just a few months after this song came out i was in a car wreck, broke my neck and both sides of my jaw, i was completely paralyzed from the neck down, had my head in traction so i couldn't move my head at all, my jaw was wired shut but i also had a trake which was a hole in my neck where they could run tubes to my lungs and when you have that you can't make any sound with your mouth. so i couldn't talk, i couldn't even silently "mouth" words, couldn't nod or shake my head, couldn't even point or use hand gestures, my only way to communicate was to blink once for yes twice for no, i could still hear and see, but other than that i can imagine first hand exactly what that guy went through and with all that, if i had also lost my sight and hearing i would 110% been wishing and praying for death too cause that truly was a living hell
Hettfield has said in interviews that the song is about how terrifying it would be to be trapped inside your own head conscious but unable to communicate with the outside world at all. The Key lyric in the song is where the title of the song comes from "now the world is gone and I am just ONE". The whole song being about the isolation/torture this soldier is enduring due to his injuries.
It's a troubling thought. "Minds detached from an external world must be strange creatures; for, since the ground of every thought lies in the mind, such minds would be capable of the strangest combinations of ideas. We call people mad when the regulation of their conceptions no longer corresponds to the sequence of events in our regular world; for which reason a careful observation of nature, or of mathematics, is certainly the most effective specific against madness; nature is, so to speak, the guide-rope by which our thoughts are led so that they shall not wander away." - G. C. Lichtenberg (a favorite quote) -- having only the isolated world of your own thoughts is probably the meaning of hell. James Hetfield is good at writing about it.
Trapped Under Ice is another song by them that sort of deals with similar ideas of being trapped unable to move, speak, or anything, but also fully conscious and aware. That would be truly horrifying.
This is the funny thing about Metallica (who I love), when I first got into them I was looking for all this deep meaning in their songs and metaphors and stuff, but then you hear them explain in interviews and stuff and every song is just literal, it’s basically country music 🤣
this song puts the Heavy in Heavy Metal. makes me cry every time. a lot of people like to rag on Metallica, say they suck now, or they sold out, or whatever, but if this was their only good song, hell if this was the only song they ever released, it's such a significant contribution to the Arts, it would be enough, most creative people will never make anything this powerful.
He lost both legs. Both arms. And inprisoned in his mind. Cant speak. Can only think....praying to God to end his misery.🥺 i first heard this tune when i was 17. That is when Lars (drummer) became my fav drummer, & I seen them in concert 3 times. AMAZING!!
I Can Relate To This Song, Ive Been Wounded 3 Times In Combat Over A 22 Year Army Career, I'm Now A 51 Year Old Disabled Veteran, Who Lives Alone, In Pain, And With PTSD...It's Hard.
I hope one day you get everything the government and society owes you. I know it's cliché but thank you for your service. I don't know how you feel when people say that to you. A good friend of mine whos a combat vet said he doesn't really like hearing it. Hr said "I didn't really serve my country, I was used for an unnecessary agenda forced to kill and my friends died in vain. What I want is for society to understand how our modern wars in the middle east were based on lies and should have never happened" That hit me hard and still does.
"Only the dead have seen the end of war." This quote will stay with me for as long as I live. Being a former service memeber, I will always hold this song in a special place in my heart. For all my brothers and sisters!
Background on this story: the novel was , Johnnie Got His Gun, by Dalton Trumbo, later made into a movie. The soldier has lost all his limbs, his sight, hearing and speech. He is trapped inside his mind. No one knows he is conscious. The last sentence in the book, if I remember correctly, is his terrible scream that no one can hear.
There’s a new edition of the book coming out next year and I bought one. Can’t wait for it! I haven’t read it in decades, but it’s pretty powerful still.
@@MikeB12800 You still can't euthanize people in most states . It's considered animal cruelty to let a animal suffer in pain , but you have to let humans just suffer until the end.
@@XA351GTDidn’t think they were in the states, thought they were in a foreign battle area. WWI or WWII. And would have done it under cover for sympathy.
I saw this video over a hundred times before I went into the Marines. After 2 tours in Iraq, working for the government and dealing with various injuries (not as bad as this video) I can definitely say that they (the govt) loves you when your serving, and despises you when your done. As of recently, I have lost more of my comrades from suicide than from combat. I think the government wants it that way. Less $ going to a vet means more for their pockets.
I dunno man, I would fucking off myself if my actions led to dead children in the middle east. How do the vets from the vietcong era lived with themselves? lmfaoo I would have straight up shot my mate and burnt myself because I would have deserved that and more.
What??? You either don't know what the song is about yourself or you didn't even watch the video. They thought the song is about what the war has done to him as a person and they also thought that the part where he wishes for death was him saying I can't take it anymore. That is not even close to the actual story behind the song (and the video for that matter)
They didn't get it their first time lol. This isn't their first listen, they have a video on their channel called "Tool and Metallica live stream reaction" that was from months before this, where they did Enter Sandman in Moscow and One, and then they did those songs again later on claiming they were a first listen when they weren't.
@@jcon2060 it dont matter if they have heard it before or just the oe time so get your head out of your ass and listen to the reaction,And as far as metalica goes this is such an ICONIC tune,And A very real deal shit that happens to our vets that went to war for whatever reason they went for.You become a piece of meat to the military And just like it was said this is a product of your doing Not mine so dwell on that statement for a second we are all here because those Brave men And women that left thier families to protect us from tyranny much respect to those folks.On A side note My dad was in Vietnam and to this day I hear the stories from him and wake up to him screaming about what hapeened over there granted that police action as they called it killed and maimed so many men and women and completley destroyed thier lives so it dosent matter if they have heard the same tune a million times before this time they actually got what the song is all about/And understood it this time.Major props to Asia And Bj you giuys are two of a kind that show the emotion and are real about so sir/madamn pay the fuck attention to whats really happening in this song and stop hating just because you got your head up your ass
Love the reaction and how intense Asia was listening. Asia, you said that’s why people don’t want to be in the military. That’s why there is only one percent of us that serve. There is an unexplainable drive within us. I’m a disabled vet and I would do it all over again. Love how real you two are. Be blessed and have a wonderful day!
Thank you for your service, sir. I'm extremely grateful you aren't in the same condition as the young man in the video. I hope you have a long, great, and peaceful life!
To those that serve in our extraordinary military, you are amazing, HEROIC men & women!! Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, God bless you all & your families!! ❤🇺🇸❤🇺🇸❤🇺🇸
It's explainable: The greatest life is one where you stand up and become part of something bigger than yourself. We're just fleeting mortal things in a cold indifferent world, but by giving ourselves to others we make our short life mean something, at least to those we've helped. Thank you Tim.
the line, "he's a product of your profession, not mine", that was the Dr. telling that to the General, basically saying my job is to heal people, yours is to hurt and kill. As a Veteran this is a very powerful song as a lot of us left a lot of ourselves overseas whether it be physical or mentally. Another very powerful song is Wrong Side of Heaven by the band Five Finger Death Punch
The other way around actually, it was the army chaplain telling the doctor it was them that made him into what he is, not the army. Earlier in the video you hear the army guy saying that if he knew it was this bad he wouldn't have let him live on in the first place but the doctors assuring that he can't feel, think, remember or anything, basically they say he's brain dead so he's perfect to experiment on trying to keep a body alive using what we today call life support only to later find out that he was in fact not brain dead.
As non-milatary personnel dressed in military gear, I always thought that it was a medic saying that to the military cap/general (they are standing at the other side of the bed), but I do now think that it is the military saying that to the doctors. The hypocritical, projective, brass neck, scumbag thinking of such a person/entity is disgusting. It really should be the medics saying that to the milatary. In fairness though, I've not watched the movie.. Johnny got a gun?
Yes, that was the Chaplain, or "Padre" (Father) - One of the cardinal sins is killing. The war itself is a sin in the eyes of the Chaplain because of his faith, and he is an involuntary part of it
The first song by Metallica I ever heard. Crazy good and the lyrics so deep and give it up for Lars and his drumming...especially making it sound like a machine gun 🤠
There's WAY MORE to that dialog in the movie. That priest was against what the doctors were doing to him and said, " He would pray for him until his dying breath" and the doctor retorted with how cold it was coming from a man of God. The priest responded with a very rational response basically saying doctors should stop playing God
This is why military members need to be thanked and completely respected. The military fights for our freedom, our survival, our way of life. A huge shout out to our military members who are ready and willing to give their lives to fight for our freedoms and our way of life. Thank you to all military members for your time and service.
The part where the CHAPLAIN says "He's a product of your profession not mine", the doctor had asked him to speak to him. At this point in the movie he had been kept alive like this for a couple years already. The chaplain new that his faith had been challenged beyond that which any man could hold faith and didn't want to even represent the lord to this man. No arms, legs, mouth, nose or ears, like Venom would say "like a turd in the wind". The movie is Johnny Got his Gun btw, Donald Sutherland was Jesus in it. Its hard to feel sorry for yourself after seeing what this character goes through. When the nurse is pinching the breath tube shown in this video, you are preying she kills him, but the doctor stops her and he is moved to a dark room.(He through a party in his head when he first felt sunshine) And the movie ends with him still alive and suffering for god knows how long.....
On top of this it is a true statement. War and faith would have naturally sent this solider to whatever afterlife may be. As much as dying in war sucks , "death has a dignity all its own" , and it was the doctors scientific experimentation that trapped the soldier's mind in a husk of a body and has led to his ongoing torture.
@@mokane86 I was searching through the comments to see if anyone pointed that out. The young man would've died due to fighting with the military. However it was the Drs that kept him alive even though he would never again have a life. Powerful stuff.
SPOILERS BRO!!! joking lol. actually thanks i was never gonna watch that old ass movie but was curious of its overall story not enough to sit through it though, so thanks for the synopsis!
@@jackfrostpaintball Both the book and the movie are good. Personally the book is better because it jumps a lot less between “scenes” than the movie, in addition to the book being well written in my own opinion.
This song is literally about a soldier who was severely injured in war, he's paralyzed, can't see, can't talk, can't hear. He is literally trapped in his own mind. It's kind of summed up in these lyrics: Landmine has taken my sight Taken my speech Taken my hearing Taken my arms Taken my legs Taken my soul Left me with life in hell
Lots of comments on the context of the song bc it is such a powerful message. Would also like to point out the brilliance of the song arrangement. Metallica often arranged their older music in a similar way to classical music and opera. I'm not sure if I'm going to get this explanation technically correct, but if you think about classical music there are often rounds, like when we used to sing row row row your boat in music class, that I often hear in classical music and in Metallica as well... the same riff consecutively but in different keys for example. The reason why I say opera is because of the different acts that are intentionally placed to bring about specific emotions to listeners... One has always reminded me of an opera in this way.
The guy who says "he is the product of your profession, not mine" is a chaplain. He means that not even God has words to provide comfort for this wounded soldier.
Mr. Slater is a true patriot. My dad served in Vietnam as a Scout and I believe, a LRRP. It wasn't until 3 days before he died in '08 that I heard the really horrible things he saw and endured. I have always loved Metallica. I remember learning "One" and "Disposable Heroes" on guitar when I was 16 (I'm 45 now). He was kinda pissed at first listen, but he read the lyrics and listened again and understood what was being said. His answer to me- "Carry on". Thank You to all of You who have served and WELCOME HOME!
My uncle was in the Marines, the first group to be on the ground when Desert Storm began in the early 90’s. When he came back, he talked about it once, but never again. What he said I will spare you from. I think when he talked about it he was still in shock. No one really talks about it anymore, but there was a mysterious illness that affected soldiers deployed there labeled “Gulf War syndrome”. The soldiers, my uncle included, spoke of being injected with unknown substances constantly and given unidentifiable pills to take. After the unmentionable horror of what they saw and the horrible maladies they faced afterward, the government still denies gulf war syndrome is real. So there is no recognition or treatment of the lifelong suffering. Love you, uncle Michael. Glad you’ve had the strength to continue all of these years.
@@rancidcrawfish What a weird thing to comment. It's always weird to me when people comment about things they're clearly totally ignorant about. But especially when it comes to things so horrific that the commenter has never experienced. War was still very much a ground war into the mid 2000's when my god brother, Dre, was killed in Iraq in 2006. But that wasn't much of a ground war, right? So he didn't die. Desert Storm began in the VERY beginning of 1991. You don't think that was a ground war, bro? Your statement is so ignorant I would think it was trolling, but there's not anything clever or funny about it, so if you are trolling, please up your game because this is not how trolling works. If you're serious, maybe just educate yourself before you make absurd comments. And if you'd like to talk to my uncle face to face and explain your stance to him, I would welcome it wholeheartedly. Y'all could have a great debate about what combat he saw. As long as you're willing to travel to Detroit.
This was their first music video that they made. At the time 99% of music videos made by hard rock, heavy metal or even pop rock it was mainly about half naked women and not about telling a story. Thank you for getting the idea of the video. I have seen people reactions to it that didn't get it. But, I think some people need to hear the song first, because I have seen people get confused between the singing and with the dialog from the movie. Keep up with all the good reactions and being exposed to new styles of music. Music is meant to bring people together not to separate us because you like this and I like that. May God bless everyone with His love.
Two things....first, I graduated right before I turned 18. Less than a week. I'm with you on this one, Asia....I had a recruiter approach me to join the military. For shits and gigs, I took the ASVAB and he was really engaged with my performance (told me I scored a 90, don't know if that's true or if he was just shining me on) but he said I could do whatever I wanted in the military with a score like that. I told him I wanted to go into journalism or biochemistry. He said that would be perfect. Yeah, ok boss....not gonna let you build me up to just throw me wherever you guys see fit. Also, this was 2003 so what happened on 9/11 was still rather fresh (all things considered). I appreciated his admiration (whether truthful or not) but respectfully declined. He wasn't very happy with me. But to wrap this up....I'm not gonna let you control me. That's what it came down to. And second, this was Metallica's first Grammy nomination and they were slated to win. Turns out, Jethro Tull won the award and ripped the rug from underneath them. I don't know how something like that could happen but whatevs. Not saying I think either band is better than the other...but I believe everyone was shocked to see the outcome.
This was Metallica's first music video, which they were strongly against. They wanted a simple, yet darker video that got to the point. When at the time, a majority of music videos were about upbeat things like being happy, partying, and girls. It was a kind of statement from MetallicA against pretending everything's pretty in this world.
I served in the Navy for 22 years and would absolutely do it again. It is the chance we take. Thankfully we do have the VA and other means to help the VETS. To my Brothers and Sisters,,, Thank You!!!
The movie shown in the video with Jason Robards is from the movie Johnny Got His Gun about a young man who goes off to war and loses his arms, legs, ability to talk and tell people he wanted to die. After seeing what happened to those of us who have seen war and the damage it can produce it hits home.
I served in the Army years ago, I served 2 tours of duty in Iraq and 1 tour of duty in Afghanistan, and I am busted up due to the stress and physical injuries I sustained during my service.
Man, its delightful to see smart people reacting to this song, you understood the theme after the first verse! (While I saw some other people hear the whole thing and think its a suicidal song lol)
The end line “He is the product of your profession, not mine.” Is probably something every military chaplain wishes they could have said. I’d imagine giving a few hundred last rites to teenagers jades even the most dedicated.
As long as the chaplain remembers his own beliefs he will be alright. He knows in his own soul that he will see these young men again when it comes his time. I imagine the only ones that would truly trouble him are the ones that vocally rejected God on their death bed in his presence. Peace to you, sir!
Hi ya, Asia & BJ!! This song was written mainly about the PTSD that our Veteran's from all wars are going thru, some cases are worse than others. My Dad was a Staff Sergeant in the Army, he had two tours of Vietnam. He was exposed to "Agent Orange" which was a chemical that our military would crop out thru planes and helicopters to kill rodents, different kind of vegetation that was poisonous to where our ground troops would have to walk thru in the jungles of Vietnam. Well, it affected those that had to walk thru it in very, very bad medical conditions. My Dad didn't drink any alcohol after Vietnam, because of what he had seen and had to do in war. He died at the age of 45 years old, I just turned 18 when he died in Arlington, Tx. Two heart attacks, a month apart. The second one killed him. The after effeçts of Agent Orange can be hereditary too. I am 51 and have Stage 4 Renal cell carcinoma ( kidney cancer that had metastisized to another organ, which in my case was my lungs). I got better and went back to work for 9 months until the cancer spread again, this time to my brain. The hospital found a huge tumor in my brain, and had to have two brain surgeries to remove it. Was it Agent Orange that might have passed down from my Dad? I'll never know. But, I was diagnosed in 2017 and I'm still here, mainly by the grace of God, and noone could ever tell me different! I am a very positive with my situation, and try to encourage others who have cancer, thru Jesus and martial arts that I teach. Enough of my story, but love y'all's podcast, so keep them coming!! 👍😎👍 - James Ray Lake / DJ Jazzy J- Ray
People always talk about the movie but never the song at the end. Keep the Home Fires Burning was a patriotic song in Britain. The lyrics suggest something like it's stormy now but soon our soldiers will come home so make sure everything is ready for them. I believe it goes with the song and video because war in real life is not some fairy tale where soldiers come home and pick up where they left off. They're changed. Sometimes extremely so, as with the man in this video. A lot of poems touch on the disconnect between the idea of war and the reality of war, such as Dulce et Decorum Est, or "It is sweet and fitting to die for one's country."
I might be wrong… But from my understanding, this song was written, based on a true story about a soldier who stepped on a landmine and lost all his faculties. Arms, legs, hearing, site, and speech. Can you even imagine something like that??!!
This song is for all of us who raised our right hand to defend this country...... Less than 1 percent of our population volunteer for the military. this did not only go on in 1917 ... It Goes On until this Day! There are thousands of my fellow veterans who deal with catastrophic injuries..
You both nailed it. I've watched a lot of reaction videos to ONE. You got it right away. As a Vet, I have ultimate respect to those that served before me. You ever want to see people in a bad way, visit a VA hospital and maybe talk to a few of the vets there. Bless both of you.
It isn't "cold blooded". The Priest is pointing out that HIS profession would have performed the "last rights" and allowed the suffering soul to be released, hopefully into heaven, without hesitation. But YOUR (Doctor's) profession is to keep the "flesh alive" with no regard to the suffering or torment of the patient's mental stability or awareness. The Priest is the COMPASSIONATE one by pointing out the difference in their views on what is "living" and what is "dead". It is the DOCTORS who are being cold-hearted and without pity, because they constantly do whatever it takes to keep the "meat fresh". As proven by the fact that the SAME DOCTOR comes into the room and stops the nurse from granting the patient's obvious request to "end it all". The DOCTOR is the real "heartless one" in the situation because not only is he WILLING to ignore the patient's obvious request, but ALSO WILLING to FORCE the patient to ENDURE further torment by continuing to keep him plugged into the machines to keep him alive.
@@VCRider I've seen it twice, he's a priest talking to the Dr's. The Dr's are basically keeping him alive, he can't see, talk, no arms, no legs, no way to communicate and trapped inside his own mind. He's trapped in a hell he can't escape as long as they keep what's left of him alive...
@@VCRider They were both military. Which in a way would actually make him a "chaplain" than Priest. Considering that even if officially ordained as a Priest, he would have to be capable of praying/preaching for all recognized faiths. He would have to follow the military "code of conduct", but wouldn't be expected to actually fight or take part in combat situations as a combatant. More of an "administration staff" than soldier.
@@herrzimm I kinda thought it was the military brushing off their „guilt“ blaming the condition purely on the medical staff (for keeping him alive). Would’ve been a good story
Alright bud, give your keyboard a break. It's tired. Also, cut these reactors some slack. All they have seen of this movie is what is presented in the music video. How could they possibly know any of this? They are supposed to give you their initial reaction, right? Maybe I'm misinterpreting a helpful comment for an aggressive comment, idk.
Thank you for doing this video. It’s hard to watch but it’s is worth it. It’s also worth shinning a light on those who need our help the most. God Bless you two! This is the side of war people miss. People come home often broken. What I’ve seen from our wounded friends is they have this Profound Faith, and the will to recover as hard as it might be. It’s agony for them, their families, their kids, however every success is hard won by all! One story we had a friend who lost his legs below the knee and he had a baby girl. He and his daughter learned to walk at the same time. He stood as she took her first steps over to him, it was so such a beautiful moment! The other side is the soldiers who are lost within themselves. That is devastating to see. I pray everyday for them to have peace.
The soldier in the song (and movie) has been decerebrate by a landmine. Decerebration essentially means your spinal column has been severed in such a way that you are no longer able to see, hear, move etc...and the song deals with what that may "feel" like to the person it has happened to
It's the artists and musicians who really put horrors that regular citizens such as you and I never have to worry about. This war song by Metallica is definitely considered one of the greatest metal songs of all time.
Part of the creepiness of this song deals with the fact that what is happening in this song CAN happen to anyone. The name of the song comes from a quote from the book the movie used in this was based on. It basically talks about how the average guy has a one in a million chance of winning the lottery and all their life problems seemingly being easier to handle because of it OR a one in a million chance of being drafted in a war that is going to cut off everything that it means to be human for you
My dad had a stroke at 47... he was a drummer. He lost all use of his right side of his body and couldn't speak any more. This song still hits me hard. He died in a VA hospital at 50. Yeah the care they give isn't the best but I will say they at least gave him a room to himself to die in peace.
exactly, same here. It drives me nuts that people insist this was selling out. I never knew I loved metal, simply because I never heard it before. This was my introduction, and my music tastes have changed forever. One of the greatest songs ever written, IMO.
I love how you guys felt this song right away. I feel like the message of this song was lost and missed when it first came out. It's a sad song and the music is so good you almost look past the message.
Best memory I have involving this song would probably be in High School drama class; my group and I designed a short play to go along with the song. I can't remember how well we did but I do remember I enjoyed it immensely lol.
I'm really proud of you that you understand what the song is about and the man's struggle. Some, sad to say, are really oblivious to the message. I don't care what politics are behind a war. Still respect people's bravery and reasons for fighting.
As a war vet. You two hit on a lot of great points. Have friends( all family) that have been injured, lost limbs, been killed, and have succumbed to their ptsd demons. It IS a daily fight. The Va has come a long way but still falls way short. Notice at the end, the nurse takes mercy on his soul, cuts the air hose, then pushes on his chest to expel all remaining air! Everything adter is normal brain fighting, dying reactions.
There is alot to be said for your reactions ,insight,,insight, opinion. You hear 1 song,often by a band you've never heard or experienced in a musical genre that off the beaten path . In just a few minutes you go deep and fully engage it SO AWESOME! really digging your reactions and your whole vibe man....ty
The "can't tell whether this is a dream" thing was covered heavily in the book (it's written from his point of view, so you're in there with him). If you can't see, hear, or anything, locked in the dark with just your own thoughts, how would you know if you were awake or dreaming at any given moment?
Asia you got this, Wow, im impressed. I have been a huge metallica fan for over 30 years. I only just felt this song emotionally recently. You felt it straight away. Im impressed. Loving your videos. My 2nd of your videos. Looking forward to more of your vids.
Guns and Roses said it best in their song Civil War."It feeds the rich while it buries the poor,Power Hungry,selling soldiers in a human grocery store,ain't that fresh".
My father is a Vietnam vet, I have heard some pretty awful things, things he has told me when he was drinking. I can't imagine what else is there when he is sober. This song makes me think of what he went through. Physically he came home, but mentally it's a different story. and VA
This is directly to the channel. James Hatfield had his own trials and tribulations of bad times. And the song relates to his struggles with addiction. Trapped inside himself. I seen an interview on the Howard stern show about it. You guys should check it out.
Had a 22-year career in the military and I loved most of it there was some rough times but overall I would do it again if asked and now my son is in the military
When this song and vid came out it shoooook me! A true banger with a sad back story. Also...soldiers used to be known as GI's which was short for Government Issue or as BJ stated expendable.
This song is truly powerful if you listen to the studio version you just hear what the gentleman went through and stuff, then you watch the music video and it is so much more in depth and depressing
it just dawned on me.... that this can also be related to having gone through the battle of addiction and depression especially for men. Because Men are particularly isolated and left alone to struggle. Something he is familiar with...
I bought this album (yes, album) the day it came out in 1988. I had a visceral reaction to this song, once I got over hearing the first song, "Blackened."
The book this was based on was banned for a long time starting from WW2 through Vietnam. I had a copy. It’s based on WW1 and the epilogue has some sobering facts about that war.
Thank you for doing a reaction to metallica they are my favorite band one is one of my favorite songs of all time they are a great concert band the actually played that in concert along with the video background so thank you
Metal (after the self indulgent hair metal era) in general always has something to say and it's generally true, whether people like it or not. This video was banned, merely for portraying a reality.
I appreciate yall . I could see Asia was getting choked up a bit , and rightfully so . But BJ seems like the type to have your back . And vice versa . Thank yall again for your insight , your opinions and sharing your thoughts . One love !
Thanks to reaction videos like this, I am understanding Metallica’s music like never before. I love their music, it now also respect their ability to tackle issues like this. Thank you.
This video/ song combo is a straight knock-out punch. I was a young singer/songwriter the first time I saw it. I thought to myself that I would never write anything that good. And once you've seen it, you will never forget it.
This song is about the book Johnny got his gun, I read the book when I was in grade school, it was terrifying. The man could only hear, that was it. Is arms were blown off he was blinded he could not speak, the only sense he had was hearing, that was it. Stuck in his mind in a nightmare. That's what the song is about😮
I really enjoy your reactions. 62 year old meaning I was blessed to grow up in the best era of music. Some recommendations for reactions spanning three decades. “House of the rising son” by the Animals. 1964. “Carry on Wayward Son”. Kansas. 1976. “Magic Power” Triumph. 1986? And lastly “December” Collective Soul. Late 80’s. Off the hook musical 🎵 genius songs. I promise you that you will enjoy all and so will your viewers. If you like music 🎵 these are powerful bangers each in their own right. ✌️😎
just a few months after this song came out i was in a car wreck, broke my neck and both sides of my jaw, i was completely paralyzed from the neck down, had my head in traction so i couldn't move my head at all, my jaw was wired shut but i also had a trake which was a hole in my neck where they could run tubes to my lungs and when you have that you can't make any sound with your mouth. so i couldn't talk, i couldn't even silently "mouth" words, couldn't nod or shake my head, couldn't even point or use hand gestures, my only way to communicate was to blink once for yes twice for no, i could still hear and see, but other than that i can imagine first hand exactly what that guy went through and with all that, if i had also lost my sight and hearing i would 110% been wishing and praying for death too cause that truly was a living hell
It is the MOST beautiful song about human suffering I have heard in all my life.
Hettfield has said in interviews that the song is about how terrifying it would be to be trapped inside your own head conscious but unable to communicate with the outside world at all. The Key lyric in the song is where the title of the song comes from "now the world is gone and I am just ONE". The whole song being about the isolation/torture this soldier is enduring due to his injuries.
Exactly! perfectly stated
It's a troubling thought.
"Minds detached from an external world must be strange creatures; for, since the ground of every thought lies in the mind, such minds would be capable of the strangest combinations of ideas. We call people mad when the regulation of their conceptions no longer corresponds to the sequence of events in our regular world; for which reason a careful observation of nature, or of mathematics, is certainly the most effective specific against madness; nature is, so to speak, the guide-rope by which our thoughts are led so that they shall not wander away." - G. C. Lichtenberg (a favorite quote) -- having only the isolated world of your own thoughts is probably the meaning of hell. James Hetfield is good at writing about it.
Trapped Under Ice is another song by them that sort of deals with similar ideas of being trapped unable to move, speak, or anything, but also fully conscious and aware. That would be truly horrifying.
This is the funny thing about Metallica (who I love), when I first got into them I was looking for all this deep meaning in their songs and metaphors and stuff, but then you hear them explain in interviews and stuff and every song is just literal, it’s basically country music 🤣
@@KabukiKid Strange, I was just thinking that in bed before getting up this morning; Trapped under Ice and One were about the same problems and fears.
this song puts the Heavy in Heavy Metal. makes me cry every time. a lot of people like to rag on Metallica, say they suck now, or they sold out, or whatever, but if this was their only good song, hell if this was the only song they ever released, it's such a significant contribution to the Arts, it would be enough, most creative people will never make anything this powerful.
Definitely, this song alone puts them ahead of 95% of hard rock/metal bands.
He lost both legs. Both arms. And inprisoned in his mind. Cant speak. Can only think....praying to God to end his misery.🥺 i first heard this tune when i was 17. That is when Lars (drummer) became my fav drummer, & I seen them in concert 3 times. AMAZING!!
I Can Relate To This Song, Ive Been Wounded 3 Times In Combat Over A 22 Year Army Career, I'm Now A 51 Year Old Disabled Veteran, Who Lives Alone, In Pain, And With PTSD...It's Hard.
Thank you for your service. I wish you the world
Thank you for your service, you are truly appreciated 🙏
I hope one day you get everything the government and society owes you. I know it's cliché but thank you for your service. I don't know how you feel when people say that to you. A good friend of mine whos a combat vet said he doesn't really like hearing it. Hr said "I didn't really serve my country, I was used for an unnecessary agenda forced to kill and my friends died in vain. What I want is for society to understand how our modern wars in the middle east were based on lies and should have never happened"
That hit me hard and still does.
Thank you for your service. You are always remembered, never forgotten, and greatly appreciated 🙏
"Only the dead have seen the end of war." This quote will stay with me for as long as I live. Being a former service memeber, I will always hold this song in a special place in my heart. For all my brothers and sisters!
Been listening to this one for years still get chills
me too
I’m with you! I’m exactly the same way. It never fails to get under my skin
"this one" 🤣
Background on this story: the novel was , Johnnie Got His Gun, by Dalton Trumbo, later made into a movie. The soldier has lost all his limbs, his sight, hearing and speech. He is trapped inside his mind. No one knows he is conscious. The last sentence in the book, if I remember correctly, is his terrible scream that no one can hear.
So they don’t euthanize him? He just keeps existing in this state? That’s a depressing ending!
@@MikeB12800 it was bad before they realized he was all there , it was worse after they knew and did nothing
There’s a new edition of the book coming out next year and I bought one. Can’t wait for it! I haven’t read it in decades, but it’s pretty powerful still.
@@MikeB12800 You still can't euthanize people in most states . It's considered animal cruelty to let a animal suffer in pain , but you have to let humans just suffer until the end.
@@XA351GTDidn’t think they were in the states, thought they were in a foreign battle area. WWI or WWII. And would have done it under cover for sympathy.
I saw this video over a hundred times before I went into the Marines. After 2 tours in Iraq, working for the government and dealing with various injuries (not as bad as this video) I can definitely say that they (the govt) loves you when your serving, and despises you when your done. As of recently, I have lost more of my comrades from suicide than from combat. I think the government wants it that way. Less $ going to a vet means more for their pockets.
You killed children and woman for f.cken steel oil so f.ck you
there's thousands of comment here that couldn't be posted because the rest of us are speechlesly thankful
I dunno man, I would fucking off myself if my actions led to dead children in the middle east. How do the vets from the vietcong era lived with themselves? lmfaoo I would have straight up shot my mate and burnt myself because I would have deserved that and more.
@@Matty80822 We the People fight, the Government isn't the People.
You guys get it. You’d be surprised at how many reactors don’t get what’s going on in the song or the video. Good job👍🏼
Yeah some woman said I think it's about depression 😂
What??? You either don't know what the song is about yourself or you didn't even watch the video. They thought the song is about what the war has done to him as a person and they also thought that the part where he wishes for death was him saying I can't take it anymore. That is not even close to the actual story behind the song (and the video for that matter)
@@chaosssLP ok, if the song isn’t about what the war has done to him, then explain, genius!
I'm waiting for someone to comment that the double bass drums in the back half of the song are supposed to sound like machine-gun fire.
@@rikkilleen3169 I think I remember only one person who actually caught that.
Its so rare for people to really get this the first time they see it because there is so much going on. Kudos to you two
They didn't get it their first time lol. This isn't their first listen, they have a video on their channel called "Tool and Metallica live stream reaction" that was from months before this, where they did Enter Sandman in Moscow and One, and then they did those songs again later on claiming they were a first listen when they weren't.
@@opticFPV Well, that's pretty damning lol
@@jcon2060 it dont matter if they have heard it before or just the oe time so get your head out of your ass and listen to the reaction,And as far as metalica goes this is such an ICONIC tune,And A very real deal shit that happens to our vets that went to war for whatever reason they went for.You become a piece of meat to the military And just like it was said this is a product of your doing Not mine so dwell on that statement for a second we are all here because those Brave men And women that left thier families to protect us from tyranny much respect to those folks.On A side note My dad was in Vietnam and to this day I hear the stories from him and wake up to him screaming about what hapeened over there granted that police action as they called it killed and maimed so many men and women and completley destroyed thier lives so it dosent matter if they have heard the same tune a million times before this time they actually got what the song is all about/And understood it this time.Major props to Asia And Bj you giuys are two of a kind that show the emotion and are real about so sir/madamn pay the fuck attention to whats really happening in this song and stop hating just because you got your head up your ass
Love the reaction and how intense Asia was listening. Asia, you said that’s why people don’t want to be in the military. That’s why there is only one percent of us that serve. There is an unexplainable drive within us. I’m a disabled vet and I would do it all over again. Love how real you two are. Be blessed and have a wonderful day!
Thank you for your service, sir. I'm extremely grateful you aren't in the same condition as the young man in the video. I hope you have a long, great, and peaceful life!
To those that serve in our extraordinary military, you are amazing, HEROIC men & women!! Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, God bless you all & your families!! ❤🇺🇸❤🇺🇸❤🇺🇸
Semper Fi
It's explainable: The greatest life is one where you stand up and become part of something bigger than yourself.
We're just fleeting mortal things in a cold indifferent world, but by giving ourselves to others we make our short life mean something, at least to those we've helped.
Thank you Tim.
Thank you for your service!
This song is based off of the novel Johnny Got His Gun, we had the coolest history teacher who had us read the book in reference to this song.
the line, "he's a product of your profession, not mine", that was the Dr. telling that to the General, basically saying my job is to heal people, yours is to hurt and kill. As a Veteran this is a very powerful song as a lot of us left a lot of ourselves overseas whether it be physical or mentally. Another very powerful song is Wrong Side of Heaven by the band Five Finger Death Punch
The other way around actually, it was the army chaplain telling the doctor it was them that made him into what he is, not the army.
Earlier in the video you hear the army guy saying that if he knew it was this bad he wouldn't have let him live on in the first place but the doctors assuring that he can't feel, think, remember or anything, basically they say he's brain dead so he's perfect to experiment on trying to keep a body alive using what we today call life support only to later find out that he was in fact not brain dead.
As non-milatary personnel dressed in military gear, I always thought that it was a medic saying that to the military cap/general (they are standing at the other side of the bed), but I do now think that it is the military saying that to the doctors. The hypocritical, projective, brass neck, scumbag thinking of such a person/entity is disgusting. It really should be the medics saying that to the milatary.
In fairness though, I've not watched the movie.. Johnny got a gun?
@@anonitachi6966 as mathias said, is the army chaplain blaming the doctors for keeping him alive for experimentation
@@ttyyrrdd that's heartbreaking that. Typical, though.
Yes, that was the Chaplain, or "Padre" (Father) - One of the cardinal sins is killing. The war itself is a sin in the eyes of the Chaplain because of his faith, and he is an involuntary part of it
The first song by Metallica I ever heard. Crazy good and the lyrics so deep and give it up for Lars and his drumming...especially making it sound like a machine gun 🤠
That was a military priest telling the military officer that, "He is a product of your profession, not mine."
There's WAY MORE to that dialog in the movie. That priest was against what the doctors were doing to him and said, " He would pray for him until his dying breath" and the doctor retorted with how cold it was coming from a man of God. The priest responded with a very rational response basically saying doctors should stop playing God
This is why military members need to be thanked and completely respected. The military fights for our freedom, our survival, our way of life. A huge shout out to our military members who are ready and willing to give their lives to fight for our freedoms and our way of life. Thank you to all military members for your time and service.
Militaries don't fight for our freedoms; soldiers are used as pawns for the financial gains for the Elites.
The part where the CHAPLAIN says "He's a product of your profession not mine", the doctor had asked him to speak to him. At this point in the movie he had been kept alive like this for a couple years already. The chaplain new that his faith had been challenged beyond that which any man could hold faith and didn't want to even represent the lord to this man. No arms, legs, mouth, nose or ears, like Venom would say "like a turd in the wind". The movie is Johnny Got his Gun btw, Donald Sutherland was Jesus in it. Its hard to feel sorry for yourself after seeing what this character goes through. When the nurse is pinching the breath tube shown in this video, you are preying she kills him, but the doctor stops her and he is moved to a dark room.(He through a party in his head when he first felt sunshine) And the movie ends with him still alive and suffering for god knows how long.....
On top of this it is a true statement. War and faith would have naturally sent this solider to whatever afterlife may be.
As much as dying in war sucks , "death has a dignity all its own" , and it was the doctors scientific experimentation that trapped the soldier's mind in a husk of a body and has led to his ongoing torture.
@@mokane86 I was searching through the comments to see if anyone pointed that out. The young man would've died due to fighting with the military. However it was the Drs that kept him alive even though he would never again have a life. Powerful stuff.
SPOILERS BRO!!! joking lol. actually thanks i was never gonna watch that old ass movie but was curious of its overall story not enough to sit through it though, so thanks for the synopsis!
@@jackfrostpaintball Both the book and the movie are good. Personally the book is better because it jumps a lot less between “scenes” than the movie, in addition to the book being well written in my own opinion.
This song is literally about a soldier who was severely injured in war, he's paralyzed, can't see, can't talk, can't hear. He is literally trapped in his own mind. It's kind of summed up in these lyrics: Landmine has taken my sight
Taken my speech
Taken my hearing
Taken my arms
Taken my legs
Taken my soul
Left me with life in hell
Bj u are a lucky man Asia is so beautiful , love your reactions
Lots of comments on the context of the song bc it is such a powerful message. Would also like to point out the brilliance of the song arrangement. Metallica often arranged their older music in a similar way to classical music and opera. I'm not sure if I'm going to get this explanation technically correct, but if you think about classical music there are often rounds, like when we used to sing row row row your boat in music class, that I often hear in classical music and in Metallica as well... the same riff consecutively but in different keys for example. The reason why I say opera is because of the different acts that are intentionally placed to bring about specific emotions to listeners... One has always reminded me of an opera in this way.
The guy who says "he is the product of your profession, not mine" is a chaplain. He means that not even God has words to provide comfort for this wounded soldier.
Mr. Slater is a true patriot. My dad served in Vietnam as a Scout and I believe, a LRRP. It wasn't until 3 days before he died in '08 that I heard the really horrible things he saw and endured. I have always loved Metallica. I remember learning "One" and "Disposable Heroes" on guitar when I was 16 (I'm 45 now). He was kinda pissed at first listen, but he read the lyrics and listened again and understood what was being said. His answer to me- "Carry on". Thank You to all of You who have served and WELCOME HOME!
My uncle was in the Marines, the first group to be on the ground when Desert Storm began in the early 90’s. When he came back, he talked about it once, but never again. What he said I will spare you from. I think when he talked about it he was still in shock.
No one really talks about it anymore, but there was a mysterious illness that affected soldiers deployed there labeled “Gulf War syndrome”. The soldiers, my uncle included, spoke of being injected with unknown substances constantly and given unidentifiable pills to take. After the unmentionable horror of what they saw and the horrible maladies they faced afterward, the government still denies gulf war syndrome is real. So there is no recognition or treatment of the lifelong suffering.
Love you, uncle Michael. Glad you’ve had the strength to continue all of these years.
Lmao i think your uncle is full of it. Desert storm wasn't much of a ground war
@@rancidcrawfish What a weird thing to comment. It's always weird to me when people comment about things they're clearly totally ignorant about. But especially when it comes to things so horrific that the commenter has never experienced.
War was still very much a ground war into the mid 2000's when my god brother, Dre, was killed in Iraq in 2006. But that wasn't much of a ground war, right? So he didn't die.
Desert Storm began in the VERY beginning of 1991. You don't think that was a ground war, bro?
Your statement is so ignorant I would think it was trolling, but there's not anything clever or funny about it, so if you are trolling, please up your game because this is not how trolling works.
If you're serious, maybe just educate yourself before you make absurd comments. And if you'd like to talk to my uncle face to face and explain your stance to him, I would welcome it wholeheartedly. Y'all could have a great debate about what combat he saw. As long as you're willing to travel to Detroit.
This was their first music video that they made. At the time 99% of music videos made by hard rock, heavy metal or even pop rock it was mainly about half naked women and not about telling a story. Thank you for getting the idea of the video. I have seen people reactions to it that didn't get it. But, I think some people need to hear the song first, because I have seen people get confused between the singing and with the dialog from the movie. Keep up with all the good reactions and being exposed to new styles of music. Music is meant to bring people together not to separate us because you like this and I like that. May God bless everyone with His love.
Two things....first, I graduated right before I turned 18. Less than a week. I'm with you on this one, Asia....I had a recruiter approach me to join the military. For shits and gigs, I took the ASVAB and he was really engaged with my performance (told me I scored a 90, don't know if that's true or if he was just shining me on) but he said I could do whatever I wanted in the military with a score like that. I told him I wanted to go into journalism or biochemistry. He said that would be perfect. Yeah, ok boss....not gonna let you build me up to just throw me wherever you guys see fit. Also, this was 2003 so what happened on 9/11 was still rather fresh (all things considered). I appreciated his admiration (whether truthful or not) but respectfully declined. He wasn't very happy with me. But to wrap this up....I'm not gonna let you control me. That's what it came down to.
And second, this was Metallica's first Grammy nomination and they were slated to win. Turns out, Jethro Tull won the award and ripped the rug from underneath them. I don't know how something like that could happen but whatevs. Not saying I think either band is better than the other...but I believe everyone was shocked to see the outcome.
the guitar work in this song is amazing
Beyond AMAZING; the musicianship in the Puppets album and the Justice album proves their talents
The two clips of the vet doing Morse code go from “Help” to “Kill me”-gets me every time.
This was Metallica's first music video, which they were strongly against. They wanted a simple, yet darker video that got to the point. When at the time, a majority of music videos were about upbeat things like being happy, partying, and girls. It was a kind of statement from MetallicA against pretending everything's pretty in this world.
I served in the Navy for 22 years and would absolutely do it again. It is the chance we take. Thankfully we do have the VA and other means to help the VETS. To my Brothers and Sisters,,, Thank You!!!
The movie shown in the video with Jason Robards is from the movie Johnny Got His Gun about a young man who goes off to war and loses his arms, legs, ability to talk and tell people he wanted to die. After seeing what happened to those of us who have seen war and the damage it can produce it hits home.
I served in the Army years ago, I served 2 tours of duty in Iraq and 1 tour of duty in Afghanistan, and I am busted up due to the stress and physical injuries I sustained during my service.
Semper FI brother from a jarhead bro!
Our veterans deserve so much reverence.
Man, its delightful to see smart people reacting to this song, you understood the theme after the first verse! (While I saw some other people hear the whole thing and think its a suicidal song lol)
Played continuous on MTV I remember watching this video over and over
In many peoples opinion, one of the greatest metal songs of all time.
The end line “He is the product of your profession, not mine.” Is probably something every military chaplain wishes they could have said. I’d imagine giving a few hundred last rites to teenagers jades even the most dedicated.
As long as the chaplain remembers his own beliefs he will be alright. He knows in his own soul that he will see these young men again when it comes his time. I imagine the only ones that would truly trouble him are the ones that vocally rejected God on their death bed in his presence. Peace to you, sir!
Hi ya, Asia & BJ!! This song was written mainly about the PTSD that our Veteran's from all wars are going thru, some cases are worse than others. My Dad was a Staff Sergeant in the Army, he had two tours of Vietnam. He was exposed to "Agent Orange" which was a chemical that our military would crop out thru planes and helicopters to kill rodents, different kind of vegetation that was poisonous to where our ground troops would have to walk thru in the jungles of Vietnam. Well, it affected those that had to walk thru it in very, very bad medical conditions. My Dad didn't drink any alcohol after Vietnam, because of what he had seen and had to do in war. He died at the age of 45 years old, I just turned 18 when he died in Arlington, Tx. Two heart attacks, a month apart. The second one killed him. The after effeçts of Agent Orange can be hereditary too. I am 51 and have Stage 4 Renal cell carcinoma ( kidney cancer that had metastisized to another organ, which in my case was my lungs). I got better and went back to work for 9 months until the cancer spread again, this time to my brain. The hospital found a huge tumor in my brain, and had to have two brain surgeries to remove it. Was it Agent Orange that might have passed down from my Dad? I'll never know. But, I was diagnosed in 2017 and I'm still here, mainly by the grace of God, and noone could ever tell me different! I am a very positive with my situation, and try to encourage others who have cancer, thru Jesus and martial arts that I teach. Enough of my story, but love y'all's podcast, so keep them coming!! 👍😎👍 - James Ray Lake / DJ Jazzy J- Ray
The song--and music video--that made Metallica what they are today: Superstars.
One of the best anti-war songs ever made.
It was Enter Sandman that made them superstars. But this is in my top 5 greatest Metallica songs.
Not even close
People always talk about the movie but never the song at the end. Keep the Home Fires Burning was a patriotic song in Britain. The lyrics suggest something like it's stormy now but soon our soldiers will come home so make sure everything is ready for them. I believe it goes with the song and video because war in real life is not some fairy tale where soldiers come home and pick up where they left off. They're changed. Sometimes extremely so, as with the man in this video.
A lot of poems touch on the disconnect between the idea of war and the reality of war, such as Dulce et Decorum Est, or "It is sweet and fitting to die for one's country."
I might be wrong… But from my understanding, this song was written, based on a true story about a soldier who stepped on a landmine and lost all his faculties. Arms, legs, hearing, site, and speech. Can you even imagine something like that??!!
One of the quintessential anti-war songs.....the rage in the song tells you everything
This song is for all of us who raised our right hand to defend this country...... Less than 1 percent of our population volunteer for the military. this did not only go on in 1917 ... It Goes On until this Day! There are thousands of my fellow veterans who deal with catastrophic injuries..
You both nailed it. I've watched a lot of reaction videos to ONE. You got it right away. As a Vet, I have ultimate respect to those that served before me. You ever want to see people in a bad way, visit a VA hospital and maybe talk to a few of the vets there. Bless both of you.
It isn't "cold blooded". The Priest is pointing out that HIS profession would have performed the "last rights" and allowed the suffering soul to be released, hopefully into heaven, without hesitation. But YOUR (Doctor's) profession is to keep the "flesh alive" with no regard to the suffering or torment of the patient's mental stability or awareness.
The Priest is the COMPASSIONATE one by pointing out the difference in their views on what is "living" and what is "dead". It is the DOCTORS who are being cold-hearted and without pity, because they constantly do whatever it takes to keep the "meat fresh". As proven by the fact that the SAME DOCTOR comes into the room and stops the nurse from granting the patient's obvious request to "end it all". The DOCTOR is the real "heartless one" in the situation because not only is he WILLING to ignore the patient's obvious request, but ALSO WILLING to FORCE the patient to ENDURE further torment by continuing to keep him plugged into the machines to keep him alive.
Is it the priest though? I thought it was the military guy. Have you watched the movie ??
@@VCRider I've seen it twice, he's a priest talking to the Dr's. The Dr's are basically keeping him alive, he can't see, talk, no arms, no legs, no way to communicate and trapped inside his own mind.
He's trapped in a hell he can't escape as long as they keep what's left of him alive...
@@VCRider They were both military. Which in a way would actually make him a "chaplain" than Priest. Considering that even if officially ordained as a Priest, he would have to be capable of praying/preaching for all recognized faiths. He would have to follow the military "code of conduct", but wouldn't be expected to actually fight or take part in combat situations as a combatant. More of an "administration staff" than soldier.
@@herrzimm I kinda thought it was the military brushing off their „guilt“ blaming the condition purely on the medical staff (for keeping him alive). Would’ve been a good story
Alright bud, give your keyboard a break. It's tired. Also, cut these reactors some slack. All they have seen of this movie is what is presented in the music video. How could they possibly know any of this? They are supposed to give you their initial reaction, right? Maybe I'm misinterpreting a helpful comment for an aggressive comment, idk.
Awesome reaction! Super deep song. I’ve never listened to it this closely. Thanks for this. And thanks to all the commenters
Back in the womb its much to real .in pumps life that I must feel..
Lyrics are outstanding
Thank you for doing this video. It’s hard to watch but it’s is worth it. It’s also worth shinning a light on those who need our help the most. God Bless you two!
This is the side of war people miss. People come home often broken. What I’ve seen from our wounded friends is they have this Profound Faith, and the will to recover as hard as it might be. It’s agony for them, their families, their kids, however every success is hard won by all!
One story we had a friend who lost his legs below the knee and he had a baby girl. He and his daughter learned to walk at the same time. He stood as she took her first steps over to him, it was so such a beautiful moment!
The other side is the soldiers who are lost within themselves. That is devastating to see. I pray everyday for them to have peace.
Say what you want about Metallica but there is no doubt that this song is a Masterpiece.
I've heard this song 1000000 times and when he says "Taken my soul" I feel it every time
The soldier in the song (and movie) has been decerebrate by a landmine. Decerebration essentially means your spinal column has been severed in such a way that you are no longer able to see, hear, move etc...and the song deals with what that may "feel" like to the person it has happened to
It's the artists and musicians who really put horrors that regular citizens such as you and I never have to worry about. This war song by Metallica is definitely considered one of the greatest metal songs of all time.
Part of the creepiness of this song deals with the fact that what is happening in this song CAN happen to anyone. The name of the song comes from a quote from the book the movie used in this was based on. It basically talks about how the average guy has a one in a million chance of winning the lottery and all their life problems seemingly being easier to handle because of it OR a one in a million chance of being drafted in a war that is going to cut off everything that it means to be human for you
My dad had a stroke at 47... he was a drummer. He lost all use of his right side of his body and couldn't speak any more. This song still hits me hard. He died in a VA hospital at 50. Yeah the care they give isn't the best but I will say they at least gave him a room to himself to die in peace.
This song means so much to me .
This song and video were released in the 80s, but it feels timeless. This could have been released today, as far as quality and message.
This was my first Metallica and metal song I ever heard, and I've been a fan since. \m/
exactly, same here. It drives me nuts that people insist this was selling out. I never knew I loved metal, simply because I never heard it before. This was my introduction, and my music tastes have changed forever. One of the greatest songs ever written, IMO.
... and justice for all!
I love how you guys felt this song right away. I feel like the message of this song was lost and missed when it first came out. It's a sad song and the music is so good you almost look past the message.
Helluva debut into the music video game. They'd never wanted to do a video before....but they sure as Hell got people's attention with this one.
99k subscribers. Lets get to 100k! Hit that button ppl. Asia and BJ deserve it!
Best memory I have involving this song would probably be in High School drama class; my group and I designed a short play to go along with the song. I can't remember how well we did but I do remember I enjoyed it immensely lol.
This song cuts deeper than any blade.
I can't think of a song more intense than this one.
Still gives me the creeps and chills whenever i watch and hear this song. All-time classic!
Crazy How heavy this song is . It took me like 10 listens threw to fully understand the magnitude of the message they were trying to get across.
I'm really proud of you that you understand what the song is about and the man's struggle. Some, sad to say, are really oblivious to the message. I don't care what politics are behind a war. Still respect people's bravery and reasons for fighting.
As a war vet. You two hit on a lot of great points. Have friends( all family) that have been injured, lost limbs, been killed, and have succumbed to their ptsd demons. It IS a daily fight. The Va has come a long way but still falls way short.
Notice at the end, the nurse takes mercy on his soul, cuts the air hose, then pushes on his chest to expel all remaining air! Everything adter is normal brain fighting, dying reactions.
Thank you for sharing the video Brandi Modrak XOXO means hugs and Kisses.
There is alot to be said for your reactions ,insight,,insight, opinion. You hear 1 song,often by a band you've never heard or experienced in a musical genre that off the beaten path . In just a few minutes you go deep and fully engage it SO AWESOME! really digging your reactions and your whole vibe man....ty
The "can't tell whether this is a dream" thing was covered heavily in the book (it's written from his point of view, so you're in there with him). If you can't see, hear, or anything, locked in the dark with just your own thoughts, how would you know if you were awake or dreaming at any given moment?
I was deployed into Kuwait in 1995 and this song put me to sleep at night. HHT 3 of the 3rd!! Hoo! Rah!
Nice job y'all,the worm hole brought me here and I'm glad for it. You guys really put focus into it,you can always tell a genuine reaction.
You guys are simply outstanding.. very perceptive and intelligent! Excellent reaction.. xo
Asia you got this,
Wow, im impressed.
I have been a huge metallica fan for over 30 years.
I only just felt this song emotionally recently.
You felt it straight away.
Im impressed.
Loving your videos.
My 2nd of your videos.
Looking forward to more of your vids.
Guns and Roses said it best in their song Civil War."It feeds the rich while it buries the poor,Power Hungry,selling soldiers in a human grocery store,ain't that fresh".
My father is a Vietnam vet, I have heard some pretty awful things, things he has told me when he was drinking. I can't imagine what else is there when he is sober. This song makes me think of what he went through. Physically he came home, but mentally it's a different story. and VA
This is directly to the channel. James Hatfield had his own trials and tribulations of bad times. And the song relates to his struggles with addiction. Trapped inside himself. I seen an interview on the Howard stern show about it. You guys should check it out.
A flat out classic
Had a 22-year career in the military and I loved most of it there was some rough times but overall I would do it again if asked and now my son is in the military
When this song and vid came out it shoooook me! A true banger with a sad back story. Also...soldiers used to be known as GI's which was short for Government Issue or as BJ stated expendable.
Their GREATEST SONG ever!!!
This song is truly powerful if you listen to the studio version you just hear what the gentleman went through and stuff, then you watch the music video and it is so much more in depth and depressing
it just dawned on me.... that this can also be related to having gone through the battle of addiction and depression especially for men. Because Men are particularly isolated and left alone to struggle. Something he is familiar with...
I 💗 watching you guys reacting to MetallicA cos I'm guessing this ain't the music you typically listen to 🎼🎼🎼
I bought this album (yes, album) the day it came out in 1988. I had a visceral reaction to this song, once I got over hearing the first song, "Blackened."
First Metallica song I heard, since that day my life changed.
Almost 100K! You guys are awesome! Keep doing what you're doing and stay blessed, the both of you!
The book this was based on was banned for a long time starting from WW2 through Vietnam. I had a copy. It’s based on WW1 and the epilogue has some sobering facts about that war.
Thank you for doing a reaction to metallica they are my favorite band one is one of my favorite songs of all time they are a great concert band the actually played that in concert along with the video background so thank you
Many Metallica songs have deep meanings.
Metal (after the self indulgent hair metal era) in general always has something to say and it's generally true, whether people like it or not. This video was banned, merely for portraying a reality.
I appreciate yall . I could see Asia was getting choked up a bit , and rightfully so . But BJ seems like the type to have your back . And vice versa . Thank yall again for your insight , your opinions and sharing your thoughts . One love !
My favorite song of all time!!!!
Thanks to reaction videos like this, I am understanding Metallica’s music like never before. I love their music, it now also respect their ability to tackle issues like this. Thank you.
This video/ song combo is a straight knock-out punch. I was a young singer/songwriter the first time I saw it. I thought to myself that I would never write anything that good. And once you've seen it, you will never forget it.
America does think like that.
Greetings from Helsinki, Finland. Best song of Metallica. Im Metallica fan about mid 80's.
This song was used in the trailer for season 1 of the Punisher
This song is about the book Johnny got his gun, I read the book when I was in grade school, it was terrifying. The man could only hear, that was it. Is arms were blown off he was blinded he could not speak, the only sense he had was hearing, that was it. Stuck in his mind in a nightmare. That's what the song is about😮
I think it was after I saw the video to this song, I started listening to everything they did, I was impressed, they rock.
Disposable heroes is another metallica song about war/soldiers !
I really enjoy your reactions. 62 year old meaning I was blessed to grow up in the best era of music. Some recommendations for reactions spanning three decades. “House of the rising son” by the Animals. 1964. “Carry on Wayward Son”. Kansas. 1976. “Magic Power” Triumph. 1986? And lastly “December” Collective Soul. Late 80’s. Off the hook musical 🎵 genius songs. I promise you that you will enjoy all and so will your viewers. If you like music 🎵 these are powerful bangers each in their own right. ✌️😎