Metallica

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Suspicion is your name
Your honesty to blame
Put dignity to shame
Dishonor
Witch-hunt, modern day
Determining decay
The blatant disarray
Disfigure
The public eyes' disgrace
Defying commonplace
Unending paper chase
Unending

[Pre-Chorus]
Deafening
Painstaking
Reckoning
This vertigo it doth bring

[Chorus]
Shortest straw
Challenge liberty
Downed by law
Live in infamy
Rub you raw
Witch-hunt riding through
Shortest straw
This shortest straw has been pulled for you
[Post-Chorus]
Pulled for you (Shortest straw)
Pulled for you (Shortest straw)
Pulled for you (Shortest straw)
Shortest straw has been pulled for you

[Verse 2]
The accusations fly
Discrimination, why?
Your inner self to die
Intruding
Doubt sunk itself in you
Its teeth and talons through
You're living Catch-22
Deluding
A mass hysteria
A megalomania
Reveal dementia
Reveal

[Pre-Chorus]
Secretly
Silently
Certainly
In vertigo you will be
[Chorus]
Shortest straw
Challenge liberty
Downed by law
Live in infamy
Rub you raw
Witch-hunt riding through
Shortest straw
This shortest straw has been pulled for you

[Post-Chorus]
Pulled for you (Shortest straw)
Pulled for you (Shortest straw)
Pulled for you (Shortest straw)
The shortest straw has been pulled for you

[Guitar Solo]

[Post-Chorus]
(Shortest straw)
Pulled for you (Shortest straw)
Pulled for you (Shortest straw)
Pulled for you (Shortest straw)
The shortest straw has been pulled for you

[Guitar Solo]
[Verse 3]
Behind you, hands are tied
Your being, ostracized
Your hell is multiplied
Upending
The fallout has begun
Oppressive damage done
Your many turned to none
To nothing
You're reaching your nadir
Your will has disappeared
The lie is crystal clear
Defending

[Pre-Chorus]
Channels red
One word said
Blacklisted
With vertigo make you dead

[Chorus]
Shortest straw
Challenge liberty
Downed by law
Live in infamy
Rub you raw
Witch-hunt riding through
Shortest straw
This shortest straw has been pulled for you
Pulled for you

Metallica first appeared in the 1980s, and this track is from their famous album …And Justice For All. This song is much more than just a musical track; it is also a commentary on society and politics. The political theme of the album prolongs into “The Shortest Straw” revealing the bitter truth of blacklisting individuals with controversial opinions and how the “free” society is far from being free.

About The Shortest Straw

The band delivers their messages with strong words, and “The Shortest Straw” is a prime example of it. In the song, lead vocalist James Hetfield tells the story of a man facing discrimination in a supposedly “free” society. This person is being singled out for his political views, and the injustice of it is something that the band feels strongly about. Hetfield's delivery is particularly powerful in this regard since he portrays the anger felt by the victim as well as the frustration felt by people who don't agree with such behavior.

In the song, there is a specific reference to the “red scare” of the 1950s. This was a time when US government officials and private companies worked together to identify politicians and activists who had communist sympathies. The song specifically highlights how these politicians used the public fears of communism and anti-communist hysteria to get rid of political opponents. This allowed them to avoid having to engage in constructive debate to discredit their opponents, a tactic that Hetfield finds particularly reprehensible. The reference to Joseph McCarthy in the song is particularly relevant since McCarthy was infamous for using the “red scare” to attack his political foes.

Although the song has clear political overtones, there is also a more personal story behind it. According to some versions of Metallica's history, the song was written in honor of the band's original bassist, Cliff Burton. In this version of events, Burton and Kirk Hammett were playing a game of chance on a tour bus, drawing straws to see who would sleep where. Burton drew the “shortest straw” and was made to switch with Hammett, a decision that would ultimately cost him his life later that night after the bus flipped over. This story is entirely unconfirmed, and Metallica has never commented on it publicly, but there is no doubt that Burton's death has influenced the band's music.

The song is a fantastic example of Metallica's musical style and philoprogenitive nature. The music is fast-paced, aggressive, and heavy, all hallmarks of the band's unique sound. At the same time, the lyrics are intelligent and thought-provoking, showing the band's penchant for political commentary. The song is an excellent example of how music can be used to deliver a message, and it remains one of Metallica's most popular tracks to this day.

"The Shortest Straw" starts with an intro that has a rhythm guitar, drums, and some effects that provide an eerie and menacing feel to the song. The bass guitar and lead guitar join shortly and start playing a quick series of notes. The lead guitar riff is what makes the song so memorable, and it's one of the best riffs Metallica has ever created. Once the riff ends, the rest of the band kicks in, and Hetfield's vocals start. The vocals are raw and angry, perfectly representative of the song's overall message.

The drumming on the track is particularly noteworthy, with Lars Ulrich providing complex beats that keep the song moving along at a furious pace. The bass guitar, played by Jason Newsted, is also worth mentioning, as it provides a solid foundation for the rest of the band's instrumentals. Overall, the song is a masterwork of the band's musicianship, and it remains a fan favorite to this day.

The song's significance extends beyond its purely musical qualities. At its core, “The Shortest Straw” is a critique of a society that values conformity over individuality. It's a scathing indictment of the way that people with controversial opinions are often silenced, marginalized, or punished for their beliefs. This track is an excellent example of the power of music to provoke thought and inspire change, and it remains a timeless classic that will continue to resonate with audiences for generations to come.

Conclusion

“The Shortest Straw” is one of the best songs Metallica has ever produced. Its excellent riffs, intense lyrics, and powerful message combine to create a track that is both memorable and thought-provoking. The song's political and personal overtones make it a perfect example of Metallica's unique style, and it remains one of the band's most popular tracks to this day.

Overall, this song is an excellent representation of Metallica's philosophies, both musically and politically. It shows that the band is not afraid to speak out against injustice, and it demonstrates their commitment to individuality and freedom of expression. Whether you're a fan of Metallica or simply a lover of great music, “The Shortest Straw” is a track that should not be missed.

• Release Date: August 25, 1988
• Artist: Metallica