Metallica

Lyrics

[Instrumental]

[Interlude]
When a man lies, he murders some part of the world
These are the pale deaths which men miscall their lives
All this I cannot bear to witness any longer
Cannot the kingdom of salvation take me home?
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If you're a die-hard fan of Metallica, you must have heard of the track "To Live Is to Die," a unique piece that has a significant place in the band's history. This song is hailed both for its uniqueness and its poignant meaning, making it stand out among the other songs in their catalog.

In this article, we shall delve into the details of this composition, highlighting everything you need to know about "To Live Is to Die," from its background and composition to its live performances and reviews.

About To Live Is to Die

"To Live Is to Die" is a 9-minute and 49-second track that appears on the album "…And Justice for All," which was released in 1988 by Metallica. This song is unique for several reasons, including its tribute to the late bassist Cliff Burton.

Cliff Burton played a massive role in the band's early success, and his death in 1986 was a severe blow to Metallica. The origin of "To Live Is to Die" can be traced back to earlier recordings that Burton made. The track's bassline is a medley of his unused recordings, making it a fitting tribute to the departed genius.

As a matter of fact, the songwriting credits for this track read "written by Burton, arranged by Hetfield, Ulrich, Newsted." Burton's contributions to "To Live Is to Die" made it a uniquely sentimental and personal piece of art for his bandmates.

One of the most notable features of this song is the spoken-word passage at the end. This quote wasn't written by Burton but instead comes from German poet Paul Gerhardt, even though it was erroneously attributed to Burton in the liner notes.

The spoken word is a crucial aspect of the track's deeper meaning and is especially relevant to Burton's death. The quote acknowledges the inevitability of death and how people take life for granted; a powerful message that resonates long after the song has ended.

It's worth noting that "To Live Is to Die" wasn't initially played in its entirety during live performances, which had the fans longing to hear it in full. It wasn't until 2011 when Metallica performed this song in full as part of the "30 years of Metallica" festival tour.

Composition and Musicality

"To Live Is to Die" features an intricate guitar and bass opening interlude that lasts for about a minute and a half. The interlude is a fitting tribute to Burton and features excellently played bass parts by Jason Newsted, who replaced Burton after his death.

The song is then followed by an eerie acoustic guitar passage that culminates in a hard-hitting metal riff. From this point, the song shifts to a progressive guitar solo by Kirk Hammett that relays a sense of emotional turmoil and seems to reflect the band's mood at the time.

The spoken word passage at the end of the song is a melancholic yet powerful finish to a deeply emotional piece. Notably, this spoken-word passage was allegedly Cliff Burton's favorite at the time. The passage's theme relates to the inevitability of death, highlighting how even when a person dies, the world, in a way, dies with them.

Reviews and Final Thoughts

"To Live Is to Die" is widely considered one of Metallica's best tracks, with critics lauding it for its exceptional musicality and emotional depth. The song has remained a firm favorite for many fans, who cite it as a testament to the band's early years and Burton's contributions to the group's sound.

The song relays a deep message that's both thought-provoking and inspirational. Some reviews subtly hint that "To Live Is to Die" is a notch above the other tracks in Metallica's catalog, ranking alongside classics such as "One" and "Master of Puppets."

Wrapping up, "To Live Is to Die" is a song that showcases Metallica's emotional depth, technical prowess, and unwavering commitment to their craft. The track's significance lies beyond its composition, highlighting the impact of Cliff Burton's death and how the band managed to channel their emotions into a timeless masterpiece. It continues to resonate with fans long after its release, creating an emotional connection that is hard to come by in contemporary music.

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