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

Are you ready to delve into the depths of Metallica's powerful and politically charged song, "The Shortest Straw"? This track, featured on their 1988 album "...And Justice for All," continues the band's strong political theme with a scathing critique of blacklisting and discrimination. Join me as we explore the captivating story and historical references behind this impactful Metallica masterpiece.

About The Shortest Straw

With "The Shortest Straw," Metallica takes a bold stance against the blacklisting of individuals with controversial political opinions. Lead vocalist James Hetfield's fiery delivery tells the story of a man who becomes the victim of discrimination in a society that prides itself on freedom. The song seethes with frustration as it tackles the issue head-on, making a powerful statement against the suppression of dissenting voices.

One of the significant historical events that "The Shortest Straw" draws inspiration from is the infamous "red scare" of the 1950s. This unsettling era saw the collaboration between the U.S. government and private companies to target politicians and activists suspected of having communist sympathies. It was during this time that anti-communist politicians, most notably Senator Joseph McCarthy, employed the red scare as a means to eliminate their political opponents.

In true Metallica fashion, the band fearlessly confronts this dark period in history and uses it as a poignant backdrop for their song. By shedding light on McCarthyism and its destructive consequences, "The Shortest Straw" acts as a powerful reminder of the risks posed by political witch hunts and the importance of safeguarding free expression.

While the song's lyrics firmly establish its political message, there are intriguing speculations regarding another personal connection. Some Metallica lore suggests that "The Shortest Straw" may be linked to the tragic death of the band's original bassist, Cliff Burton. According to these accounts, Burton and guitarist Kirk Hammett engaged in a game of chance to determine their sleeping arrangements on a tour bus. The supposed game involved picking either a card or a straw, with Burton ultimately having the "shortest straw" pulled for him. Unfortunately, this decision led to Burton occupying the fatal seat, resulting in his untimely demise when the bus tipped over. While the band has not officially confirmed this connection, it adds an extra layer of complexity to the song's meaning.

Within the context of the album "...And Justice for All," Cliff Burton's death plays a significant role. We can find echoes of this tragedy in the instrumental track "To Live Is to Die," which pays homage to the departed bassist. The album as a whole stands as a profound exploration of justice and the complexities of the human experience, capturing Metallica's iconic blend of raw emotion and intense musicality.

As we reflect on "The Shortest Straw," it becomes evident that Metallica continues to push boundaries and tackle important social issues through their music. This furious and damning critique of blacklisting, along with its allusions to historical events and personal connections, solidifies the song's status as a standout track on an album revered for its boldness and impact. Metallica's willingness to address such weighty topics with unapologetic passion sets them apart as not only a powerhouse in the world of heavy metal but as influential voices in the realm of social commentary.

So, crank up the volume, let the searing guitar riffs and thundering drums consume you, and immerse yourself in the provocative lyrical journey that is "The Shortest Straw." Metallica's masterful blend of music and meaning ensures that this song remains an essential part of their iconic repertoire.

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