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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Some songs are more than just music; they're emotional and deeply personal tributes to loved ones. "To Live Is to Die" by Metallica is one such song. It serves as a powerful homage to Cliff Burton, the band's beloved bassist who tragically passed away in a tour bus accident. This composition carries the weight of Cliff's unfinished work, creating a hauntingly beautiful piece of music.

About To Live Is to Die

"To Live Is to Die" is a unique composition within Metallica's extensive catalog. The song is a medley of unused recordings that Cliff Burton had performed before his untimely death. Although the original recordings were not directly used in the track, their essence permeates through the composition, making it a deeply personal and nostalgic expression of Cliff's musical brilliance.

The bass line, a central element of the song, is credited as being written by Burton but played by his successor, Jason Newsted. This serves as a testament to Newsted's respect for Cliff's legacy, honoring his musical contributions by bringing the unfinished piece to life.

Furthermore, the song features a spoken word passage at the end, which holds great significance. The first part of the passage is a poetic reflection by German poet Paul Gerhardt, erroneously attributed to Burton in the liner notes. The words elegantly capture the cyclical nature of life and the impact that our actions have on the world around us.

Interestingly, the second half of the spoken word passage is Cliff Burton's own creation. It is a deeply personal statement, one that the band members recall Cliff saying often. The profound impact of these words is evident in the fact that the last line is engraved on Cliff's grave site, forever immortalizing his spirit within the song.

Despite its emotional significance, "To Live Is to Die" remained unperformed in its entirety for many years. Only a snippet of the melodic bridge was played on guitars and bass during the tour following the album's release. The song's elusive nature only added to its mystique, leaving fans yearning to witness its full performance.

Then, in 2011, the moment finally arrived. As part of the 30 Years of Metallica festival, the band gave "To Live Is to Die" the live performance it deserved. This marked a significant milestone for both the band and their loyal followers, who had been patiently awaiting this monumental moment.

To truly appreciate the depth and emotion within "To Live Is to Die," one must immerse themselves in the music. The melodic journey takes listeners through hauntingly beautiful passages, showcasing Metallica's profound musical abilities. The intricate composition, intertwined with the heartfelt bass line, creates an atmosphere of contemplation and introspection.

Every note and lyric in this composition pays homage to Cliff Burton and his indelible mark on Metallica's legacy. It stands as a testament to the band's resilience and dedication to their departed friend, continuing to keep his memory alive through their music.

"To Live Is to Die" is more than a song; it is a poignant tribute and a musical embodiment of the band's enduring connection with their beloved bassist. Through this composition, Metallica allows fans to experience the bittersweet beauty of life, death, and the power of music to transcend boundaries.

So, take a moment to immerse yourself in the ethereal world of "To Live Is to Die" and explore the captivating depths of Metallica's musical prowess.

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