Johnny Hates Jazz - I Don't Want To Be A Hero

"I Don't Want To Be A Hero" es una canción de 1987 incluída en el álbum "Turn Back The Clock" del grupo británico Johnny Hates Jazz.

Alcanzó el puesto #11 en Reino Unido en agosto de ese año.

La canción la escribió el líder y cantante de la formación, Clark Datchler. 

Tiene un claro mensaje anti-guerra, y está narrada desde la perspectiva de un soldado que cuestiona su participación en una guerra injusta.

La compañía disquera en los EEUU estaba reticente a lanzarlo en ese país por ese mensaje antibelicista, que alude además a la propaganda y al reclutamiento.

Johnny Hates Jazz - I Don't Want To Be A Hero

"I Don't Want To Be A Hero"

Oh, send me off to war

With a gun in my hand

But I won't pull the trigger

Our destiny is here

'Neath the red, white and blue

So lead me to the slaughter

Now don't be afraid

Come and join the parade

For the ultimate in sacrifice

It's an old-fashioned story 

Of hope and of glory

A ticket for taking a life

[Chorus]

I, I don't want to be a hero

I don't want to die for you

I don't want to be a hero

Oh send me off to war

In a far away land

I never knew existed

Subject me to the truth

To the horror and pain

Until my mind is twisted

And what if I fail

Will you put me in jail

For a murder I will not commit?

'Cos you don't understand

Till there's blood on your hands

That it's time to forget and forgive

[Chorus]

And those who return

Come back only to learn

That they're hated by those who they love

'Cos you're not satisfied

Till a thousand have died

And your anger is paid for in blood

[Chorus]

Johnny Hates Jazz - I Don't Want To Be A Hero (US Version)