 22, 2004   Link

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