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Sensitive side of Metallica

Updated on May 7, 2015

The music of Metallica

If you are not a Metallica fan, and you think of this band, do you regard Metallica as a metal band with screaming men with crappy music?

However, when a Metallica fan thinks of Metallica, they know that this band has some awesome lyrics that delve deep into the heart of life. If I ask someone if they are a Metallica fan, and they respond "yes", I follow-up with one other question - do you know "Low Man's Lyric"?

I feel that many of Metallica's songs are fantastic, but I will focus on two (2) songs, where the music and lyrics have an especially deep message and passion - "Low Man's Lyric" and "Mama Said".

Let's explore the softer side of their music together...

Music reflecting on forgiveness

"Low Man's Lyric"

This song is about someone down and out, and asking for forgiveness. "Low Man's Lyric" explains that we are human and make mistakes, as noted in the words: "And I can't bare to see, What I've let me be". This song reflects on feelings, on sorrows, and on trying to pull yourself out of a deep, dark situation.

Metallica, "Low Man’s Lyric"

Lyrics "Low Man's Lyric"

My eyes seek reality
My fingers seek my veins
There's a dog at your back step
He must come in from the rain 
The net below has right away 
So my eyes seek reality
And my fingers seek my veins
 
The trash fire is warm
But nowhere safe from the storm
And I can't bare to see
What I've let me be
So wicked and worn
 
So as I write to you
Of what is done and to do
Maybe you'll understand
And won't cry for this man
'cause low man is due
Please forgive me
 
My eyes seek reality
My fingers feel for flame
Touch clean with a dirty hand
I touched the clean to the waste
 
The trash fire is warm
But nowhere safe from the storm
And I can't bare to see
What I've let me be
So wicked and worn
 
So as I write to you, yeah
Of what is done and to do, yeah
Maybe you'll understand
And won't cry for this man
'cause low man is due
Please forgive me (3x)
 
So low the sky is all I see
All I want from you is forgive me
So you bring this poor dog in from the rain
Though he just wants right back out again
 
So I cry to the alley way
Confess all to the rain
But I lie, lie straight to the mirror
One I've broken to match my face
trash fire is warm
But nowhere safe from the storm
And I can't bare to see
What I've let me be
 So wicked and worn
 
So as I write to you, yeah
Of what is done and to do, yeah
Maybe you'll understand 
And won't cry for this man
'cause low man is due
Please forgive me
Please forgive me
 
So low the sky is all I see
All I want from you is forgive me
So, you bring this poor dog in from the rain
Though he just wants right back out again
 
My eyes seek reality
My fingers seek my veins 

Music reflecting on a mother’s love

"Mama Said"

James Hetfield, Metallica's lead vocalist wrote "Mama Said" based on personal experiences with his mother. The song is deep, touching, and moving, and reflects on taking a mother's love for granted, and all the things mothers do for their children.

Let the music, melody, and lyrics allow you to find peace with your own mother.

The song is full of sorrow, but nonetheless, there is a powerful message told.

Metallica, "Mama Said"

Lyrics "Mama Said"

Mama, she has taught me well
Told me when I's young
Son, your life's an open book
Don't close it 'fore it's done
The brightest flame burns quickest
That's what I heard her say
A son's heart's owed to mother
But I must find my way
 
Let my heart go
Let your son grow
Mama, let my heart go
Or let this heart be still
 
"Rebel", my new last name
Wild blood in my veins
Apron strings around my neck
The mark that still remains
left home at an early age
Of what I heard was wrong
I never asked forgiveness
But when is said is done
 
Let my heart go
Let your son grow
Mama, let my heart go
Or let this heart be still
 
Never I ask of you
What never I gave
But you gave me your emptiness
I now take to my grave
Never I ask of you
But never I gave
But you gave me your emptiness
I now take to my grave
So let this heart be still
 
Mama, now I'm coming home
I'm not all you wished of me
But a mother's love for her son
Unspoken, help me be
Oh Yeah I took your love for granted
And all the things you said to me
I need your arms to welcome me
But a cold stone's all I see
 
Let my heart go
Let your son grow
Mama, let my heart go
Or let this heart be still
 
Let my heart go
Mama, let my heart go
You never let my heart go
So let this heart be still
 
Never I ask of you 
What never I gave
But you gave me your emptiness
I now take to my grave
Never I ask of you
But never I gave
But you gave me your emptiness
I now take to my grave
So let this heart be still 
 
 

Take Aways

So, if you are a not a Metallica fan, do you understand why those of us who are passionate fans find them inspiring?

Take the time to listen to these two powerful songs, and let the music inspire you to ask for forgiveness, call your mother, and maybe you will realize that one of the best 'metal' bands of all time can actually write sensitive songs that have to do with real life experiences.

Has your perception of Metallica changed?

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