The Meaning Behind The Song: Now That Were Dead by Metallica
Metallica, one of the greatest metal bands, always found a way to connect with their fans through their music. Their album “Hardwired…to Self-Destruct” has been widely discussed amongst fans. One particular song from that album is “Now That We’re Dead.” As with most of their songs, “Now That We’re Dead” has a deeper meaning that isn’t immediately noticeable, yet it resonates heavily with their fans. In this article, we discuss the meaning behind the song and unveil the message Metallica was trying to convey.
Table of Contents
The Inspiration Behind “Now That We’re Dead”
The inspiration behind “Now That We’re Dead” is somewhat shrouded in mystery. However, Lars Ulrich, the drummer of Metallica, revealed how they came up with the concept while speaking with Rolling Stone magazine. He stated that the talking point was about a relationship that had gone sour, but with the two individuals still feeling possessive for each other. Ulrich described it as having a “relationship, where both parties owned pieces of each other, and as time goes by, they couldn’t live with nor without that person.” This narrative played an integral role in developing the lyrics of the song.
The Lyrics of “Now That We’re Dead”
Metallica has always taken pride in their lyrics. They often tell tales of love, loss, and anger through their songs. “Now That We’re Dead” is no different. The lyrics are hauntingly beautiful and depict the struggles of living for someone even after they are long gone.
The opening verse to the song is a clear indication of the emotional turmoil that the song speaks of:
“When darkness falls, may it be
That we should see the light
When reaper calls, may it be
That we walk straight and right
When doubt returns, may it be
That faith shall permeate our scars”
The verses go on to describe how the protagonist is dependent on the person who is no longer present in their lives, wishing that the empty space in their heart could be filled by them. It’s almost as if they’re begging for the other person to come back:
“Will you swallow me?
Into the rifted scar
Singularity
Nexus of the spirits”
The chorus of the song is a rhythmic call that draws the listener in and reels them in. It’s an echo of the protagonist’s desperate longing for the person who has left them behind:
“World on fire, only one, desire
Everything I am, everything I want to be
World on fire, only one, desire
One true, everything I need”
The Tone, Sound, and Production of “Now That We’re Dead”
When listening to “Now That We’re Dead,” one cannot help but appreciate the beauty within the track. It starts with a somber tone that eventually morphs into a more upbeat one as the song progresses, surprising its listeners. The sound of the song is a blend of old-school thrash metal with a touch of modern rock. The guitars are heavy, and the drums are fast-paced with a tempo that’s designed to excite the listener.
The producer of the song, Greg Fidelman, has a meticulous attention to detail. According to Ulrich, Fidelman would insist that every instrument in the song had to be clean and precise. Such meticulous attention paid off, as the final product is an excellent example of how quality production can enhance an artist’s work.
The Message and Meaning Behind “Now That We’re Dead”
The meaning behind “Now That We’re Dead” is a universal one – the struggles of letting go of someone who has already left you behind. The song captures the feeling of helplessness, the realization of one’s dependence on another person, and the fear of facing life alone. It relates to the struggles we all face in life, in different degrees.
For some, “Now That We’re Dead” will be seen as a wake-up call, an acknowledgment that holding on to the past will only lead to misery. However, the message is open to interpretation, and every listener can take away something unique from the song.
The Reaction of Fans to “Now That We’re Dead”
Fans have never been shy about expressing their love for Metallica, but when it comes to “Now That We’re Dead,” the reaction has been widespread. Many fans consider it to be one of the best tracks on “Hardwired…to Self-Destruct.” Some describe it as a reminder of the “old-school” Metallica, while others find that the song has a more modern sensibility to it.
In addition to the fans, “Now That We’re Dead” has received critical acclaim. The song earned Metallica a Grammy nomination in the “Best Rock Song” category in 2018.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About “Now That We’re Dead”
1. Who is the protagonist in “Now That We’re Dead?”
The main character in “Now That We’re Dead” is up to interpretation. However, it’s likely that the protagonist is James Hetfield’s alter ego or represents a collective feeling that the band has faced at some point in their lives.
2. What inspired the music for “Now That We’re Dead?”
The music for “Now That We’re Dead” is a blend of classic thrash metal with modern rock. According to Lars Ulrich, the journey from the early stages of the composition to the final product was an “adventure.”
3. Was “Now That We’re Dead” a challenging song to make?
The band has never shied away from admitting that the making of “Hardwired…to Self-Destruct” was one of the most difficult experiences they’ve had. However, despite this, “Now That We’re Dead” was one of the easier tracks to make, according to the band members.
4. What is the significance of the song’s title “Now That We’re Dead?”
The song’s title speaks to the themes of the song – living for someone that is no longer alive. It emphasizes the protagonist’s dependence on their significant other, even though they have walked out of their lives.
5. What other Metallica songs have similar themes to “Now That We’re Dead?”
Metallica has a vast array of songs that emphasize the struggles of living, making “Now That We’re Dead” one of many such tracks. Some of their other songs include “The Unforgiven,” “My Friend of Misery,” and “Fade to Black.”
6. What is the significance of the song’s chorus?
The chorus is a call to the protagonist’s significant other, a reminder of how much they depend on them. It’s a rhythmic and catchy melody that emphasizes their desire to hold on to the person that has left.
7. What was the process behind writing the lyrics of the song?
It’s unclear who wrote the lyrics for “Now That We’re Dead,” but it’s likely that James Hetfield played a significant role. The process likely consisted of bouncing ideas off one another until they reached the final product.
8. What sort of production went into making “Now That We’re Dead?”
The producer, Greg Fidelman, paid close attention to every element of the song, making sure that each instrument was clean and precise. Such attention to detail paid off, and the final product is an excellent showcase of their hard work.
9. What inspired the tonality of “Now That We’re Dead?”
According to the band members, “Now That We’re Dead” was inspired by old-school thrash metal with a touch of modern rock. The tonality of the track has a feeling of urgency that reflects the protagonist’s desperate desire to hold on to their significant other.
10. What is the message behind “Now That We’re Dead?”
The message behind “Now That We’re Dead” is universal – it’s about letting go of someone who has already left you behind. It’s about the struggles of facing life alone, acknowledging how dependent we are on love, and the realization that we must let go of the past to move forward in life.
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