Alright. It's time to get all music geek on you. But just a little.
Hard rock / heavy metal is a misunderstood musical form and Metallica's precision ensemble represents the best of the genre.
I remember back in the day ... It was "devil" music that was going to steal my soul and have me worshipping Satan, Tipper Gore was in her heyday attempting to censor music, and Nancy Reagan embarked on her anti-drug "Just Say No" campaign.
Right in the middle of all this (1986), Metallica released the album that shares the name of their most famous song, Master of Puppets. Of course parents everywhere, and Tipper Gore's group (PMRC) hated the song, refusing to give it their stamp of approval.
Yet almost 25 years later, nobody remembers Tipper Gore, and Master of Puppets is one of the most well known rock songs ever written.
The dark, heavy song that serves as a metaphor for drug addiction, has a complex structure that runs for over 8 minutes. The changing, physically demanding guitar riffs throughout the song, including its quiet interlude of diatonic harmony, represents personal control. While the lyrics on the other hand, represent the loss of control ... complete submission to drug addiction.
Tipper Gore didn't get it. She couldn't understand the art, and thus couldn't comprehend the anti-drug message. But considering her husband runs around the globe burning fossil fuels to preach the Religion of Global Warming, we shouldn't be surprised.
We shouldn't be so quick to jump to conclusions, especially about culture. Knee-jerk, partisan reactions create bad results for all. Hey, I'm still a Christian, never worshipped the devil, and far from being a "dangerous" song, Master of Puppets is an incredible piece of music with a powerful anti-drug (as in good) message ... Far outlasting "Just Say No."
The following video is a live performance of Master of Puppets by Metallica in 1989. Enjoy!
End of passion play, crumbling away
I'm your source of self-destruction
Veins that pump with fear, sucking darkest clear
Leading on your deaths construction
Taste me you will see
More is all you need
Dedicated to
How I'm killing you
Come crawling faster
Obey your Master
Your life burns faster
Obey your Master
Master
Master of Puppets I'm pulling your strings
Twisting your mind, smashing your dreams
Blinded by me, you can't see a thing
Just call my name, 'cause I'll hear you scream
Master
Master
Just call my name, 'cause I'll hear you scream
Master
Master
Needlework the way, never you betray
Life of death becoming clearer
Pain monopoly, ritual misery
Chop your breakfast on a mirror
Taste me you will see
More is all you need
Dedicated to
How I'm killing you
Come crawling faster
Obey your Master
Your life burns faster
Obey your Master
Master
Master of Puppets I'm pulling your strings
Twisting your mind, smashing your dreams
Blinded by me, you can't see a thing
Just call my name, 'cause I'll hear you scream
Master
Master
Just call my name, 'cause I'll hear you scream
Master
Master
Master, Master, where's the dreams that I've been after?
Master, Master, you promised only lies
Laughter, laughter, all I hear or see is laughter
Laughter, laughter, laughing at my cries
Fix me!
Hell is worth all that, natural habitat
Just a rhyme without a reason
Neverending maze, Drift on numbered days
Now your life is out of season
I will occupy
I will help you die
I will run through you
Now I rule you too
Come crawling faster
Obey your Master
Your life burns faster
Obey your Master
Master
Master of Puppets I'm pulling your strings
Twisting your mind, smashing your dreams
Blinded by me, you can't see a thing
Just call my name, 'cause I'll hear you scream
Master
Master
Just call my name, 'cause I'll hear you scream
Master
Master
Master of puppets was one of the most perfect albums ever recorded. I think I wore out the tape at least once. It's still a must on the MP3 player.
I've worn out the album, tape, cd ...
Big Metallica fan. Yes this was a great song. Not my favorite from Metallica but definitely in my top 5. I'm also a Disturbed fan if that gives you a baseline with my music likes. Wow and I'm a conservative...strange huh?
I don't think I could pick a favorite. Heck, I think St. Anger is brilliant!
Most famous song? Not even close CL. Not best mind you, but their most famous song is easily 'Enter Sandman'. Come on.
I'm not the biggest heavy metal fan but I certainly appreciate some of the more talented groups. Just a taste thing for me.
I can appreciate that, "Enter Sandman" being the most popular Metallica song in the Land of Bon Jovi and all ...
You young people...jeez Louise...Black Sabbath rules...at least until Judgement Day.
Love Black Sabbath. You can find them right here:
http://the-classic-liberal.com/war-pigs/
Not one of their better moments philosopically, but a damn fine song.
Their best: Hole In The Sky and Supernaut.
As I said as much in the post, I think they were spot-on! Best? Like Metallica and Zeppelin, I enjoy their complete works. After they kicked out Ozzy, both put out 2 classic albums, then ... not so much.
Bob, I've been reading your thoughts and exchanging ideas with you for quite awhile now. Though we may have never met in the physical world, I consider you a friend. You're one smart and insightful dude! But ... One of these days I'm going to break your faith in government, have you drinking from Russell's cup of skepticism and basking in Jefferson's liberty!
Tom Jefferson was a pinko.
ROTFLMAO!