2008: 03 "(I Don't Want To Die) In the Hospital" by Conor Oberst

---

Like a lot of great tracks, this one can either resist strict genre classifications, or it can be viewed as a blend of a few different ones. The opening honkytonk piano is almost too brief, but the rest of the track keeps up a strong, folk-rock tempo. Perhaps I'm way off, but the lyrics can be easily interpreted into a folk-protest song, not unlike a faster Pete Seeger song for the 21st century. I don't give a damn what the doctors say I ain't gonna spend a lonesome day I don't wanna die in the hospital You gotta take me back outside They don't let you smoke and you can't get drunk All there is to watch is these soap operas I see a ton of excellent metaphors here. I could get into some slightly outlandish hypotheses, but I think anyone can come up with their own views. Or...maybe Conor just really hates hospitals. —Jamie Yates Listen: Conor Oberst >> "I Don't Want To Die (In The Hospital)"