Metallica One Lyrics
Metallica - One
Arguably one (hehe) of the most thought provoking songs from Metallica, One is a song about a soldier who was horribly wounded in war. The provocactive lyrics pull no punches about war and the damage it causes, both mentally and physically. In the song, the nameless soldier wishes for death, as his physical wounds have left him a shadow of his former self. He longer wishes to live, but he is not dying.
The general theme of the song is a very dark, depressing one, which could be Metallica's way of voicing their displeasure with mans eagerness for war. One is a great anti-war song, while still coming across as a classic of in the metal genre, certainly regarded as one of Metallica's best.
One begins with very soft, clean guitar playing, which is a great contrast to the heavy chords played later in the song.
As with any music, the meaning behind the words is yours to decipher, and no two people will have the same idea about what a song is truly about. If you disagree with my take on the song, feel free to share your opinions in the comments! I love a good discussion about great music.
Metallica - One Lyrics
Song opens with sounds of battle
I can't remember anything
Can't tell if this is true or dream
Deep down inside I feel the scream
The sterile silence stops it there
Now that the war is through with me
I'm waking up, I cannot see
That there's not much left in me
Nothing is real but pain now
Hold my breath as a I wish for death
Oh please god, help me
Back in the womb it's much too real
In pumps life that I must feel
But can't look forward to reveal
Look to the time when I'll live
Fed through the tube that sticks in me
Just like a wartime novelty
Tied to machines that make me be
Cut this life off from me
Hold my breath as I wish for death
Oh please god, wake me
Now the world is gone and I'm one
Oh god, help me
Hold my breath as I wish for death
Oh please god, help me
Darkness imprisoning me
All that I see
Absolute horror
I cannot live
I cannot die
Trapped in myself
Body my holding cell
Landmine has taken my sight
Taken My speech
Taken my hearing
Taken my arms
Taken my legs
Taken my soul
Left me with life in hell
As with any song from Metallica, the lyrics are good one their own, but mind blowing when listened to and understood within the actual song. Despite being a short lyric list, the song is exceedingly long, with plenty of Metallica's trademark touches like amazing solo's and lots of power chords. The last roughly four minutes of the song is purely instrumental, with crushing riffs and Kirk Hammet's famous ear splitting solo's.
Did you know?
One is on the first studio album featuring Jason Newsted on the bass guitar, who remained with Metallica until 2001, when Metallica "hired" Rob Trujillo. Metallica's original bassist, Cliff Burton, was killed in a bus accident in Sweden in 1986 at the age of 24.
