I Write Sins Not Tragedies

About this song

It was the second single from the band's debut album, A Fever You Can't Sweat Out, and it is considered the most popular song by Panic! At The Disco. Fall Out Boy and other bands have covered it. It was the first song the band chose specifically as a radio single, and frontman Brendon Urie recalled hearing it on KROQ for the first time while riding in a friend's car. The accordion is one of the main instruments, and guitarist Ryan Ross is a fan of movie soundtracks that feature it, and a cello plays the opening notes.

What it's about

The song paints a wedding scene where the bride is unfaithful, and everyone knows it, including a waiter the bridesmaid speaks with. The narrator disapproves of his lover's actions but chooses not to stir up trouble, finding some relief in not having to deal with a failed marriage.

Fun facts

• Sampled in 43 other songs, like “PERDENDO A VIRGINDADE PT I by Biffe & YUNG LIXO”.
• Covered 15 times, including “I Write Sins Not Tragedies by First to Eleven”.
• Written by Brendon Urie, Ryan Ross and Spencer Smith.
• Produced by Matt Squire.
• Recorded at SOMD! Studios.