So, the clips are from a Movie called Johnny Got His Gun... based on a book with the same name. Basically, a man is hit by a mortar, losing his legs, arms and pretty much his face. He is stuck in a bed, and basically can only communicate with moving his head... it's a dark, dark movie... and the book is arguably worse. but It's a very accurate depiction of what people went through and are still going through. Metallica's first four albums, most would say the best albums they have ever made all deal with a central theme from each album... for example, ride the lightning is mostly about death, and dealing with death... Master of puppets deals with a lot of mental issues, stemming from drugs, and psychosis, and my favorite album, ...And Justice For All deals with the atrocities that the governments of the world have committed and how people in power can be monsters. One is from Justice. I don't really think Metallica falls into any one category... they are a metal band.. but they have some of the best songwriting out there, and I'm really glad you guys are checking them out. there is a reason the album Master of Puppets has been inducted into the Library of Congress as a work of historical significance.
... and the book is arguably worse. Reading that book was one of the hardest things I did as a teen. But I'm glad I did get though it. Put some perspective on life, and was an important step in transforming some of that teen angst into actual thoughtfulness and life experience and being responsible for my own choices.
What I find dark is that this song is relevant no matter what era it is. The other Metallica song that is lyrically similar is called DISPOSABLE HEROES. Great song.
I wouldn’t say it’s exactly lyrically similar, but the overarching anti-war message is similar. Disposable Heroes is a fantastic song and the message about the front line soldiers being treated as “disposable property” by the commanding officers is very powerful. The lyrics in this song speak more to atrocities of the experimentation by the military doctors in keeping this man alive, convinced that he isn’t suffering because he’s in what they think is a vegetative state, when the reality is that he’s trapped in his own mind, suffering greatly.
Disposable Heroes is my favorite Metallica track. I've had several family members and friends enlist. I tried to enlist but could go because I am legally blind and couldn't pass the test. I also love BYOB by System of a Down for the same reason. The military chews up soldiers and the families have to deal with it while they cause unknown damage overseas
My little brother had to relearn how to remember.... Thats the way he describes his recovery after getting hit by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan. It's quite chilling.
BP, here is something that you are just starting to understand about heavy metal. Metal music is all about emotion. Everything from the symbolism, to the lyricism, to the instrumental track, is all designed to make you feel something. There are so many of us metalheads that view the music as pure, because there is no room for any of the crap that is prevalent among so many other genres.
@cycomiles4225 Then by that logic every single song is emotional or based off emotion. The point is that metal ABSOLUTELY makes completely mindless shit. Sure it evokes emotion, but so does all music. Even the mpst lowbrow radio pop evokes emptions about happiness and partying. It's not like metal got some kind of special formula or claim to it. I love metal too, but it's not all created equal.
@@coldcreative4601 Yeah, I just said that its still emotion. Mindless or not. Its more got to do with what OP said, because appareantly to him all metal is very deep philosophica and designed to make you feel something when ALL music is designed to make you feel something.
@@coldcreative4601 I Don't see the point of your comments, Is there emotion in most music yes. But is there really any argument that some of the most heavy emotional songs ever are from metal bands. I worked alot with stage work from security to building the set to stagehand and i can tell without a shadow of a doubt, no audience is there more for the music and it's power than metal fans.
The footage is from a Movie called Johnny Got His Gun. A film based on a young man that went to fight in WW1 and was injured by a mortar. He was left with way to communicate via morse code. Very good 1971 movie.
Something else you guys are also not talking about was that there was the Afghanistan civil war going on in 1989 through 1992. I remember having friends that had to go. So this song hit home for a lot of people in different ways. People seem to have forgotten about this war, and how many people we lost that went to go fight also, and skipped to Vietnam war, which was before and my parents and some of my older siblings, lost people in Vietnam war. Any time there's a war it causes for crazy times.
Some info about this: - "One" was released in 1988 with the 4th album of Metallica called "And Justice for All..." - The clip scenes are from the movie "Johnny Got His Gun", an American independent anti-war film from 1971 - Yes, Dave Mustaine (founder and leader of Megadeth) was originally with Metallica but got kicked out of the band because of his addiction and bad behavior before Metallica released their 1st album "Kill 'em All" back in 1983, so in Metallica's discography, Dave never appears. - Dave and Metallica are on good terms nowadays. 10 years ago they toured together in what was called "The Big Four" tour, with Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax, kings of thrash metal. HE also was part of 30 years celebration Metallica did in San Francisco with several shows.
"Fade to black" is another insanely good song from Mettalica. Try to ignore the sad meaning of the song and just concentrate on the music. It will grab your soul. Also the song ends with one of the most beautiful guitar solos ever in recording history IMO.
'Fade to Black' is my favorite Metallica song! I do get odd looks from others as a black 40-something woman when playing Metallica and System of a Down.
Everything they have done from Ride the Lightning to this album And Justice for All was 100% masterpieces. I was listening to the song And Justice for All the other day I've herd it hundreds of times when I was younger but it hit me pretty hard because of those lyrics, it's as if it was written for today
@@christallh24 I personally wouldn't place fade to black in my top three, but then again IT IS A BANGER. My top three is Master of Puppets, For Whom the Bell Tolls, One
This is how we viewed service back then, “gave his only son” I’m 54 and when I was that age that’s just what you did. Gen X, you went to work, jail or the service. That’s just what we did in those days. We were before the days of if you get your feelings hurt you can collect disability. We didn’t have safe spaces. You either grew up and got tough or you didn’t make it. As most any GenXer. That’s why we are different and kids these days can’t understand us.
I'm not a GenX kid, but not far off from it. Raised by Boomers lol! I was born in the 80s so I'm only a couple years into the "Millennial" generation, but raised in a rural area, so raised like a Gen X kid. I'm now a boss at work and God help me these kids are RIDICULOUS! And some of them are closer to my age, but the level of "give me stuff I didn't earn" is insane. And their "mental health" which is DEFINITELY important, but they hate me because I'm known for saying "well, you're going to have to learn to deal with some things you don't like. I'm sorry that is uncomfortable, but we've all been there and you'll make it. You can't take a break every time someone makes u mad or hurts your feel goods. Let's get back to work.." 😂😂 they say I'm heartless. I'm FAR from that, but I can't hold their hands all the time.
This bitterness towards the younger generation is precisely because you couldn't have what they now have. You had to get tough against your will. It was the only way to survive. But you probably can't admit to yourself that your feelings stem from jealousy. Why can't we celebrate that the younger generation have an "easier" life? (they don't, by the way) Every generation struggles in different ways. You are wrong for trying to get them to be like you. It should be that we support each other and cover for each other's weaknesses.
@datboi2479 Many people from the older generations want whats best for their kids so that they won't have to deal with what they did, but then start feeling a sense of jealousy over it. Its kind of sad really.
@@datboi2479 Oh, trust me, there is absolutely NOTHING to be jealous of. In fact, I feel so sad for the newer generations, because they will be too weak to make it once the internet dies.
@@LadyAxe13 I think we've got bigger problems than internet dying (which won't happen). So if you want to feel sad for the newer generations, be sad about the climate being obliterated by money-hungry fools in the older generation. Be sad at policies promoting hate and division, cooked up by people who should've been retired by now. Not the conveniences we share today.
@@mnbvlkjhgpoiuyt "Don't forget Rage." What about Rage? They're radical commies, the ones who love to start wars and revolutions, fomenting dissent and division among classes and races.
I remember when this video first came out. As a young 15 year old who had just started loving metal and Metallica specifically, I had never seen them knew what they looked like etc (we didn't have internet and UA-cam in 1987). Mtv was going to do their world premiere of this video at 3PM and I raced home from school on my bike to be home to watch their first video. Got home turned on my TV with a big cheesy smile as the video began and I could see my new favorite band for the first time. By the end of the video my jaw was slack, my heart was heavy and I was fighting back tears; it was so emotionally heavy and disturbing I didn't know what to say or how to feel....i was just numb for the rest of the day. Was not ready for that. That had a profound effect on me. I saw them live many times on their Black album days from 1991 - 1994 and their live performance of this song was just epic!
One was off the And Justice For All Album in 88. I was excited to hear you guys react to it. I don’t think it was based off a real event but more a “what if”. Metallica wrote on a lot of issues, anti-war, addiction, depression, religion, and much more. Their music redefined heavy metal and still stands the test of time. I watched them last night in St Louis and they are just as good as they ever were. I would recommend a Metallica rabbit hole( next song Master of Puppets featured on the last season of Stranger Things).
I was in boot camp when the album dropped. The only skirmish the US had been in was Grenada, about 5- 6 years prior. There were no conflicts on the horizon. First Gulf War would drop about two years after the release. I believe this song and a few others were banned by the Armed Forces Radio Network. Also, I didn't see it mentioned, the author of the book and he also directed the movie, was blacklisted from Hollywood because the movie came out during the Vietnam War and was seen as anti-war commie propaganda. Yea, that was still a thing in Government. I will say that the choice of Jesus being played by Donald Sutherland is excellent. Johnny Got His Gun, by Dalton Trumbo.
It's based on a book, but the book was loosely based on real events. It combined the lives of two WW1 soldiers into one story. One of them was so horribly mutilated that nobody in the army dared to confront his family, so they kept him in a hospital in secret for months. The other one had lost all ability to communicate.
Metallica's songwriting is exquisite and I think vastly underrated outside of the rock community. This is not their only song critical of the war machine and the treatment of veterans. Their songs are usually very multilayered. Great reaction.
exquisite???? you clearly are not a musician. Their songwriting is basic at best and is covered up by over production. This is what really annoys me about people who like Metallica
The title itself is the entire story. One. A story about sensory deprivation. No arms. No legs. No sight, no sound, no smell, no voice, no input from the outside world... except pain. What would the mind do to itself? No longer part of the herd ( or the heard) We are social animals. What would it be like to be ultimately ostracized. Never to return but continue to exist only in your mind.
Aside from the messages about war and returning soldiers, this song raises some really interesting questions about how we implement knowledge or technology (the ground breaking surgery performed at the beginning) without understanding the real life consequences. It also looks at the idea of preservation of life regardless of the quality of that life, demonstrated when the nurse is prevented from killing the man and ending his horror. I also really like how they point out the stupidity of people when the man is unable to define what democracy is, but is adamant that he'd send his only son to fight and die for it. Some really I interesting ideas in this song. Special shout out to all those people who think metal is just noise ✌️
The genius is how they tell the story with the music as well. It starts off melodic and begins to get faster as he starts to become more angry and frustrated. When they start getting into it the drums sounds like gunfire in the guitar solo has a chaotic sound to it as if his mind is spiraling out of control
And justice for all is an amazing album. It basically speaks to the fact that freedom of speech, the planet, and what we think can't be taken from us absolutely can and is. ❤
Being a MASSIVE Metallica fan, their sopngwriting and lyrics were so not appreciated enough just because it was not mainstream "pop" music. Their old stuff (Cliff Burton years R.I.P.) was insanely deep if you just allowed yourself to hear the messages they were handing out. As a teen back then I loved their sound (cruchy-ness) and as my dumbass matured their songs really sank in and I got to fall back in love with them all over again. Another war song is Disposable Heroes and really sinks into teeth into how soldiers are viewed by the gov'ment. Stuff hits hard on so many levels.
I'm 31 and I enjoy a lot of Metallica but One has always been my favorite not only because of how beautifully they build the entire song but actually because of how horrifying the lyrics are if you picture yourself as that man. As much as I love the music video I prefer listening to it without all the soundbites I have it on wax. But I know it may help some people understand what the song is about.
Hard to appreciate songs that are (stolen) written by other people that aren't credited (Dave Mustain) or nearly 3 albums of songs left behind by the only other member with any real talent, Cliff Burton, before he passed away.
Let me guess your a Megadeath fan. He wrote 4 songs for them for the first album. "The Four Horsemen" (Originally written by Mustaine as "The Mechanix") "Jump in the Fire" (Co-written by Mustaine) "Phantom Lord" (Co-written by Mustaine) "Metal Militia" (Co-written by Mustaine) Go back to enjoying your RP GTA@@scottw5253
One is very much an anti-war theme and is based on "Johnny Got His Guns". You nailed it. Im an old school (46 year old) hip-hop, rap, pop guy that heard metallica for the first time in the late 80s and they blew me away. I was forever converted into a metal-head. And props for knowing the Dave Mustain story. Not many people know he was a huge part of writing "Kill em all". Enjoying the reactions guys. Keep it going!
As it stands......this has to be one of if not the greatest metal song ever done. The video is powerful as hell, as are the lyrics. And that is the true definition of Heavy Metal. Especially from the 80's. There was a message to it. Underlying meanings, symbolism, the way the drums hit, the guitar is played......there is as much power in it as almost any other music of the time. There has been nothing I know of to be as emotionally grabbing as Heavy Metal. Particularly from the time of this song's release. You should listen to the entire album. Metallica: And Justice For All (1988) And then go backwards. Master Of Puppets Ride the Lightning Kill 'Em All
I was 11 when this song came out. They played this video on the TV. My sister video taped it, and we watched it over and over. It really touched me and I've loved Metallica since. I was just talking about this yesterday and woke up this morning here you are reacting. And seeing it freak you out! It's like being a kid and seeing it for the first time again! Loved it, thank you ❤❤❤
There is a version of this music video that eliminates the movie footage and voiceovers and is just them doing the performance of the song. I only recall seeing it on MTV a couple times in that format, though... so this version is the one everyone remembers so well.
@KabukiKid yeah. We didn't have MTV in NZ back in those days, just locally made music programs. I remember seeing the other version too but this one was the first I saw and the one that made the impact!
Fade to Black from the Ride the lightning album is masterclass, as well as all 4 instrumental songs: Anestesia(Pulling Teeth), The Call f Ktulu, Orion, and To Live is to Die
If you want to see metallica in their prime live, i suggest their concert in seattle of 89, they play alot of their hits including one. But i suggest checking out Battery and Blackened as im sure most Metallica fans would agree.
The S&M version is something else again - Symphony & Metallica! Even my 82yo father, veteran of WW2 invasion of Singapore by the Japanese and then back to Leyte and Lingayen Gulf (naval battles, kamikazes....), appreciated this song. First perfomance of this song I recall was January 20 1989. The video was made December 7th 1988 - choice of date is obvious.
One of my favourite songs by my favourite band. I'm not even really a heavy metal fan, but some of Metallica's stuff is just beyond beautiful. I have a preferred way of introducing this song to people - start off with just the audio (or lyric video), as I find all the stuff going on in the background can be a bit distracting and confusing at first, and you kinda miss how beautiful the actual music is. Then once you've heard it through, watch this video, to understand exactly what they're trying to get across. And then lastly, watch their (original) S&M version of it, which is just spectacular.
I was never a metal fan but know this came out in 88 cuz every Iroc Z and GT 5.0 would have this blaring in our HS parking lot.... I appreciate this song a lot more now than I did back then and Metallica in general. It was so great to see Metallica have Floor Jansen (Nightwish) open for them in April w/ their Amsterdam show
Every time I watch this video the thing that always pops into my head is that this is a voice for the silent. And a look into the depths of a how dark a person's mind can go. But on a lighter note.. Bro still pauses on solo. Lol
I was in high school mid-80's when Metallica came out. IMO their first 3 albums, with Cliff Burton on bass, were their best: Kill E'm All, Ride The Lightening, Master of Puppets. ANYTHING off those first 3 is dynamite!!!
totally agreed, they were a great thrash metal band but after the black album i lost any interest...that and the fact that Lars is a complete joke to anyone in rock and his whining about people stealing his music while lounging around his swimming pool in his million dollar mansion ...
@@planetcampervanwithout Lars pushing James to kick Dave out of the band we wouldn't have Megadeth. So we should all at least be somewhat happy that Lars is a whiny child.
The book is Johnny Got His Gun by Dalton Trumbo. It was briefly banned after Pearl Harbour because of it's anti-war theme. Trumbo also wrote the screenplay for the movie so it's a very good adaptation. I won't get in to spoilers, but it's a mind blowing book AND movie. I would read the book first, but either is an experience.
I grew up watching Friday the 13th, Nightmare on Elm Street, Texas Chainsaw Massacre and other slasher demonic horror movies. Never feared any of them. I happen to catch “Johnny Got His Gun” one weekend and it scared the crap out of me. Being trapped in your own mind. No legs, arms, sight, hearing or ability to speak. One came out a few years later.
I am right there with you. Johnny Got His Gun was shown on channel 2 when I was a youngster and thought it was going to be a typical war movie. The book and movie hit hard no matter what decade you see/read them. Johnny Got His Gun was required reading in my high school as well, one of the best anti-war stories ever and leaves a permanent mark.
As a mother that had a child in the Armed Forces today. It hits me deeper than it did the first time I heard this song years ago. Listening to this song now..... It takes on a whole new meaning. God please be with our daughters and our sons that serve in our Armed Services today ❤️
Just to pass on all the context I know on this song - the prevalent theme and message originated before WWII, but speaks and resonates so much to everyone into present day. This song in particular launched my obsession with music. "One" (late 1980's) is based on the movie Johnny Got His Gun (early 1970's), which is based on the book by the same name written by Dalton Trumbo (late 1930's). Metallica paid royalties to use parts of the movie in their video, and eventually bought the rights to the movie to stop having to do so. It's the story of a WWI soldier who lost all sensory abilities and contact to the outside world, and the dire costs of war on the individual versus society. The embodiment of the original story and movie are a testament to their talent and why Metallica continue to be powerful AND PRESENT in the music world 40 years after their origin.
One is my absolute favorite song by Metallica, the anti war sentiment and the heart wrenching story combined with those instrumentals just never gets old! The way that the base drum sounds like an artillery barrage when they transition to the bunker on the frontlines is just A+ shit. If you liked this i higly recommend watching Deep Purple - Child In Time - Live (1970)
The book "Johnny Got His Gun" was published in 1939, written by the late Dalton Trumbo. The movie was released 1971. It was also directed by Dalton Trumbo.
Lmao that always gets me when reactors do that, but if BP was a metalhead I'd be upset. The worst is when they skip it entirely then get absolutely roasted
Just in case anyone misses it, watch 12:28 again. The nurse is using a clamp to cut off the flow of air into his lungs. This would kill him within minutes if no one had intervened.
Yes that is a commonly overlooked aspect but most see the war and darkness of damages of war but there is also a Healthcare profession dark side of the person that is conscious but can't communicate or participate in reality. This is something that also happens with ALS patients and being trapped in you own body is like the ultimate in claustrophobic situations. No control over anything...... It is the perfect video to show in a medical ethics class as it shows how dark the topic can get.
@@anthonychurch726 ahhh thank you for clarifying. I always assumed it was a Dr. Telling a military man that he was in that condition because of the war. 👍
To me, this and Master of Puppets are the 2 best written rock/metal songs ever. Between the story telling. The instruments. No one was writing songs on this level, then or now. This is what shot metallica up into the stratosphere of rock royalty.
@rimskykorsakov2892 anything after the first 4 albums, I'll give you that. But those first 4 are gold. And this is just my opinion, it's not a dick. You don't have to take it so hard my guy.
I think the end piece speaks to the jingoism of how cultures will gloss over the horrors of war. Keep the home fires going. Great song and great reaction.
The production on this album was controversial. Jason Newstead was new to the band after Cliff Burton died and during mixing Lars told them to turn the bass down until they could only just hear it then turn it down a little more. There are actually a number of fan made remixes. “…. And Justice For Jason” is a good one.
My husband and I play this on guitar, I take James' part and my husband takes Kirk's part and we use the songs' backtrack... we usually play the Big 4... Anthrax- got the time.. Megadeth- gears of War. Slayer - angel of death and Metallica- One..❤❤❤❤❤ played One at our wedding too
This song is from '88. The guys were about 25 years old when they wrote this song. To me, one of the deepest songs ever and definitely timeless too. The full version still sends shivers down my spine as it's utterly wrong, sadistic and injust. The album where it's taken from is called "...and justice for all" and it's a sarcastic title.
Fuck man, this song hits me like a ton of bricks every time, no matter how many times I’ve heard it. The music video adds so much to the song. I find this to be one of the most powerful pieces of art ever created.
My Father was in WW2.. he was wounded in action... my oldest brother fought in Vietnam and was also wounded in action... my youngest brother was in Afghanistan... buried many of his brothers and came back home with bad PTSD. Daddy was in the Army... my oldest brother was in the Marines and my youngest brother was in the Air Force...
This is my favorite metallica song, the effin rock on this one, the meaning behind the lyrics, just amazing, and yes dave mustain was part of metallica thats y his name is on alot of the cds for somg writing credits, he asked them not to use his stuff but they did anyways, it was like a 20 yr beef but theyve since all became friends again, them and a bunch of other top 80s bands did a huge show a few years back all on stage togegher, it was awesome
We went into Iraq and Kuwait blaring Metallica. Disposable heroes, Fight fire with fire, One, Four horseman, Blitzkrieg etc...definitely a veteran's fav.
This is the song that got me into Metallica as a kid. I heard One on a mad loud stereo system with subs, and the guitars and rhythm just ripped right through my misconceptions and set me straight on the path of lifelong rocknroll addict and multi-instrumentalist.
Was a young kid when MuchMusic/MusiquePlus came on tv. Became the soundtrack/background of my childhood. Metallica's One mv and song cought my attention, trigerred my curiosity and got me into WWI-WWII History in my early teen. Metallica bought the movie rights to be able to continue showing their mv. Now, 2024, this movie/story ain't forgetten because of this song written in 1987, inspired by a movie made in 1971, based on the book of the same name written in 1939, Johnny Got his Gun, about a soldier who "survived" WWI.
I think the instruments play a lot into how the man feels. When he's coming around he's confused and waking up then as he's realizing what happened and he starts panicking the music intensifies then when the nurse puts the clamp on his breathing tube and he starts suffocating the solo hits and really expresses the frantic panic as he is dying
I was a teenager when this came out but I didn't understood english at that time so, for me, it was just an awsome song. When I got to understand the lirycs, it got way much deeper. Thanks for sharing your reaction.
i was about 5 or 6 years old when i first saw this video. It messed me up for years. Since those days my music tastes have expanded into many genres but this track still hits so hard for me personally. I am literally overjoyed youve reacted to this BP... Your the absolute man when it comes to reaction channels. Keep up this amazing work and keep being you man. your a legend at this point and from me personally i thank you so much for the work you put in here on youtube.
There is the picture of how much influential the art is. No matter of its kind. Poems. paintings, books, movies or even thrash metal songs. No TV argue of 2 politicians brings that kind of face expression like this guy had in the end of the song. So many thoughts. It is naked eye visible.
One came out in 1988 and this video was their first music video ever. The imagery is from a movie called "Johnny Got His Gun" that released in the 70s, which was based on a book from the 30s. For all intents and purposes this is in every sense an anti-war song. Discussing how disposable soldiers are in the name of democracy. All the imagery is about a solider that stepped on a landmine and lost everything. He is now trapped in his own body and simply wants to die. Thus the morse code. Which goes to the meaning of the song: The cost of war that no one likes to speak about. The battle is finished for those in power thet sent the soldiers to war, but the battles rages on within the soldiers themselves through injuries and PTSD. Metallica's song writing right here is masterful, raw and deep. Truly one of the greatest songs ever written. And so poignant for the time we are in - some 35 years later.
That guitar solo really communicates the panic and anxiety Johnny must have felt. Just brilliant. The way they use samples in this video is very much like in ambient music. Which makes sense because Johnny in the movie can't tell when he's awake and when he's dreaming and ambient was invented by a guy trying to replicate being half awake in a hospital bed with things happening around him being like a radio in another room. Just disjointed moments seeping in.
My mum was a nurse fresh out of school when Vietnam was on & she was sent. I've only had her talk about it once after many wines. A lot of people helped the poor souls who were destroyed by war but it destroyed them in turn
There is a clip from a documentary about Metallica with the drummer, Lars, talking about the production of the music video for One and a lot of the inspirational sources; the novel "Johnny Got His Gun" by Dalton Trumbo in 1929 and published late 1939. It was adapted into a movie, directed by Trumbo, of the same title in 1971. It If you are interested in hearing some of the creative process that went into this video, the name of the clip on UA-cam is: Metallica's Lars Ulrich talks about "One" (1989) [Justice Box Set DVD]
the song is about a WW1 soldier who stepped on a landmine and had his arms legs and jaw blown off and was also blind begging god to take him it was also written to about ptsd in general about the psychological and mental traumas soldiers endure
So, the clips are from a Movie called Johnny Got His Gun... based on a book with the same name. Basically, a man is hit by a mortar, losing his legs, arms and pretty much his face. He is stuck in a bed, and basically can only communicate with moving his head... it's a dark, dark movie... and the book is arguably worse. but It's a very accurate depiction of what people went through and are still going through. Metallica's first four albums, most would say the best albums they have ever made all deal with a central theme from each album... for example, ride the lightning is mostly about death, and dealing with death... Master of puppets deals with a lot of mental issues, stemming from drugs, and psychosis, and my favorite album, ...And Justice For All deals with the atrocities that the governments of the world have committed and how people in power can be monsters. One is from Justice. I don't really think Metallica falls into any one category... they are a metal band.. but they have some of the best songwriting out there, and I'm really glad you guys are checking them out. there is a reason the album Master of Puppets has been inducted into the Library of Congress as a work of historical significance.
... and the book is arguably worse.
Reading that book was one of the hardest things I did as a teen. But I'm glad I did get though it. Put some perspective on life, and was an important step in transforming some of that teen angst into actual thoughtfulness and life experience and being responsible for my own choices.
The book is definitely worse, I am not sure I finished all of it.
It's says you posted this comment 9 days ago, but the video was posted today...
@@TheUberDark It was a member video first. If you decide to become a member you get a ton of videos before they are released for everyone else.
Awesome explanation
What I find dark is that this song is relevant no matter what era it is. The other Metallica song that is lyrically similar is called DISPOSABLE HEROES. Great song.
I wouldn’t say it’s exactly lyrically similar, but the overarching anti-war message is similar. Disposable Heroes is a fantastic song and the message about the front line soldiers being treated as “disposable property” by the commanding officers is very powerful. The lyrics in this song speak more to atrocities of the experimentation by the military doctors in keeping this man alive, convinced that he isn’t suffering because he’s in what they think is a vegetative state, when the reality is that he’s trapped in his own mind, suffering greatly.
"For whom the bell tolls" is also about war.
@@robertshepard2117and also based on a book just like Creeping Death (the Bible) and One (Johnny's got his Gun)
Disposable Heroes is my favorite Metallica track. I've had several family members and friends enlist. I tried to enlist but could go because I am legally blind and couldn't pass the test. I also love BYOB by System of a Down for the same reason. The military chews up soldiers and the families have to deal with it while they cause unknown damage overseas
My little brother had to relearn how to remember....
Thats the way he describes his recovery after getting hit by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan. It's quite chilling.
"now the world is gone, im just one"
Always gives me chills
Oh, God help me...
Anyone else gets a punch in the heart whenever someone pauses over the guitar solo? 😅💔
As someone who used to play heavy metal lead guitar, and was a metallica fan, absolutely.
I know right?!!
It's like a total cock-block at the peak moment!
To be fair he has never heard it before
especially one of the greatest ones of all time lol. Nah they did good tho.
It's illegal in many countries
BP, here is something that you are just starting to understand about heavy metal. Metal music is all about emotion. Everything from the symbolism, to the lyricism, to the instrumental track, is all designed to make you feel something. There are so many of us metalheads that view the music as pure, because there is no room for any of the crap that is prevalent among so many other genres.
*Laughs in hair and glam metal*
@@coldcreative4601Are fun, lust and hedonism also not very emotionally driven things? Thats essentially what glam is. Emotion is not just sadness.
@cycomiles4225 Then by that logic every single song is emotional or based off emotion. The point is that metal ABSOLUTELY makes completely mindless shit. Sure it evokes emotion, but so does all music. Even the mpst lowbrow radio pop evokes emptions about happiness and partying. It's not like metal got some kind of special formula or claim to it. I love metal too, but it's not all created equal.
@@coldcreative4601 Yeah, I just said that its still emotion. Mindless or not. Its more got to do with what OP said, because appareantly to him all metal is very deep philosophica and designed to make you feel something when ALL music is designed to make you feel something.
@@coldcreative4601 I Don't see the point of your comments, Is there emotion in most music yes. But is there really any argument that some of the most heavy emotional songs ever are from metal bands.
I worked alot with stage work from security to building the set to stagehand and i can tell without a shadow of a doubt, no audience is there more for the music and it's power than metal fans.
The footage is from a Movie called Johnny Got His Gun. A film based on a young man that went to fight in WW1 and was injured by a mortar. He was left with way to communicate via morse code. Very good 1971 movie.
The movie was based on a book of the same name.
Good movie
A film that was based off a 1939 novel of the same name, IIRC that inspired the song “One”.
I remember watching the film years ago, found it very disturbing, have always remembered it
Something else you guys are also not talking about was that there was the Afghanistan civil war going on in 1989 through 1992. I remember having friends that had to go. So this song hit home for a lot of people in different ways. People seem to have forgotten about this war, and how many people we lost that went to go fight also, and skipped to Vietnam war, which was before and my parents and some of my older siblings, lost people in Vietnam war. Any time there's a war it causes for crazy times.
Some info about this:
- "One" was released in 1988 with the 4th album of Metallica called "And Justice for All..."
- The clip scenes are from the movie "Johnny Got His Gun", an American independent anti-war film from 1971
- Yes, Dave Mustaine (founder and leader of Megadeth) was originally with Metallica but got kicked out of the band because of his addiction and bad behavior before Metallica released their 1st album "Kill 'em All" back in 1983, so in Metallica's discography, Dave never appears.
- Dave and Metallica are on good terms nowadays. 10 years ago they toured together in what was called "The Big Four" tour, with Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax, kings of thrash metal. HE also was part of 30 years celebration Metallica did in San Francisco with several shows.
Leaving war is one thing. The war leaving us is something else. Semper Fi, and love to my fallen brothers!
Great reaction to a wonderful song, fellas.
Thank you for your service. Prayers for your healing.
Much respect from all of us who didn't have the heart to do it.
@@KNGxARK..you don't need to have a heart, you only have to be stupid enough
It's an anti war song, you have to hate it and anyone who is against the war, like in the sixties and Bob Dylan.
Hypocrisy
My late husband was tortured from ptsd after his barracks got bombed in beruit. Sadly he passed on the same day 31 years later.
You wouldn't believe that this is their very first music video. That's how good it is.
This still chills me to the bone all these years later after 100’s of listens/ views. A truly epic song. Great reaction
"Fade to black" is another insanely good song from Mettalica. Try to ignore the sad meaning of the song and just concentrate on the music. It will grab your soul. Also the song ends with one of the most beautiful guitar solos ever in recording history IMO.
'Fade to Black' is my favorite Metallica song! I do get odd looks from others as a black 40-something woman when playing Metallica and System of a Down.
Everything they have done from Ride the Lightning to this album
And Justice for All was 100% masterpieces.
I was listening to the song And Justice for All the other day I've herd it hundreds of times when I was younger but it hit me pretty hard because of those lyrics, it's as if it was written for today
Fade To Black is a certified classic 🎸
@@christallh24 I personally wouldn't place fade to black in my top three, but then again IT IS A BANGER. My top three is Master of Puppets, For Whom the Bell Tolls, One
This is how we viewed service back then, “gave his only son” I’m 54 and when I was that age that’s just what you did. Gen X, you went to work, jail or the service. That’s just what we did in those days. We were before the days of if you get your feelings hurt you can collect disability. We didn’t have safe spaces. You either grew up and got tough or you didn’t make it. As most any GenXer. That’s why we are different and kids these days can’t understand us.
I'm not a GenX kid, but not far off from it. Raised by Boomers lol! I was born in the 80s so I'm only a couple years into the "Millennial" generation, but raised in a rural area, so raised like a Gen X kid. I'm now a boss at work and God help me these kids are RIDICULOUS! And some of them are closer to my age, but the level of "give me stuff I didn't earn" is insane. And their "mental health" which is DEFINITELY important, but they hate me because I'm known for saying "well, you're going to have to learn to deal with some things you don't like. I'm sorry that is uncomfortable, but we've all been there and you'll make it. You can't take a break every time someone makes u mad or hurts your feel goods. Let's get back to work.." 😂😂 they say I'm heartless. I'm FAR from that, but I can't hold their hands all the time.
This bitterness towards the younger generation is precisely because you couldn't have what they now have. You had to get tough against your will. It was the only way to survive. But you probably can't admit to yourself that your feelings stem from jealousy. Why can't we celebrate that the younger generation have an "easier" life? (they don't, by the way) Every generation struggles in different ways. You are wrong for trying to get them to be like you. It should be that we support each other and cover for each other's weaknesses.
@datboi2479 Many people from the older generations want whats best for their kids so that they won't have to deal with what they did, but then start feeling a sense of jealousy over it. Its kind of sad really.
@@datboi2479 Oh, trust me, there is absolutely NOTHING to be jealous of. In fact, I feel so sad for the newer generations, because they will be too weak to make it once the internet dies.
@@LadyAxe13 I think we've got bigger problems than internet dying (which won't happen). So if you want to feel sad for the newer generations, be sad about the climate being obliterated by money-hungry fools in the older generation. Be sad at policies promoting hate and division, cooked up by people who should've been retired by now. Not the conveniences we share today.
You have just witnesses the best anti-war song ever written. Rooster by Alice In Chains is another timeless masterpiece.
Let’s not forget Rage Against the Machine
War pigs
@@mnbvlkjhgpoiuyt "Don't forget Rage." What about Rage? They're radical commies, the ones who love to start wars and revolutions, fomenting dissent and division among classes and races.
Which.part of ONE is anti-war?
I think The Band Played Waltzing Mathilda is a good one too.
I remember when this video first came out. As a young 15 year old who had just started loving metal and Metallica specifically, I had never seen them knew what they looked like etc (we didn't have internet and UA-cam in 1987). Mtv was going to do their world premiere of this video at 3PM and I raced home from school on my bike to be home to watch their first video. Got home turned on my TV with a big cheesy smile as the video began and I could see my new favorite band for the first time.
By the end of the video my jaw was slack, my heart was heavy and I was fighting back tears; it was so emotionally heavy and disturbing I didn't know what to say or how to feel....i was just numb for the rest of the day. Was not ready for that. That had a profound effect on me. I saw them live many times on their Black album days from 1991 - 1994 and their live performance of this song was just epic!
One was off the And Justice For All Album in 88. I was excited to hear you guys react to it. I don’t think it was based off a real event but more a “what if”. Metallica wrote on a lot of issues, anti-war, addiction, depression, religion, and much more. Their music redefined heavy metal and still stands the test of time. I watched them last night in St Louis and they are just as good as they ever were. I would recommend a Metallica rabbit hole( next song Master of Puppets featured on the last season of Stranger Things).
It’s based on a book, which this film was based on. Metallica bought the right to the film to use it in the video
Yes, "Johhny got his gun", by Dalton Trumbo.
I was in boot camp when the album dropped. The only skirmish the US had been in was Grenada, about 5- 6 years prior. There were no conflicts on the horizon. First Gulf War would drop about two years after the release. I believe this song and a few others were banned by the Armed Forces Radio Network. Also, I didn't see it mentioned, the author of the book and he also directed the movie, was blacklisted from Hollywood because the movie came out during the Vietnam War and was seen as anti-war commie propaganda. Yea, that was still a thing in Government. I will say that the choice of Jesus being played by Donald Sutherland is excellent. Johnny Got His Gun, by Dalton Trumbo.
It's based on a book, but the book was loosely based on real events. It combined the lives of two WW1 soldiers into one story. One of them was so horribly mutilated that nobody in the army dared to confront his family, so they kept him in a hospital in secret for months. The other one had lost all ability to communicate.
what is stranger things,or you mean st.anger
Metallica's songwriting is exquisite and I think vastly underrated outside of the rock community. This is not their only song critical of the war machine and the treatment of veterans. Their songs are usually very multilayered. Great reaction.
Yep! Disposable Heros, is another excellent song from them that's antiwar! I love that song as well!
exquisite???? you clearly are not a musician. Their songwriting is basic at best and is covered up by over production. This is what really annoys me about people who like Metallica
Why does that comment say 10 days ago ? Lol
The title itself is the entire story. One. A story about sensory deprivation. No arms. No legs. No sight, no sound, no smell, no voice, no input from the outside world... except pain. What would the mind do to itself? No longer part of the herd ( or the heard) We are social animals. What would it be like to be ultimately ostracized. Never to return but continue to exist only in your mind.
@@91GT347 Because it released to members 10 days ago.
Aside from the messages about war and returning soldiers, this song raises some really interesting questions about how we implement knowledge or technology (the ground breaking surgery performed at the beginning) without understanding the real life consequences. It also looks at the idea of preservation of life regardless of the quality of that life, demonstrated when the nurse is prevented from killing the man and ending his horror. I also really like how they point out the stupidity of people when the man is unable to define what democracy is, but is adamant that he'd send his only son to fight and die for it. Some really I interesting ideas in this song. Special shout out to all those people who think metal is just noise ✌️
The genius is how they tell the story with the music as well. It starts off melodic and begins to get faster as he starts to become more angry and frustrated. When they start getting into it the drums sounds like gunfire in the guitar solo has a chaotic sound to it as if his mind is spiraling out of control
I say it again.. This should be listened alone in a dark room with NO distractions. Masterpiece. Fell it.
Imagine it. Live it.
And justice for all is an amazing album. It basically speaks to the fact that freedom of speech, the planet, and what we think can't be taken from us absolutely can and is. ❤
Being a MASSIVE Metallica fan, their sopngwriting and lyrics were so not appreciated enough just because it was not mainstream "pop" music. Their old stuff (Cliff Burton years R.I.P.) was insanely deep if you just allowed yourself to hear the messages they were handing out. As a teen back then I loved their sound (cruchy-ness) and as my dumbass matured their songs really sank in and I got to fall back in love with them all over again. Another war song is Disposable Heroes and really sinks into teeth into how soldiers are viewed by the gov'ment. Stuff hits hard on so many levels.
I'm 31 and I enjoy a lot of Metallica but One has always been my favorite not only because of how beautifully they build the entire song but actually because of how horrifying the lyrics are if you picture yourself as that man. As much as I love the music video I prefer listening to it without all the soundbites I have it on wax. But I know it may help some people understand what the song is about.
Hard to appreciate songs that are (stolen) written by other people that aren't credited (Dave Mustain) or nearly 3 albums of songs left behind by the only other member with any real talent, Cliff Burton, before he passed away.
Let me guess your a Megadeath fan. He wrote 4 songs for them for the first album.
"The Four Horsemen" (Originally written by Mustaine as "The Mechanix")
"Jump in the Fire" (Co-written by Mustaine)
"Phantom Lord" (Co-written by Mustaine)
"Metal Militia" (Co-written by Mustaine)
Go back to enjoying your RP GTA@@scottw5253
@@scottw5253do you have mental retardation?
One is very much an anti-war theme and is based on "Johnny Got His Guns". You nailed it. Im an old school (46 year old) hip-hop, rap, pop guy that heard metallica for the first time in the late 80s and they blew me away. I was forever converted into a metal-head. And props for knowing the Dave Mustain story. Not many people know he was a huge part of writing "Kill em all". Enjoying the reactions guys. Keep it going!
As it stands......this has to be one of if not the greatest metal song ever done.
The video is powerful as hell, as are the lyrics.
And that is the true definition of Heavy Metal. Especially from the 80's. There was a message to it. Underlying meanings, symbolism, the way the drums hit, the guitar is played......there is as much power in it as almost any other music of the time. There has been nothing I know of to be as emotionally grabbing as Heavy Metal. Particularly from the time of this song's release.
You should listen to the entire album.
Metallica: And Justice For All (1988)
And then go backwards.
Master Of Puppets
Ride the Lightning
Kill 'Em All
I think No Leaf Clover is their best but this was the song that made me love them.
I was 11 when this song came out. They played this video on the TV. My sister video taped it, and we watched it over and over. It really touched me and I've loved Metallica since. I was just talking about this yesterday and woke up this morning here you are reacting. And seeing it freak you out! It's like being a kid and seeing it for the first time again! Loved it, thank you ❤❤❤
There is a version of this music video that eliminates the movie footage and voiceovers and is just them doing the performance of the song. I only recall seeing it on MTV a couple times in that format, though... so this version is the one everyone remembers so well.
@KabukiKid yeah. We didn't have MTV in NZ back in those days, just locally made music programs. I remember seeing the other version too but this one was the first I saw and the one that made the impact!
Fade to Black from the Ride the lightning album is masterclass, as well as all 4 instrumental songs: Anestesia(Pulling Teeth), The Call f Ktulu, Orion, and To Live is to Die
If you want to see metallica in their prime live, i suggest their concert in seattle of 89, they play alot of their hits including one. But i suggest checking out Battery and Blackened as im sure most Metallica fans would agree.
100% anything from the Seattle 89 show is fire. The energy is insane, and Metallica are at the peak of their powers.
had have been the Justice tour. it's not my favorite album, but the concerts on that tour outstanding. they played tons of old stuff.
The S&M version is something else again - Symphony & Metallica! Even my 82yo father, veteran of WW2 invasion of Singapore by the Japanese and then back to Leyte and Lingayen Gulf (naval battles, kamikazes....), appreciated this song. First perfomance of this song I recall was January 20 1989. The video was made December 7th 1988 - choice of date is obvious.
This song is heart wrenching enough, but the video is a gut punch
first rule, never pause during a guitar solo!!!
One of those times where the lyrics are as strong as the music in metal.
The album this track was from "And Justice For All" as well as "Mater Of Puppets" are fucking brilliant. One is from the late 80's.
It’s about time the rap and new generations finally hear real music and musicians that really put their souls into their music……
One of my favourite songs by my favourite band. I'm not even really a heavy metal fan, but some of Metallica's stuff is just beyond beautiful. I have a preferred way of introducing this song to people - start off with just the audio (or lyric video), as I find all the stuff going on in the background can be a bit distracting and confusing at first, and you kinda miss how beautiful the actual music is. Then once you've heard it through, watch this video, to understand exactly what they're trying to get across. And then lastly, watch their (original) S&M version of it, which is just spectacular.
Pre Black album Metallica is my fav Metallica. I remember seeing this video for the first time on MTV
I was never a metal fan but know this came out in 88 cuz every Iroc Z and GT 5.0 would have this blaring in our HS parking lot.... I appreciate this song a lot more now than I did back then and Metallica in general. It was so great to see Metallica have Floor Jansen (Nightwish) open for them in April w/ their Amsterdam show
LOL, i was in one of the 5.0s blasting One in the parking lot after school.
As I said before, this my first experience on your channel.... you have very good sound quality, thank you for that :)
Every time I watch this video the thing that always pops into my head is that this is a voice for the silent. And a look into the depths of a how dark a person's mind can go.
But on a lighter note.. Bro still pauses on solo. Lol
I've been a Metallica fan since I first saw this video years ago, when I was on active duty. It's still hard to watch and think about.
I was in high school mid-80's when Metallica came out. IMO their first 3 albums, with Cliff Burton on bass, were their best: Kill E'm All, Ride The Lightening, Master of Puppets. ANYTHING off those first 3 is dynamite!!!
totally agreed, they were a great thrash metal band but after the black album i lost any interest...that and the fact that Lars is a complete joke to anyone in rock and his whining about people stealing his music while lounging around his swimming pool in his million dollar mansion ...
@@planetcampervan agreed!
@@planetcampervanwithout Lars pushing James to kick Dave out of the band we wouldn't have Megadeth. So we should all at least be somewhat happy that Lars is a whiny child.
This is one of my favorite songs of all time it hits home hard as a War Veteran!
The book is Johnny Got His Gun by Dalton Trumbo. It was briefly banned after Pearl Harbour because of it's anti-war theme. Trumbo also wrote the screenplay for the movie so it's a very good adaptation. I won't get in to spoilers, but it's a mind blowing book AND movie. I would read the book first, but either is an experience.
This song and story telling was brilliance on another level. It’s said “war is young men dying and old men talking”
I grew up watching Friday the 13th, Nightmare on Elm Street, Texas Chainsaw Massacre and other slasher demonic horror movies. Never feared any of them.
I happen to catch “Johnny Got His Gun” one weekend and it scared the crap out of me. Being trapped in your own mind. No legs, arms, sight, hearing or ability to speak.
One came out a few years later.
I am right there with you. Johnny Got His Gun was shown on channel 2 when I was a youngster and thought it was going to be a typical war movie. The book and movie hit hard no matter what decade you see/read them. Johnny Got His Gun was required reading in my high school as well, one of the best anti-war stories ever and leaves a permanent mark.
one of my favorite Metallica songs - the video with the voice samples makes it even more special
Never pause during a guitar solo
As a mother that had a child in the Armed Forces today. It hits me deeper than it did the first time I heard this song years ago. Listening to this song now..... It takes on a whole new meaning. God please be with our daughters and our sons that serve in our Armed Services today ❤️
Just to pass on all the context I know on this song - the prevalent theme and message originated before WWII, but speaks and resonates so much to everyone into present day. This song in particular launched my obsession with music. "One" (late 1980's) is based on the movie Johnny Got His Gun (early 1970's), which is based on the book by the same name written by Dalton Trumbo (late 1930's). Metallica paid royalties to use parts of the movie in their video, and eventually bought the rights to the movie to stop having to do so. It's the story of a WWI soldier who lost all sensory abilities and contact to the outside world, and the dire costs of war on the individual versus society.
The embodiment of the original story and movie are a testament to their talent and why Metallica continue to be powerful AND PRESENT in the music world 40 years after their origin.
Really great breakdown and discussion. Always welcome people expanding their horizons and working to understand something new.
One is my absolute favorite song by Metallica, the anti war sentiment and the heart wrenching story combined with those instrumentals just never gets old! The way that the base drum sounds like an artillery barrage when they transition to the bunker on the frontlines is just A+ shit. If you liked this i higly recommend watching Deep Purple - Child In Time - Live (1970)
The book "Johnny Got His Gun" was published in 1939, written by the late Dalton Trumbo.
The movie was released 1971. It was also directed by Dalton Trumbo.
paused on a solo
Lmao that always gets me when reactors do that, but if BP was a metalhead I'd be upset. The worst is when they skip it entirely then get absolutely roasted
It’s the equivalent of pulling out early 😂
I still tear up more often than not when watching this video.
For a similarly themed and equally strong song, check out a lyric vid for their masterpiece Disposable Heroes.
Just in case anyone misses it, watch 12:28 again.
The nurse is using a clamp to cut off the flow of air into his lungs. This would kill him within minutes if no one had intervened.
The most profound line for me was the Dr. Saying to the Colonel "He's a product of your profession, not mine"
But it was the doc's profession that kept him trapped inside himself incapable of living unable to die.
Yes that is a commonly overlooked aspect but most see the war and darkness of damages of war but there is also a Healthcare profession dark side of the person that is conscious but can't communicate or participate in reality. This is something that also happens with ALS patients and being trapped in you own body is like the ultimate in claustrophobic situations. No control over anything...... It is the perfect video to show in a medical ethics class as it shows how dark the topic can get.
@@anthonychurch726 ahhh thank you for clarifying. I always assumed it was a Dr. Telling a military man that he was in that condition because of the war. 👍
This is a timeless Classic, period.
To me, this and Master of Puppets are the 2 best written rock/metal songs ever. Between the story telling. The instruments. No one was writing songs on this level, then or now. This is what shot metallica up into the stratosphere of rock royalty.
Iron Maiden
Nightwish
could name 20 more but, EPICA
you are talking absolute nonsense. they are very poor song writers basic in the extreme.
@rimskykorsakov2892 anything after the first 4 albums, I'll give you that. But those first 4 are gold. And this is just my opinion, it's not a dick. You don't have to take it so hard my guy.
This song is a masterpiece and i love how it starts as a fairly slow ballad then goes into over drive as the song progresses.
Omg don't stop it in the middle of a guitar solo 🤦
And UA-cam put an ad at the pause!
rappers don't seem to audibly understand solos, they think it's just noise... not used to hearing real instruments
💯%
How can you not know it? Oh yeah you like shit
@@controlZchanneltrue. They don’t like music, they like relatable poetry.
I think the end piece speaks to the jingoism of how cultures will gloss over the horrors of war. Keep the home fires going. Great song and great reaction.
The production on this album was controversial. Jason Newstead was new to the band after Cliff Burton died and during mixing Lars told them to turn the bass down until they could only just hear it then turn it down a little more. There are actually a number of fan made remixes. “…. And Justice For Jason” is a good one.
The gating on the snare is so incredibly epic.
My husband and I play this on guitar, I take James' part and my husband takes Kirk's part and we use the songs' backtrack... we usually play the Big 4... Anthrax- got the time.. Megadeth- gears of War. Slayer - angel of death and Metallica- One..❤❤❤❤❤ played One at our wedding too
This song is from '88. The guys were about 25 years old when they wrote this song. To me, one of the deepest songs ever and definitely timeless too. The full version still sends shivers down my spine as it's utterly wrong, sadistic and injust.
The album where it's taken from is called "...and justice for all" and it's a sarcastic title.
Fuck man, this song hits me like a ton of bricks every time, no matter how many times I’ve heard it. The music video adds so much to the song. I find this to be one of the most powerful pieces of art ever created.
My Father was in WW2.. he was wounded in action... my oldest brother fought in Vietnam and was also wounded in action... my youngest brother was in Afghanistan... buried many of his brothers and came back home with bad PTSD. Daddy was in the Army... my oldest brother was in the Marines and my youngest brother was in the Air Force...
What's overlooked (understandably) is the banging instrumentals, because the lyrics are so awesome
I saw Metallica in 1982 at a bar in Colorado springs Colorado that held 300 people maximum. Metallica are truly Prophets in almost all of their music
So glad to see your reaction to this. I grew up with metal so i know this well.
I love when the guy speaking says I can’t tell if I’m alive and dreaming or dead and remembering.
Awesome reaction, thanks Gents 🙏🦉❤️🐊👍
This is my favorite metallica song, the effin rock on this one, the meaning behind the lyrics, just amazing, and yes dave mustain was part of metallica thats y his name is on alot of the cds for somg writing credits, he asked them not to use his stuff but they did anyways, it was like a 20 yr beef but theyve since all became friends again, them and a bunch of other top 80s bands did a huge show a few years back all on stage togegher, it was awesome
We went into Iraq and Kuwait blaring Metallica. Disposable heroes, Fight fire with fire, One, Four horseman, Blitzkrieg etc...definitely a veteran's fav.
This is the song that got me into Metallica as a kid. I heard One on a mad loud stereo system with subs, and the guitars and rhythm just ripped right through my misconceptions and set me straight on the path of lifelong rocknroll addict and multi-instrumentalist.
Was a young kid when MuchMusic/MusiquePlus came on tv. Became the soundtrack/background of my childhood. Metallica's One mv and song cought my attention, trigerred my curiosity and got me into WWI-WWII History in my early teen. Metallica bought the movie rights to be able to continue showing their mv. Now, 2024, this movie/story ain't forgetten because of this song written in 1987, inspired by a movie made in 1971, based on the book of the same name written in 1939, Johnny Got his Gun, about a soldier who "survived" WWI.
I think the instruments play a lot into how the man feels. When he's coming around he's confused and waking up then as he's realizing what happened and he starts panicking the music intensifies then when the nurse puts the clamp on his breathing tube and he starts suffocating the solo hits and really expresses the frantic panic as he is dying
This is why i love metal, the music has just as big of a story as the lyrics.
I heard this song when I was 8 and I've been a metalhead since. 🤘
History will repeat and repeat… anything with a true message will reverberate throughout time.
I was a teenager when this came out but I didn't understood english at that time so, for me, it was just an awsome song. When I got to understand the lirycs, it got way much deeper. Thanks for sharing your reaction.
Thats the same look on all of our faces the night this song and video debut. Jaw dropping.
i was about 5 or 6 years old when i first saw this video. It messed me up for years. Since those days my music tastes have expanded into many genres but this track still hits so hard for me personally. I am literally overjoyed youve reacted to this BP... Your the absolute man when it comes to reaction channels. Keep up this amazing work and keep being you man. your a legend at this point and from me personally i thank you so much for the work you put in here on youtube.
There is the picture of how much influential the art is. No matter of its kind. Poems. paintings, books, movies or even thrash metal songs. No TV argue of 2 politicians brings that kind of face expression like this guy had in the end of the song. So many thoughts. It is naked eye visible.
Ive seen Metallica 5 times they're so incredible live OMG I'm at woman who loves a lot of music genres and I have enjoyed watching your reaction.❤
Extreme, Rest in Peace is a good one on the topic of war
I love how you guys were mesmerized by this video.
I saw this when it first played on MTV. Way back when. And still todayim wowed this song.
Just saw Metallica live last weekend, they did One as well and man it hits even harder live
Hey, I was at that concert as well! Metallica still puts on one hell of a show.
One came out in 1988 and this video was their first music video ever. The imagery is from a movie called "Johnny Got His Gun" that released in the 70s, which was based on a book from the 30s. For all intents and purposes this is in every sense an anti-war song. Discussing how disposable soldiers are in the name of democracy. All the imagery is about a solider that stepped on a landmine and lost everything. He is now trapped in his own body and simply wants to die. Thus the morse code. Which goes to the meaning of the song: The cost of war that no one likes to speak about. The battle is finished for those in power thet sent the soldiers to war, but the battles rages on within the soldiers themselves through injuries and PTSD. Metallica's song writing right here is masterful, raw and deep. Truly one of the greatest songs ever written. And so poignant for the time we are in - some 35 years later.
Hands down one of the greatest metal songs of all time. and justice for all is an epic album.
Definitely their best work ❤❤❤
Finally more Metallica! More please!
Thanks guys! I requested this on the comments of your first Metallica reaction. Probably not the reason you did this but thank anyway :)
That guitar solo really communicates the panic and anxiety Johnny must have felt. Just brilliant.
The way they use samples in this video is very much like in ambient music. Which makes sense because Johnny in the movie can't tell when he's awake and when he's dreaming and ambient was invented by a guy trying to replicate being half awake in a hospital bed with things happening around him being like a radio in another room. Just disjointed moments seeping in.
My mum was a nurse fresh out of school when Vietnam was on & she was sent. I've only had her talk about it once after many wines. A lot of people helped the poor souls who were destroyed by war but it destroyed them in turn
Saw it in 89. Back when it was all general admission. Still one if my favorite shows.
There is a clip from a documentary about Metallica with the drummer, Lars, talking about the production of the music video for One and a lot of the inspirational sources; the novel "Johnny Got His Gun" by Dalton Trumbo in 1929 and published late 1939. It was adapted into a movie, directed by Trumbo, of the same title in 1971. It
If you are interested in hearing some of the creative process that went into this video, the name of the clip on UA-cam is:
Metallica's Lars Ulrich talks about "One" (1989) [Justice Box Set DVD]
the look of disgust on your face about war in general says it all.
no words needed.
the song is about a WW1 soldier who stepped on a landmine and had his arms legs and jaw blown off and was also blind begging god to take him it was also written to about ptsd in general about the psychological and mental traumas soldiers endure
I just got to see them perform this song live when they were in Detroit last month.. It hits even harder when you hear it in person..
This was released back when i was a teenager, maybe 88- 89. It was a pretty heavy song and one that hung with me over the year's .