Song analysis 2 - Grade A PDF

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Cody Layton 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Master of Puppets James Hetfield Metallica 1986 Elektra Records Thrash Metal Master of Puppets Song Analysis

This is the song you have to listen to when you wake up in the morning. It'll set the tone for the rest your day. "Master of Puppets" is the title track from Metallica's third studio album, which is now considered to be one the greatest heavy metal albums in the history. When you listen to the album in its entirety, it's easy see why such recognition is attributed this album. The song emphasizes the negative effects that result in the use of alcohols and drugs, like addiction and inevitable death. If GNR were to write a song about drugs, on the other hand, like Mr. Brownstone and Nightrain, they would put more emphasize on the enjoyment aspect of it. This contrast is one of the many features that distinguishes heavy metal from hard rock. But I think both genres are equally enjoyable. Excessive use of alcohol is synonymous with Metallica. In fact, Metallica was nicknamed as Alcoholica! So "Master of Puppets" comes right from the heart of the four band members. I believe Master of Puppets was a fictional alcohol, and lyrics were written from the point of view of person being addicted to it. "I'm your source of self-destruction" refers to the fact that, once being addicted, that habit can never be reversed. "Leading on your deaths construction" is the result of the excessive use of "Master of Puppets." "Taste me you will see / More is all you need" is a classic line, and a lyrical way of saying "once you start it, you can never stop it." The chorus describes how alcohol, upon consumption, starts to take over the life, and be in complete control. "Master of Puppets I'm pulling your strings," means you have given up your

Cody Layton

consciousness and letting alcohol "pull your stings." On an interesting note, when the song is being performed live, James Hetfield lets the audience sing the chorus in its entirety. If you have never seen it, you HAVE to watch it; it's simply amazing to see a sea of people singing in unison. It's just another testament to the popularity of the song and the album. Accordingly, "Master of Puppets" has been immoveable from Metallica's live set list. Master of Puppets meaning becomes clearer as the song continues. The line “needlework the way, never you betray. Life of death becoming clearer, pain monopoly, ritual misery, chop your breakfast on a mirror.” By this point the drug user is so addicted he is clear that the pain of the needles he uses to shoot up the drugs is going to lead to his demise. The drugs are so important that they are his everything. “Chop your breakfast on a mirror,” in Master of puppets, symbolizes cocaine. Most people use a razor and a mirrored surface to cut cocaine for snorting. It’s easier to see the white substance on a mirror. “Master of Puppets I’m pulling your strings, twisting your mind and smashing your dreams.” Drug addiction in Master of Puppets is the master. When you become so addicted to the drugs you are doing the drugs become the master. You will do anything for that addiction. The drugs and addiction twist your mind. Your dreams are lost in the process. Metallica takes the opportunity with Master of Puppets to subtly tell their fans about the dangers of drug addiction. That doesn’t mean any of them are straight and sober but Master of Puppets meaning is pretty clear. They believe that drug addiction can lead you down a road you won’t easily come back from....