Classical Composer Reacts to To Live Is To Die (Metallica) | The Daily Doug (Episode 281)

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  • Опубліковано 8 лют 2025
  • #Metallica #MetallicaReaction #ToLiveIsToDie
    In this "popup" edition of #TheDailyDoug, we're returning to the music of Metallica. We're listening to To Live Is To Die, another of their classical (mostly) instrumental tracks. This song was the last of their tunes to include a writing credit for original bassist Cliff Burton, who had composed some of the riffs before dying in 1986. This one really impressed me...the clear formal elements of the work provide a compelling narrative. I hope you enjoy! RIP, Cliff!
    Reference Video: • To Live Is to Die (Rem...
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 2,4 тис.

  • @Arrow2theACL
    @Arrow2theACL 3 роки тому +2384

    Fantastic reaction as a tribute to Cliff Burton. Thanks Doug.

    • @HighlanderNorth1
      @HighlanderNorth1 3 роки тому +17

      Next option? One of the better, more complex tracks off the album, its title track, "And Justice For All". 😉👍

    • @jesusbravo7523
      @jesusbravo7523 3 роки тому +8

      There’s no strings in the song, is guitars using the volume knob, listen well!

    • @suprchickn7745
      @suprchickn7745 3 роки тому +20

      Cliff made Metallica what they were. RIP Cliff

    • @TheSaintberzerker
      @TheSaintberzerker 3 роки тому +8

      Cliff had nothing to do with To Live is To Die.

    • @ccvarndell
      @ccvarndell 3 роки тому +11

      @@TheSaintberzerker lmao what world do you live in?

  • @leec6810
    @leec6810 3 роки тому +3142

    Been listening to Metallica for about 30 years and the middle of this song still gets me every time.

    • @keithmorgan1170
      @keithmorgan1170 3 роки тому +73

      Me too, brother.

    • @purehevol
      @purehevol 3 роки тому +69

      I played that at my nanny’s funeral during the eulogy …… like you it get me every time …… but it warms my heart

    • @noellzy
      @noellzy 3 роки тому +69

      Been my favourite Metallica song since I first heard it in 89. That solo after the acoustic interlude still punches me in the chest.

    • @corrosivecabal
      @corrosivecabal 3 роки тому +45

      Every time, goosebumps.

    • @gnemois
      @gnemois 3 роки тому +21

      couldn't agree more.. it gets me too..

  • @colemantrebor6574
    @colemantrebor6574 3 роки тому +1445

    It's nice to know that Mikael Akerfeld from Opeth once played the clean riff from the middle section at a concert and then told the audience: "if it wasn't for that lick, Opeth wouldn't be around".

    • @guennille
      @guennille 3 роки тому +23

      Do you have a link to that concert?

    • @brianwilliams9462
      @brianwilliams9462 3 роки тому +41

      Never heard that, but that makes so much sense

    • @alexkenley1
      @alexkenley1 3 роки тому +11

      wow that makes so much sense

    • @despot666
      @despot666 3 роки тому +138

      I find that all of early Metallica’s acoustic/clean parts are incredibly beautiful. To me it’s one of the most important things that sets them apart from so many two- dimensional metal bands of the era.

    • @kokusho1
      @kokusho1 3 роки тому +4

      @@guennille ua-cam.com/video/oKFBn-97_9k/v-deo.html

  • @bullycrusher8618
    @bullycrusher8618 3 роки тому +1160

    It's a masterpiece. I heard this at 17. I had just lost my mother and father to tragedy. This was one of the songs that helped me through it.

  • @ChiselledK1990
    @ChiselledK1990 2 роки тому +404

    James and Kirk’s harmonised volume swells were so beautiful that an actual classical composer thought they were strings.

    • @captaindein33
      @captaindein33 Рік тому +16

      Absolutely right. I do believe they are reversed as well.

    • @Fireglo
      @Fireglo Рік тому +4

      It's hilarious that idiots on here think it's Jason. 😂

    • @elcapitan549
      @elcapitan549 Рік тому

      Exactly right.

    • @rng_offline9182
      @rng_offline9182 8 місяців тому +2

      @@Fireglolook at 4:00 at the live version that Metallica posted of to live is to die. It’s not Jason doing it but rob does them.

    • @erikhicks6184
      @erikhicks6184 7 місяців тому

      I mean, it is played on strings

  • @travischarlessmithOKC
    @travischarlessmithOKC 3 роки тому +748

    "To Live is to Die" is a masterpiece, and further demonstrates why Metallica is so much more than a simple thrash metal, but really conquered the summa bonum of metal

    • @eetfuk3571
      @eetfuk3571 2 роки тому +39

      people hated that fact that they didn't stayed in thrash metal because they are evolving as a musician as well. they also ignored the fact that Megadeth, Anthrax, and even Slayer followed the Metallica mainstream footprints lol.

    • @regurgitatedapplez7388
      @regurgitatedapplez7388 2 роки тому +5

      @@eetfuk3571 slayer is not like metallica...

    • @henryr.schrader7520
      @henryr.schrader7520 2 роки тому +7

      @@eetfuk3571 Slayer stayed pretty thrash I mean listen to the latest album repentless that's pretty thrash

    • @williamkoscielniak7871
      @williamkoscielniak7871 2 роки тому +11

      Indeed. Metallica's melodies, harmonies, and compositions were way ahead of the curve. There was a romantic-classical element (Ala Beethoven, Wagner, etc.) that other thrash metal bands didn't have. James Hetfield has a knack for writing melodic riffs, Cliff had a brilliant understanding of harmony, Kirk is drawn towards melody in his solos', and Lars seems disposed towards long, epic arrangements.

    • @gweiloxiu9862
      @gweiloxiu9862 2 роки тому +9

      Cliff's absence is, to me, painfully clear in the albums following this one. It just isn't as nuanced in sound or feeling. Cliff brought the progressive element to Metallica, which always kept things fresh and interesting. I think this song is a peek at where the band was evolving to with Cliff, and which it really fell short of after his passing. With Cliff= 2 years between albums, without Cliff = 3++++ and it just gets longer and longer. It's way more than going from thrash to demithrash; the creative soul of the band had been ripped out and cannot be replaced. All of course, my opinion. We each are entitled to our own.

  • @colbygentry9210
    @colbygentry9210 3 роки тому +1427

    9:35 that isn’t a violin, that is actually an electric guitar using a technique called a volume swell. where you use vibrato to let a note ring out then turn your volume on a bit. it gives that fade in and out feel as if it were a violin.

    • @onebakedwalrus
      @onebakedwalrus 3 роки тому +95

      I was going to say that!^^
      I learned that trick specifically for this song in the early 90s. One of the most feels hitting songs ever.

    • @jayw5306
      @jayw5306 3 роки тому +221

      I love that Kirk used the technique so effectively that he fooled an actual composer.

    • @ebom8406
      @ebom8406 3 роки тому +59

      it was recorded by cliff on bass using volume swell and a bunch of other effects

    • @Pirustae
      @Pirustae 3 роки тому +15

      You can use a pedal also for that

    • @MarcusL1995
      @MarcusL1995 3 роки тому +12

      Mike oldfleld use this trick most of the time

  • @anthonycatron646
    @anthonycatron646 3 роки тому +811

    The thing is, To live is to Die fades out with this really calming acoustic guitar and it makes you feel all is well but then the album goes right into Dyers Eve which scares the hell out of you. Which it should. You have to listen to the two songs back to back on your own time, it’s great.

    • @jcdenton616
      @jcdenton616 3 роки тому +79

      I think Dyers Eve would blow Doug's brain out lol. Especially after To Live Is To Die!

    • @BannedPhotoshop
      @BannedPhotoshop 3 роки тому +4

      great point

    • @michaeldunn5695
      @michaeldunn5695 3 роки тому +3

      +1

    • @WastelandBowman
      @WastelandBowman 3 роки тому +8

      Every moment if solace is ended by the pain.

    • @maximummatt73
      @maximummatt73 3 роки тому +28

      Dyer's Eve is up there with Fight Fire With Fire, Battery and Damage Inc in terms of intensity and complexity

  • @mikehawke2374
    @mikehawke2374 3 роки тому +384

    "They're in E minor" - That's how you know it's Metallica.
    Loved the reaction to the beginning of the interlude. More than 30 years later, it still gives me goosebumps.

    • @larrycardlock5876
      @larrycardlock5876 2 роки тому +10

      “YEAAHH E MINOR E MINOR!”

    • @Eggy-im1zg
      @Eggy-im1zg 9 місяців тому

      @@larrycardlock5876 love that reference loll

    • @BoopnBingnBop
      @BoopnBingnBop 9 місяців тому

      @@larrycardlock5876😪

    • @MattH-wg7ou
      @MattH-wg7ou 4 місяці тому

      Same, that intro and interlude gets me every time. Just something about it! Especially with the drums.
      Orion is another great!

    • @JasonJohnsonMa
      @JasonJohnsonMa 3 місяці тому

      anyone who plays guitar loves this comment.. literally everything is in e minor lol

  • @everpolo29
    @everpolo29 3 роки тому +697

    Everyone talks about the beautiful clean interlude, but no one mentions how powerful/breaking is the harmony before and how it kicks in at 8:34. Those guitars are crying, man.

    • @blackened1231
      @blackened1231 3 роки тому +49

      Finaly somebody intepreted this part as me, it always remind me of crying. Hell, 20 years it gives tears to me eyes, still dont know why, it's just that sad melodic music vibe, I guess...

    • @christopherdaniels3927
      @christopherdaniels3927 3 роки тому +30

      While my guitar gently weeps.

    • @Thirdiii2002
      @Thirdiii2002 3 роки тому +13

      Exactly. Its a musical interpretation of the emotional journey in having and losing Cliff.

    • @wodzjar
      @wodzjar 3 роки тому +15

      In `87 when they did this part live…. Ohhh man!!!!
      Jason started it and the rest joined in.
      They sat down on the stairs and the rest turned as an intro for puppets. But this part was the point…

    • @av3nger3
      @av3nger3 2 роки тому +3

      Yes they are.

  • @drivers99
    @drivers99 3 роки тому +473

    The ending really needs to be heard in the context of the album where Dyer’s Eve just takes over abruptly (and intensely). Yeah you’re right in noticing that.

    • @mikeanthony6520
      @mikeanthony6520 3 роки тому +40

      Just like Orion goes into Damage Inc and Anesthesia goes into Whiplash.
      Frantic not so much into Kutulu

    • @drivers99
      @drivers99 3 роки тому

      @@mikeanthony6520 oh, yeah!

    • @mikeanthony6520
      @mikeanthony6520 3 роки тому

      @Donald Rivers, yes if you listen to each of the pair of songs the blend well with eachother. You should give it a listen and share your opinion.
      Oh yeah, your facial expression on the breakdown was priceless.

    • @LiquidShadows
      @LiquidShadows 3 роки тому +3

      One hundred percent. I remember when I first listened to "...And Justice For All" when I was 12, I traded my "Black Album" for it. I was just grooving to this song and then BOOM! "Dyer's Eve" just comes in and kicks you in the teeth. It straight-up startled me the first time I heard it. 😂

    • @jimofthenorth8090
      @jimofthenorth8090 3 роки тому +3

      yeah man I had to go listen to Dyer's Eve afterwards :) du du du du du du

  • @metalmaniac8640
    @metalmaniac8640 3 роки тому +229

    James Hetfield wrote some of the most beautifully composed music to ever be played.

    • @RobwLPOC
      @RobwLPOC 2 роки тому +48

      And he is a pretty humble dude. He was in disbelief and just about in tears with emotion when Elton John told him that He thought nothing else matters is one of the greatest songs ever written.

    • @cripplingdebt224
      @cripplingdebt224 2 роки тому +8

      Absolutely! I'm getting "Papa Het" tattoed when he eventually passes :/

    • @vincent2053
      @vincent2053 2 роки тому

      @@cripplingdebt224 That was a bummer

    • @Artaxerxes.
      @Artaxerxes. 2 роки тому

      you're kidding right

    • @iamblue9976
      @iamblue9976 2 роки тому +1

      @@Artaxerxes. wym?

  • @scorpionking4012
    @scorpionking4012 3 роки тому +365

    That song is a masterpiece, and going straight into “Dyers Eve” which is a great album closer!!!

    • @garettturbettmusic
      @garettturbettmusic 3 роки тому +7

      My favourite Metallica song!

    • @Rizzlord59
      @Rizzlord59 2 роки тому +8

      @@garettturbettmusic fucking same man, so underrated compared to the hits. All these “new” fans have no idea what a banger Dyers eve is 🤘

    • @Torquemonster440
      @Torquemonster440 2 роки тому +5

      Yep.. talk about an abrupt transition!! 🤯 I love AJFA so much. What a masterpiece.

    • @mrastronaut9078
      @mrastronaut9078 4 місяці тому

      @@garettturbettmusic i love it, but it’s a bit emo right? But the sheer anger… that’s why i love it. They sounded angry well before that. Ride the lightning was a very angry album, and so was master. But idk. James sounds legit mad and furious on that song. Like he’s not just singing, he’s legit crying in a rage of fury. That’s why i love it. The lyrics are kinda cringe, the riff is good, but the energy is just so raw and angry. Like actually angry, not just depicting something for art, but rather he was really actually angry that day at the studio. And i can really feel it on that song.

    • @smartdud
      @smartdud 3 місяці тому

      What are you yapping about "emo"​@mrastronaut9078

  • @dosobrain
    @dosobrain 3 роки тому +125

    There is something magical when James rips out a solo

    • @ScoobieSwisher7413
      @ScoobieSwisher7413 Рік тому

      Never heard him do so.

    • @kevlar1482
      @kevlar1482 Рік тому +10

      @@ScoobieSwisher7413 He plays about 20 or so solos throughout their entire discography.

    • @bradyguerin5525
      @bradyguerin5525 8 місяців тому +1

      @@ScoobieSwisher7413 main one you probably know is on nothing else matters

    • @ScoobieSwisher7413
      @ScoobieSwisher7413 8 місяців тому

      @@bradyguerin5525 How is that injury healing up?

    • @ImThe5thKing
      @ImThe5thKing 5 місяців тому +3

      @@ScoobieSwisher7413 Nothing Else Matters, Master of Puppets interlude, Solo 2 on this song, there's quite a few but those 3 I'd say are the most well known ones.

  • @Workin2anEarlyGrave
    @Workin2anEarlyGrave 3 роки тому +196

    That interlude arpeggio is the most melancholic melody ever. Play this when you feel like shit and it talks to you, shows empathy to your emotions. As the great Jose Feliciano said, “she just listens to me, her music means more to me from any other woman I had known.”

    • @Nebtor
      @Nebtor 3 роки тому +4

      Facts brother. This riff helps me everytime :')

  • @executor317
    @executor317 3 роки тому +389

    The slow intro, written in a Spanish style,repeats like an infinite memory - over and over again...
    The heavier part:
    A symbol for the loss and aggressions they felt.
    Solo #1:
    Kirk's feelings can be heard in every string he hits.
    The slow part:
    The slow part which sounds very silent is now including more harmonies - acceptance of the loss and the will to carry on...
    Solo #2:
    It is a kind of a laid back and more harmonized solo - It's representing how deep the death of Cliff Burton has touched them.
    The heavy part again:
    They tribute Cliff in doing what Cliff would want from them: To carry on with the music.
    The outro:
    Exactly the same as the intro - symbolizing that the song (the memory on Cliff) won't ever have an end. The last riff is cut which is symbolizing Cliff's life - cut short at such a young age.

  • @kimpelalltheway51
    @kimpelalltheway51 3 роки тому +143

    “Cannot the kingdom of salvation take me home”-the final lyric-is Cliff’s epitaph.

  • @ilikethekeyofE
    @ilikethekeyofE 3 роки тому +224

    Part of Metallica’s “magic” is the song sequencing on each album. This blasts straight into Dyer’s Eve and you get to hear pure anger from James. Powerful stuff my friend.

    • @WastelandBowman
      @WastelandBowman 3 роки тому +19

      Album sequencing has gotten less and less important now. Fans usually get the albums for one or two songs. Used to have to buy the whole thing and listen to it through. A lot of us musicians still sequence their records in the order they work best but only we notice lol

    • @flightofthebumblebee9529
      @flightofthebumblebee9529 3 роки тому +4

      @@WastelandBowman not always. The new Maiden album flows nicely. Even the new Rob Zombie album does too. Some people are still real musicians and not just UA-cam sensations trying to sell one track online or some crap.

    • @shinybeast8946
      @shinybeast8946 3 роки тому +5

      Metalica should of kept their classical influence after Justice, it was such a great combo with their rock sound.

    • @n0madtv
      @n0madtv 2 роки тому +2

      This is probably the most overlooked aspect of Metallica's storytelling style. And Justice for All, in particular, is a poem unto itself. IMO, this album was the last of Metallica's masterpiece suite.

    • @Deaconphish
      @Deaconphish 2 роки тому +4

      Kind of like Anesthesia (Pulling Teeth) and Whiplash?

  • @Squic83
    @Squic83 2 роки тому +30

    When a song manage to get you emotional without words, it ascends into music Olympus

  • @claudelwashington3725
    @claudelwashington3725 2 роки тому +62

    And Justice for All is the best metal album of all time IMO. There's not a bad song on that album. And To Live is to Die is an absolute musical masterpiece.

    • @rossbooth4635
      @rossbooth4635 Місяць тому

      100% Metallica's best and most underrated album.

  • @lukewoodworth2101
    @lukewoodworth2101 3 роки тому +245

    They literally lost a brother the story kirk tolled of him hearing james yelling and crying outside the hotel at night drunk "cliff where are you cliff" and that making kirk breakdown is one of the most heart wrenching story's I've ever heard.

    • @suprchickn7745
      @suprchickn7745 3 роки тому +5

      I never heard that. Heartwrenching loss!

    • @kamilfingr371
      @kamilfingr371 3 роки тому +13

      If you listen carefuly, you can hear guitar yelling "Cliff where are you" from 7:01

    • @Ilshatey
      @Ilshatey 3 роки тому +7

      @@suprchickn7745 I think it's told in Metallica: Behind the Music. I felt that.

    • @ghengisdong6714
      @ghengisdong6714 2 роки тому +2

      @@kamilfingr371damn! I didn’t notice that until you pointed it out. Excellent catch.

    • @truthcantbesilenced4533
      @truthcantbesilenced4533 4 місяці тому

      Just no consoling any of us, starting with James.

  • @anemicroyalty8764
    @anemicroyalty8764 3 роки тому +99

    This song honestly might be the most underrated masterpiece in modern music history. It transcends genre and time, and evokes the rawest of emotions in the most epic, yet accessible of ways. At the very least it’s the greatest tragic song I’ve ever heard.

    • @brianomoli4
      @brianomoli4 2 роки тому +4

      I couldn’t agree more. Well said😀

  • @SimoExMachina2
    @SimoExMachina2 3 роки тому +29

    The death of my wife at a fatal car crash was very much a shock too. This song encapsulates many of those same feelings that I have now, about a month after the incident. These songs I would listen as a teenager and young adult, come back to me with whole new meanings.

  • @WallBreakerOfficial
    @WallBreakerOfficial 3 роки тому +52

    I never understood why this song made me want to cry until I learned the context of its creation. All the stages of grief encapsulated in it, it all made sense then.

  • @rossbooth4635
    @rossbooth4635 Місяць тому +8

    This is Metallica's best album. It doesn't get the love it deserves.

    • @davem4131
      @davem4131 Місяць тому

      Just the production let it down I guess. They could have made it way better. But it’s kinda haunting

  • @Aquila81
    @Aquila81 3 роки тому +102

    9:02 everybody's face, hearing that break... 😲 🤟😁
    "To live is to die" is a total masterpiece,,, RIP Cliff ☦ 🎸 🎶 ☦

  • @Huddle_House56
    @Huddle_House56 3 роки тому +403

    Metallica has 1 more true instrumental called “Suicide And Redemption” if you’re interested in capping off the 4 Metallica instrumentals. It even features a solo by James just like this one which is rare! Great tune!

    • @AR15OFFICIAL
      @AR15OFFICIAL 3 роки тому +20

      I love the bass tone and the riff Rob is playing at the beginning...I'm trying to learn it for weeks now on my bass

    • @KJF-ny
      @KJF-ny 3 роки тому +18

      And I usually lump My Friend of Misery and Bleeding Me into the "instrumental" songs.

    • @AR15OFFICIAL
      @AR15OFFICIAL 3 роки тому

      @@KJF-ny i have problems playing the intro and solos lol

    • @cyntogia
      @cyntogia 3 роки тому +31

      Anesthesia, off of their first album.

    • @esteban280889
      @esteban280889 3 роки тому +26

      There is 5. Anesthesia also. Too bad my friend of misrey didn't stay instrumental

  • @blipowicz
    @blipowicz 3 роки тому +74

    this song really tells a story of pain, suffering and sadness. it starts off with the clean guitars kind of like he said just everything is as it should be, then out of nowhere everything changes. then around the end of the solo i notice it feels like trying to fight off the sadness and keep the rage and anger alive to keep from being sad but as the second part of clean guitars comes in, that’s when the wall falls. that’s when everything comes caving in and sadness emerges. but it got back up and ended as it started. learning to get through the grief and go on as things were.

  • @phantumgrey
    @phantumgrey 3 роки тому +37

    I remember the first time I heard that middle section around the 4:29 mark (is the song not this video) as an emotionally fueled teenager it actually made me cry. One of my favorite quotes by James Hetfield “it means a lot to me that my darkness can connect with your darkness, and make it ok”

  • @notrueface
    @notrueface 2 роки тому +18

    I love watching this guy discover the power in metallica. You can just see it in his eyes and face.

  • @DarthGandalftheBlack
    @DarthGandalftheBlack 3 роки тому +63

    This song is so special. You can really feel the sadness, anger, and lament they felt at his death. He was a very special musician, and I’m guessing an amazing friend and band mate. I can only speculate, but you really can’t write such amazing, emotionally connected music unless that person was pretty damn special. This song really hits me in the feels when I listen to it. I’m glad you like and appreciate their music! And this arguably one of their best ❤️

  • @drsilkman
    @drsilkman 3 роки тому +45

    What it is, is a musical masterpiece that portrays the peace, anger, pain and ultimately the resolution of losing a much loved one. Genius.

  • @GuardianKnightoftheRealm
    @GuardianKnightoftheRealm 3 роки тому +33

    The Metallica instrumentals really start with Anesthesia (Pulling Teeth) from Kill'em all. It is pure Cliff.

    • @buddismackit
      @buddismackit 3 роки тому +4

      This song blew my mind taught me that a bass was as cool or cooler than a 6string

  • @mericaactual3030
    @mericaactual3030 3 роки тому +227

    Metallicas MOST underrated album. I can’t get enough, start to finish.

    • @Pirustae
      @Pirustae 3 роки тому +5

      Ah stop this "underrated" bullshit already. You're one of those who use that for attention but say nothing.
      It's just the bass absence which people often criticize. Everything else is perfect.

    • @josephyoung7592
      @josephyoung7592 3 роки тому +41

      I disagree about the underrated aspect. This is my outright favourite Metallica album.

    • @ElonMusk-cc2fy
      @ElonMusk-cc2fy 3 роки тому +22

      Nope, isnt underrated, is, after RTL and MOP, the best album from Metallica

    • @19jobbin86
      @19jobbin86 2 роки тому +9

      It’s underrated in the way that it could’ve been their best if produced and mixed in a different way.

    • @hank35682
      @hank35682 2 роки тому +7

      @@19jobbin86 it already Is their best besides RTL lol the production is perfect raw and polished the perfect garage album this is what st anger could’ve been if it had solos and better mixing plus the drums make the whole mix sound muddy as shit but I still do love st anger for what it is

  • @whimsyxoxo
    @whimsyxoxo 2 роки тому +35

    Hands down the best song by Metallica. So many feels. This is a masterpiece.

  • @kevinlee92265
    @kevinlee92265 3 роки тому +36

    When Cliff died, I was devastated. Your interpretation of this song breathes new life into it for me. Now, I must play along on my Les Paul with it and learn

  • @tumpe6500
    @tumpe6500 3 роки тому +61

    Great example of heavy use of guitar harmonies throughout the song, it's something that Cliff introduced to the band when he joined. And damn that china sounds so musical compared to later years of Lars' recordings.

  • @LarryBurrito100
    @LarryBurrito100 3 роки тому +65

    I love how primal and simple the main riff is, it just feels like raw emotion. Edit: is it possible you could do an analysis of pantera’s cemetery gates? It’s a beautiful ballad with some great parts, I think you might enjoy listening to it.

    • @RobbieFitzgerald
      @RobbieFitzgerald 3 роки тому +13

      If he sees this, Doug please get the full song and not the video version!

  • @austingrunig5183
    @austingrunig5183 2 роки тому +14

    Cliff Burton is the main reason I started playing guitar, when I first heard anesthesia I thought it was electric guitar not bass and was blown away that he could create such sound as compared to Hendrix or EVH.
    He was definitely beyond his time as far as skill, speed and creativity.
    Gone too soon 😔
    RIP

    • @oub4a
      @oub4a Рік тому

      Had he lived, I think he would have changed the band's trajectory if not metal music. His interest and knowledge of a variety of genres that would have been incorporated.

  • @chiyanrealestate
    @chiyanrealestate 2 роки тому +22

    Who grew up just staring at the album cover from front to back when you listening to awesome music and let your mind take away?

  • @JoseyStranded
    @JoseyStranded 3 роки тому +16

    That classical guitar intro and outro is one of the most beautiful and sad melodies ever composed in my opinion. Been listening to Metallica since mid eighties. That very melody always touches me deeply.

  • @davidecipriano8046
    @davidecipriano8046 3 роки тому +46

    Great tribute to the great cliff. Thank you a lot man, really appreciated.
    Now it only remains the Kill 'Em All instrumental "Anesthesia (pulling teeth)" from Cliff. I think you could also appreciate "the outlaw torn"

    • @doubledano6526
      @doubledano6526 3 роки тому +3

      Pulling teeth and to live is to die are like bookends, running right into the next song. Amazing

    • @eddieg430
      @eddieg430 3 роки тому +5

      Would love for him to do outlaw torn...I can listen to that song over and over.

    • @zacharyhusk4649
      @zacharyhusk4649 3 роки тому +1

      You're forgetting about suicide and redemption

    • @davidecipriano8046
      @davidecipriano8046 3 роки тому

      @@zacharyhusk4649 yeah I know that.. I left it on reason because it's more a heavy song and maybe "less" melodic, except for the middle part.. I think it has less interesting melodies than the other two songs that I mentioned

    • @wirsig3675
      @wirsig3675 3 роки тому

      @@davidecipriano8046 just because you don't think it's "melodic" doesn't mean you can just leave it out as an instrumental

  • @vikguitarbackingtracks
    @vikguitarbackingtracks 10 місяців тому +3

    James’ solo is giving me goosebumps every time I listen to it. Been listening to ‘tallica for 35 years. And still.
    This song is a songwriting masterpeice.

  • @KahnSkins
    @KahnSkins Рік тому +7

    That cut to the classical in the middle brings me to fricken tears every time.

  • @Visrex2344
    @Visrex2344 3 роки тому +50

    One of the most forgotten songs by them. When i was 13 I wore this out in the cassette player. Lol

    • @jeremiahscarlett1784
      @jeremiahscarlett1784 2 роки тому

      Idk who you've been talking to, but this is far from forgotten.

    • @robertjaros5380
      @robertjaros5380 2 роки тому

      I also wore this out on the tape.

    • @alcalu
      @alcalu 2 роки тому +2

      LOL??? What, exactly, were you 'laughing at loud' at? Are you 12?

    • @spazap
      @spazap Рік тому +1

      ​@@alcalu chill out gramps take your meds

    • @alcalu
      @alcalu Рік тому

      @SpaZap , was that supposed to be funny? Make a stupid comment and that makes you right? Your parents/teachers MUST be proud of you.

  • @COMBATACE1
    @COMBATACE1 3 роки тому +66

    I shed some tears watching your reaction. You legitimately pin point every single aspect of the song. You got the whole thing. Wow

  • @thetribalist6923
    @thetribalist6923 3 роки тому +10

    I love the return to the intro for the outro . What really makes it effective is the guitar is now playing alone, whereas the intro had drums and guitar. It really sells the isolation and loneliness of grieving.

  • @romandoo
    @romandoo 3 роки тому +24

    This song going directly to Dyers Eve is absolutely mesmerizing. Love AJFA.

  • @harbinger8035
    @harbinger8035 2 роки тому +22

    Beautiful
    And Justice for All is my favorite Metallica album. Very underrated.

    • @joeyxl3456
      @joeyxl3456 2 роки тому +4

      Best thrash metal album ever

  • @Nothing-6-337
    @Nothing-6-337 2 роки тому +6

    For ove 30 years, I have said this is one of the most emotional songs ever written. Not just Metallica, but overall. And it was only 10 years ago I learned this was a tribute to Cliff. This song has brought tears to my eyes.

  • @thrashnicity5913
    @thrashnicity5913 3 роки тому +13

    I feel so sad and peaceful at the same time when I am listening to this song. Also the short poetic lyrics in the middle are so powerful. This is a masterpiece

  • @towball0535
    @towball0535 3 роки тому +48

    although I've never been a fan of this track as a whole, that middle section is the most beautiful piece of music the band has done. Just audible bliss. Wish there was more like it. In saying that, the rarity is what makes it stand out.

    • @darkstar8196
      @darkstar8196 3 роки тому +3

      Out of curiosity, any idea why you never cared much for this song?

    • @neilpatrickhairless
      @neilpatrickhairless 3 роки тому

      You're not wrong

    • @ryanforsythe8923
      @ryanforsythe8923 2 роки тому

      I think it’s a masterpiece as a whole, but that middle section is definitely the best part.

    • @MaggaraMarine
      @MaggaraMarine 2 роки тому

      Totally agree. The middle section is great. But I find the heavy section to be a bit too repetitive, not interesting enough to justify those repeats (and the same also applies to the intro - it's cool but there isn't enough development to justify its length). I also find the transitions between the sections to be a bit awkward. It kind of feels like 3 separate songs instead of a single continuous piece of music.
      But yes, the middle section is great - definitely one of their best melodies.

  • @thelieinbelieve6594
    @thelieinbelieve6594 3 роки тому +36

    No violins...it's a guitar swell. You hit the note with the volume low and turn it up to get the swell sound. This song hits me every time. RIP Cliff.♥️

  • @Aceries_
    @Aceries_ 3 роки тому +7

    I first listening to this album when I was about 10. I didn't have any of the musical knowledge, I just coped with metal a lot through my younger years. This song just always had this profound effect on me that could just make me cry, but a healing sort of cry and I never knew why. This album was one of the only possessions I had and I remember every bit of every song. I even remember the specific drum fills for each track. Its such a strange thing that now I can watch someone else react to such an intimate thing to me personally and watch them have their version of a profound feeling to it like I did.
    Music is so beautiful and I feel honored that it gives me the chance to have these moments, even with strangers on the internet.

  • @tonydoinstuff
    @tonydoinstuff 3 роки тому +17

    9:01 This part gives me chills every time. Such an amazing range of emotions conveyed just through the music. Love your analyses btw! Great channel!

  • @ukaszkiebasa2842
    @ukaszkiebasa2842 3 роки тому +27

    “That must go in to the next song” - and it does. UUUGHH how it does. It allways blows my mind \m/ It is like 2 songs in one for me.

  • @jeyycie3656
    @jeyycie3656 3 роки тому +33

    for the riff that mimics violin, it's actually guitars but with a volume pedal or volume knob being cut in and off softly.

  • @dreadpirate88
    @dreadpirate88 3 роки тому +112

    Those strings are actually guitars, faded in (probably with volume knob or pedal)

    • @Rab35
      @Rab35 3 роки тому +13

      Similar to Cliff's beginning of Damage, Inc. A fitting tribute.

    • @brunobredow3433
      @brunobredow3433 3 роки тому +4

      Its a volume pedal Dude

    • @tieman3790
      @tieman3790 3 роки тому +1

      Probably not the knob. Its too smooth for the knob

    • @tieman3790
      @tieman3790 3 роки тому +5

      Never mind i was confused by what you meant. It is the volume knob definitely. Also used on outlaw torn

    • @bassoguitar5400
      @bassoguitar5400 3 роки тому +1

      @@brunobredow3433 it’s a knob

  • @MaxwellJacobFriedman_MJF
    @MaxwellJacobFriedman_MJF 9 місяців тому +2

    One of the most beautiful pieces of music ever written. It’s unbelievable the journey that song takes you on. Just fucking brilliant.

  • @mqb17
    @mqb17 Рік тому +3

    To Live is to Die has always been my favorite Metallica song. Glad you gave it a listen.

  • @sammittal39
    @sammittal39 3 роки тому +51

    One of the most underrated songs of Metallica

  • @drivers99
    @drivers99 3 роки тому +146

    The “strings” are guitars (bass actually*) where you turn up the volume on each note by hand after the note is plucked.

    • @frfoljek68
      @frfoljek68 3 роки тому +37

      It’s actually a bass! The only time it’s really audible on the album

    • @bored7772
      @bored7772 3 роки тому +8

      @@frfoljek68 its audible in and justice for all (the song)

    • @chassy50
      @chassy50 3 роки тому +5

      @@bored7772 and blackened, eye of the beholder, shortest straw, one, frayed ends of sanity, dyers eve, harvester of sorrow and as the original commenter said to live is to die

    • @MrScrofulous
      @MrScrofulous 3 роки тому +27

      Volume swells.

    • @phadrus
      @phadrus 3 роки тому +10

      Could have sworn I read years ago that this was Kirk doing the vol swells on his guitar. When I do it on guitar it sounds pretty much like the album. They are some funky intervals, two notes per swell.

  • @supernicko123
    @supernicko123 3 роки тому +22

    This song is an amazing tribute to Cliff. One other instrumental that gets overlooked a lot is Suicide and Redemption from Death Magnetic, it is structured similarly to this song.

  • @jasonseth376
    @jasonseth376 3 роки тому +10

    I’ve got to say that I’ve heard this song over a thousand times in the past 30 plus years, and your interpretation of what it means hit me in the feels tonight. Thank you.

  • @cujosephwalker9707
    @cujosephwalker9707 2 роки тому +5

    My favorite Metallica song. I remember the first time I heard that melodic breakdown in the middle, I felt like my whole life was being summed up in that 10 seconds lol. So cool to see someone with musical knowledge talk about this song.

  • @Aidan.w
    @Aidan.w 3 роки тому +29

    Omggg i clicked the second I saw the notification. This is my all time favourite Metallica song! The gentle section in the middle never fails to give me goosebumps. I'd only consider myself an average Metallica fan but this is their masterpiece in my opinion. Your videos really are a treat, Doug!
    Edit: The original mix is more brittle sounding, similar to that you weren't so keen on in your Blackened reaction video. This 2018 mix i would argue is more thunderous but less harsh to the ears. The only thing i do prefer about the original mix is that the ending during the soft acoustic reprise cuts off completely abruptly to silence out of nowhere, rather than a rapid fade out and it really makes you say "Woah!".

    • @standepain
      @standepain 3 роки тому

      Nice avatar. Would be great to see this guy cover one of their songs.

  • @Gnug215
    @Gnug215 3 роки тому +10

    James' solo in the middle is, in my humble opinion, pretty much the best (in terms of emotiveness) solo ever.

  • @tywinders7628
    @tywinders7628 2 роки тому +3

    I love your perspective. Makes me feel like I listen to metal correctly. I've always listened beyond the head banging and appreciated the musicianship.

  • @fadetounforgiven
    @fadetounforgiven 3 роки тому +5

    As one of those who commented on that video (and Orion's as well) suggesting this song, thank you, thank you very much indeed. I'm not into "reaction videos", but somehow a while ago UA-cam suggested me your channel and, well, it's not the same when the guy (that's you) talking knows what's he's talking about. Thank you.
    As a MetallicA fan, I have to say there's one instrumental left most people forget about and that's "Suicide & Redemption" from "Death Magnetic" back in 2008. All I can say without spoiling it for you is that it's a totally different animal (it's 20 years after the song in this video, even a few years more since "Orion" and "Ktulu") and I think you would need more letters than a, b and c to tell its sections apart. Again, it has nothing to do with this "classical trio" of instrumentals but it is, to me, an unexpected gem, as it's their only instrumental for the last 33 years.
    Again, thank you.

  • @eborlando
    @eborlando 3 роки тому +5

    Doug, you not only analyse music as a muscian, but as an overall artist that appreciates all the sides a song may have, it is wonderful. From a metal fan with respect and appreciation :)

  • @EltoV
    @EltoV 3 роки тому +19

    I had the rare occasion to see them play this song live. The plucked part is played by James with his wah pedal wide open and the "violin part" is played by Kirk on guitar while opening and closing the volume knobs on his guitar. It may be that in the studio version he used a volume pedal though... Anyways, thanks for your video and comments on this epic piece!
    It is considered as a true tribute to Cliff Burton.

    • @ThePinkfloyd8686
      @ThePinkfloyd8686 3 роки тому

      You’re a liar, it’s never been played live in full

    • @kowxley1793
      @kowxley1793 3 роки тому +1

      @@ThePinkfloyd8686 yes it has, in 2011

  • @MV-tj1cq
    @MV-tj1cq 3 роки тому +7

    Saw Metallica for the first time in 1986 for Master of Puppets tour in Brussels Belgium…..haven’t stopped to adore them since!!!
    The middle part is really breathtaking!!!!🤟

  • @rickscott8756
    @rickscott8756 3 роки тому +8

    I always thought of the beginning and end of the song as "walls" to the middle of it. It's like the band allows you to pass through them to reach the vulnerability they feel toward Cliff and his death. It is one of the most well executed moments of somber I have ever heard in music. Aside from the spoken part and feel of the song, I have often wondered what Cliff's contributions were. I know he was involved in the arrangement of much of their past music and am pretty sure he contributed to more than just bass. I wouldn't be surprised if a riff or two or more were written by him.

  • @stefanopino9309
    @stefanopino9309 3 роки тому +5

    Thank you, Doug. I have appreciated so much your reaction and your interpretation. It felt like listening to a song I love with a friend.

  • @DC.Gaming.37
    @DC.Gaming.37 3 роки тому +5

    I've been obsessed with that little throwaway chromatic bluesly riff they just casually throw in a couple of times in this song for my entire life.
    THIS song, along with "Orion," out of all of them, is the distilled, concentrated essence of What "Metallica" Is.
    And thank you for being able to understand the music just by listening to it.

    • @yessir6427
      @yessir6427 2 роки тому

      the 2 3 2 5 2 3 2 5?

    • @DC.Gaming.37
      @DC.Gaming.37 2 роки тому +1

      @@yessir6427 In this video it first appears at 6:37 it's just a short breakdown, only a couple of bars each time, but the jarring change in tempo and groove just grabs me. That riff would be an entire Pantera song in their hands, but for Metallica it's just a throwaway.

  • @societyispatheticdeathisma8233
    @societyispatheticdeathisma8233 3 роки тому +36

    "Suicide and redemption" is their latest instrumental so far.

  • @joeymunson2245
    @joeymunson2245 3 роки тому +7

    Most reactors don't do their homework before hand . . You clearly do.
    Best reactor out there . . Thank you.
    \m/😎\m/

  • @paulmoran7026
    @paulmoran7026 3 роки тому +6

    I have always found the central section so melancholic and moving….I listen to it when I need to feel that way.

  • @katiegwynn4495
    @katiegwynn4495 3 роки тому +2

    I'm 49, been listening to these guys since I was around 13. Thank you for bringing details to my attention! At this point, I didn't think there was anything more to hear

  • @BergerMeister76
    @BergerMeister76 3 роки тому +5

    I absolutely love this song. Always been one of my favorite songs by Metallica. Thank you for reacting to it.

  • @aaronvanriffenberg
    @aaronvanriffenberg 3 роки тому +7

    This is fantastic Doug !! One I’ve wanted you to do for a while. Hope you enjoyed this 👏 😊

  • @BareYoga
    @BareYoga 3 роки тому +5

    I like how you comment in the moment. Many will stop the track and talk, which often is my cue to move on. I love your appreciation and open-mindedness to "music".

  • @sou1daddy503
    @sou1daddy503 3 роки тому +19

    On the album, this song segues directly into a brutal song called "Dyers Eve". It's really effective - you should check it out.

  • @csaiz8847
    @csaiz8847 3 роки тому +2

    This is my favorite Metallica Album. Super heavy and pissed off sounding. This song is one of my absolute favorites of all time. Especially the clean melodic piece in the middle of the song. Thank you for posting this video. I love it.

  • @jamesstaggs4160
    @jamesstaggs4160 Рік тому +13

    To me instrumentals, especially long instrumentals, can get very boring very fast, but the tracks from Metallica's first four are phenomenal, and this one is the king. My God the way it just drops out right in the middle of the song is just magic.

  • @TetedeMort666
    @TetedeMort666 3 роки тому +115

    The “strings” are a guitar technic called "violoning".

    • @ivangorban5456
      @ivangorban5456 3 роки тому +67

      It`s frequently named "volume swells"

    • @tufif
      @tufif 3 роки тому +9

      When you think about it, guitars also have strings, so he's still technically correct? And according to Futurama's Central Bureaucracy, that's the best kind of correct!

    • @Alexander.Zubarev
      @Alexander.Zubarev 3 роки тому

      To me it sounds more like a reverse reverb on a guitar

    • @georgiemelnyk5250
      @georgiemelnyk5250 3 роки тому +4

      @@Alexander.ZubarevNot sure about the studio version, but during the live performance Rob played it using a volume swell on bass and I heard somewhere that in studio it was bass with swell and some other effects as well

    • @SeneekiKaant
      @SeneekiKaant 3 роки тому +1

      @Jay Rock AK works better with hammer-ons for that segment

  • @ghengisdong6714
    @ghengisdong6714 2 роки тому +3

    This song is an amalgamation of emotions, I was going to go into this big long thing but as I was typing it out he said exactly what I was typing..
    So many emotions, so many feelings and reactions. Who knew a song without words could speak to you in so many ways.

  • @marinos1977
    @marinos1977 3 роки тому +4

    WOW. Been listening to this for 30 years and what you said at 6:40 gave me goosebumps. On your first listen!

  • @RaterisimoCBA
    @RaterisimoCBA 3 роки тому +3

    Wonderful song, beautiful composition. Amazes me how 20 year old guys could compose this way as if they had 30 year experience doing it. Great that you're into MetallicA my first metal band and the one I always come back to. Thanks Doug !

  • @JamesDavis-jd1oq
    @JamesDavis-jd1oq 2 роки тому +2

    I've been a fan of this song since 1988. Nice to see a breakdown/appreciation of it.

  • @JoeyArmstrong2800
    @JoeyArmstrong2800 3 роки тому +22

    Oddly, this is actually my favorite track on Justice.

    • @cyntogia
      @cyntogia 3 роки тому +9

      It's not odd at all. It's the best track for many.

  • @plebisMaximus
    @plebisMaximus 3 роки тому +4

    Best music reaction I've seen yet. You know not to pause a piece to talk, you have an understanding of the art. Good shit, thanks man.

    • @johnd5398
      @johnd5398 3 роки тому

      They pause the songs to avoid copyright take-downs. He'll be lucky if this stays up.

  • @milypr81
    @milypr81 3 роки тому +26

    Love this tune, Newsted is incredibly underrated and of course Cliff is a legend.

    • @drumfeck5970
      @drumfeck5970 3 роки тому +2

      Too bad you can't hear him in the mix on this album though😅

    • @felipegiraldo8100
      @felipegiraldo8100 3 роки тому +2

      @@drumfeck5970 he managed too well the thing, i would have quit the band inmediatly if they did that to me, totally disrespectul even if you get payed for that, playing to not being heard at all.. but well, theres clausules you have to complete, so i guess thats why he had time to not resent on that.

    • @briandaly3953
      @briandaly3953 3 роки тому

      Justice for Jason

    • @lasershow017
      @lasershow017 3 роки тому

      @@felipegiraldo8100 dude Jason just copied what James played on his guitar the album would sound like ass if they added bass

    • @lasershow017
      @lasershow017 3 роки тому

      @@felipegiraldo8100 James would literally turn away so jason couldn't copy and James told Jason from the start to do his own thing to contribute to the album even though it's not the reason it's just Lars being arrogant I still see it as a potential reason

  • @zachw2538
    @zachw2538 3 роки тому +5

    The bridge section to this track is so good words fail me. It's one of the reasons i play music and its one of the few pieces that still raise the hair on my neck after 30+ years. As good or better than any classical piece ever written in the history of ever.

  • @benjammin9369
    @benjammin9369 2 роки тому +1

    The way you just go, F#, that's a G... now to A, makes me so envious, I wish my ear was that good.

  • @musikinspektorcom
    @musikinspektorcom 3 роки тому +6

    Long time Metallica fan here. Great to rediscover and even learn something new about this song.

  • @RobbieFitzgerald
    @RobbieFitzgerald 3 роки тому +4

    I had never considered this song in this way so thank you for that. Youve made me love it even more. And I agree that its their best instrumental.

  • @ChrisRash
    @ChrisRash 3 роки тому +155

    You have to do Dyer's Eve next. Those are the rules.

  • @groovelife415
    @groovelife415 Рік тому +1

    I know this was posted 2 years ago, but I just discovered your channel. I am extremely excited to find a reactor that has theoretical knowledge, and can blend the excitement of listening to new music and weave in theory so naturally. I'm looking forward to watching your reactions!

    • @Arrow2theACL
      @Arrow2theACL Рік тому

      Check the daily Doug Directory for a list of reactions. It's in this video's description.

  • @sinancrnagoro
    @sinancrnagoro 2 роки тому +22

    0:00 Humble Beginnings
    0:55 The Rise in Fame
    4:29 The Death
    4:56 The News Spreads/Quiet Morning
    5:51 The Mourning/When Tears are Shed
    6:46 The Anger/Doubt/Acceptance
    7:30 The Continuation
    9:05 Humble Endings

    • @ericstoecker2096
      @ericstoecker2096 Рік тому

      Yep

    • @dishy9366
      @dishy9366 Рік тому

      Just curious, I don’t remember seeing this breakdown on the CD sleeve when I had it.. where did you find this? Very cool