Metallica

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Dear mother, dear father
What is this hell you have put me through?
Believer, deceiver
Day in, day out, lived my life through you
Pushed onto me what's wrong or right
Hidden from this thing that they call life
Dear mother, dear father
Every thought I'd think you'd disapprove
Curator, dictator
Always censoring my every move
Children are seen but are not heard
Tear out everything inspired

[Refrain]
Innocence, torn from me without your shelter
Barred reality, I'm living blindly

[Verse 2]
Dear mother, dear father
Time has frozen still, what's left to be?
Hear nothing, say nothing
Cannot face the fact I think for me
No guarantee it's life as is
But damn you for not giving me my chance
Dear mother, dear father
You clipped my wings before I learned to fly
Unspoiled, unspoken
I've outgrown that fucking lullaby
Same thing I've always heard from you
Do as I say, not as I do
[Refrain]
Innocence, torn from me without your shelter
Barred reality, I'm living blindly
[Guitar Solo]

[Bridge]
I'm in hell without you
Cannot cope without you two
Shocked at the world that I see
Innocent victim, please rescue me

[Verse 3]
Dear mother, dear father
Hidden in your world you've made for me
I'm seething, I'm bleeding
Ripping wounds in me that never heal
Undying spite I feel for you
Living out this hell you always knew

If you're looking for an intense and powerful dose of thrash metal, then look no further than "Dyers Eve" by Metallica. This track, featured on their iconic album "...And Justice For All," serves as the closing statement and leaves a lasting impression on listeners. With its furious energy and raw emotion, it's no surprise that this song is considered one of Metallica's most aggressive and cathartic pieces.

But there's more to "Dyers Eve" than just its fiery sound. The lyrics delve into the deeply personal experiences of Metallica's frontman, James Hetfield, and his troubled relationship with his parents. Hetfield's father left the family when he was just a teenager, and his mother tragically passed away from cancer when he was only sixteen. These painful events left him grappling with feelings of anger, confusion, and abandonment.

In the song, Hetfield vents his frustration and resentment towards his parents, expressing the wounds that were inflicted during his formative years. He reveals that his parents' religious beliefs, as Christian Scientists, prevented them from seeking medical treatment for his mother, ultimately leading to her untimely death. Moreover, he felt that their strict religious upbringing stifled his ability to explore the world and discover his own path.

Despite Hetfield's emotional turmoil, it's worth noting that he never succumbed to the cliché of hating his parents or rebelling against authority figures. In fact, when questioned about his stance on this matter, he pointed to "Dyers Eve" as the one song where he couldn't entirely disagree, acknowledging the blame and resentment expressed in its lyrics. The track serves as a poignant reflection of his struggles to cope with grief, poverty, and the many challenges of adulthood after enduring such profound personal losses.

Interestingly, Metallica did not perform "Dyers Eve" live in its entirety until March 5, 2004, during their Madly in Anger with the World tour. This decision to wait almost two decades before playing it live highlights the intensity and emotional weight attached to the song. Fans eagerly awaited the opportunity to witness the band unleash the full force of "Dyers Eve" on stage, providing them with an electric and cathartic experience.

About Dyers Eve

With its fiery guitars, thunderous drums, and gritty vocals, "Dyers Eve" showcases Metallica's unparalleled mastery of thrash metal. The aggressive riffing, lightning-fast solos, and relentless tempo create a sonic assault that grabs the listener's attention from the very first note.

The lyrics add another layer of complexity to the song, as Hetfield pours his heart out and confronts the pain and trauma he experienced as a young man. Filled with anger, accusation, and a sense of betrayal, the lyrics serve as an emotional release for Hetfield, resonating with anyone who has grappled with their own demons or struggled with unresolved childhood issues.

As we dive into "Dyers Eve," the song takes on a profound meaning. It becomes more than just a track on an album; it becomes a poignant reminder of the power of music to heal and connect. The raw honesty and vulnerability displayed by Hetfield in this song create a bond between the artist and the listener, allowing anyone who has experienced similar pain to find solace and understanding in the music.

Reflecting on the track's composition, "Dyers Eve" stands as a testament to Metallica's ability to combine aggression with musical intricacy. The intricate guitar riffs, synchronized drum fills, and harmonious basslines create a dynamic interplay that showcases the band's technical proficiency.

From a lyrical perspective, the words of "Dyers Eve" resonate with a multitude of emotions, capturing the feeling of being trapped in a metaphorical cocoon. The song encapsulates the struggle of breaking free and facing the world alone. It speaks to the challenges of dealing with grief, poverty, and confrontation, all while navigating the complexities of adult life.

Ultimately, "Dyers Eve" serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Through music, Metallica channels their own experiences and transforms them into an anthem of catharsis and empowerment. The song's unrelenting energy and emotional depth make it a standout track not only in Metallica's discography but in the realm of heavy metal as a whole.

So, if you're ready to embark on a sonic journey that explores the depths of human emotion and the power of music to heal, "Dyers Eve" is a must-listen. Brace yourself for an onslaught of intense thrash metal and prepare to connect with the raw emotions that lie at the heart of this powerful track.

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