The first part of the song is the drug talking to the addict. The slow part of the song is the addict getting his high. The end is the addict talking to the drug and is pissed off because he didn’t get what was promised. This song is brilliant matching lyrics and instrumental.
That's a really good painted picture of what an addiction does to the person, physically, and its spirit as a human being. I know, I was in this cage too. Thanks for a comment so on point, hope it helps others to realize they can break those chains!
Great description. Nailed it. Also, I agree, this is a brilliant song from top to bottom. And to think they were only in their early to mid 20's when they wrote this.
@@cryptoholica72 tf are you talking about? James specifically explained that it is about drugs, how a person tries to control the drugs but end up being controlled themselves. This was way back in an interview on 1988.
@@richsalazme chop your breakfast on a mirror maybe don't ring a bell to some. I'm sure James had that very present in his near memories back in 1988 with that interview you've mentioned. Don't waste your time trying to explain what's not necessary to explain. The lyrics are very explicit.
The Hell reference isn't about the religious "hell," so to speak. It's about the addiction itself and what your life becomes being hell. The heavy parts of the song are the addiction. The mellow part in the middle is the feeling of getting high. Then hard again when the high wears off and the cravings return. Amazing song, James Hetfield is one of the greates song writers ever. So deep with so many layers. Theres a reason why they have been killing it for 40 years and are still selling out huge venues.
@@rockinron3215 Good luck! Really hard to say that without sound sarcastic or like an ass these days, even in person, but sincerely, good luck! I wish you the best on your journey!
Fun story. When this album came out in 1986 I was obsessed with it and my devout Catholic mother questioned her 10 year old son's new favorite band. Then I manually typed out the lyrics (on an old mechanical typewriter no less) for her to read what they were singing about, and explained it was about drug addiction, and she immediately became a fan - although she did often question me why they had to scream so much lmao
My mom wasn't a Metallica fan. She never saw the attraction or know the background, etc. But, I'd be blaring some Iron Maiden & G&R. And that was just fine!
React channels are one of the best parts of the entire internet. No toxic people screaming at each other. Just people experiencing music they've never heard before. It's like back when I was a teenager, and we shared music with our friends. Love seeing horizons just expand.
I was 17 years old at a weekend house party when I first heard this song. I was blown away then and I sometimes still get goosebumps when I listen to this song 37 years later.
I am one of the people this song saved. Made me open my eyes to what I was doing to myself ( heavy meth user ). Its now been 31 years clean, and I will be grateful to this song every time.
They still are one of a kind, Metallica are THE biggest metal band in the world, no one will ever come close to beating them. I've loved them since 1985, they have always been my favourite band, I will always stick by them. Gotta say though, it made me chuckle when one of these guys said "I hope its not demonic". I mean...come on! Smh
@violetskye_ I’m a Metallica fan and I too would check if it’s demonic or not. It’s the reason why I don’t really listen to Highway to Hell from AC/DC and those demonic songs. Because as also a man of belief, I believe that those songs can attract unwanted attention from demons. And even though I am a Metallica fan like I said before, you will also not catch me listening to One or Mechanix due to the meaning.
In 2016, Metallica's "Master of Puppets" album was chosen amongst a total of 25 to be archived in the U.S. Library of Congress for being of "Unique cultural and historical significance". That truly is a great, great honor! RIP bassist Cliff Burton (1962-1986) and his dad Ray (1928-2020). Cliff's mom was his #1 fan.
I love it when people not used to a genre take time to understand that specific genre. This was awesome watching them figure out and understand what Metallica was saying in this song. This is more proof that we are all just brothers and sisters under God. We can all be moved by the same things and fall prey to the same things. We also have the ability to build each other up and strengthen one another as well. These guys have a stronger resolve because of Metallica. You can see how inspired they were.
As someone who grew up listening to Metallica, I love seeing people experience it for the first time. Welcome to the Dark Side, gentlemen. You will never be the same lol
I got giddy and chills when they said "they did not even warm up" after the first 3 notes. I just thought "ooooh this is the warmup, you are up for a ride!" and it truly makes med happy knowing people can experience this for the first time and love it, even so many years later!
I'm a recovered addict. Master of Puppets is spot on to the cycle an addict goes through. It's about being powerless over your drug of choice. Yes, alcohol is a drug as well. You get to a point where you've lost your will to choose. The beginning of the song describes the "strings" the drug (your master) has on you --- pulling your need for the drug. The middle section of the song is the euphoria you feel once you've gotten high or inebriated. The intense ending of the song is the crash you feel coming down. Even though you don't want to do it all again --- this song portays the drug owns you & will pull you back --- and the cycle of death & destruction is always just one drink or drug away. Step 1 of recovery is: "We admitted we were powerless over alcohol (drugs) - that our lives had become unmanageable" There's no mistake that was written as the first step because denial runs deep. Addicts always believe they can control themselves over the drug. Admitting and 100% knowing you can not control it & your life is completely unmanageable is the starting point for an addict. "Master of Puppets" is the perfect analogy. Well done Metallica! 👏 " 🌟🌟🌟Wikipedia🌟🌟🌟 "In 2015, Master of Puppets became the first metal recording to be selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Recording Registry for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant." 👏👏👏
You were powerless while under the influence, which is while on it, and while you allow it to have pull.. Once you become your own master, you reclaim your power.
I love your Metallica reactions, I fell in love with their music as a teen before I had an appreciation for their lyrics as an adult. You all need to do one on “my friend of misery”, hits home lyrically and sonically better than their older stuff while also hitting those classic guitar gems!
It genuinely brought a smile to my face seeing them figuring out the lyrics (and also just rocking out). Thank you guys for having such an open mind :)
The song is simple, so it was the same case with Ride the Lightning. Think "drugs", and you would understand a lot of it. Much respect for James Hetfield. Always. Crazy to think that James Hetfield was a young guy at those times... and he already knew what drugs can do. And "Ride the Lightning" album was done in 1984, when he was 21, then "Master of Puppets" in 1986. And guess what the main "Ride the Lightning" song was about... Edit: grammar...
Seeing a bunch of dudes listening to my favorite band, favorite album, and favorite song all at the same time feels awesome glad you guys love it its such a *master*piece of music the reaction to the solos too we love to see that
I love seeing people experience Metallica for the first time. I was exposed to this album when I was about 12 and I fell in love. Each song is about 3 songs in one. Enjoy listen to Call of Kutulu and Orion. Enjoy!!!!
I'm glad you guys listened to this one. Yes, James Hetfield is a excellent writer and musician. The line, "Chop your breakfast on a mirror" was a definite clue for this song. But this song was really packed with clues. Even the music gave clues to the ups and downs of addiction. Many of their songs have great messages. You may like the song, "Disposable Heroes". You guys will figure it out ... without Genius. 🙂
This is widely considered one of the best metal songs ever from the best metal album EVER. Metallica from the Cliff Burton era was a force of nature. He was a musical genius and the heart of the band. They were never the same after his tragic death during the Damage Inc. tour in 1986. He was only 24.
Master of Puppets is GOATED Justice for All Ride the Lightning Kill em All Black Album Being introduced to Metallica (Rock etc) by old angry mean MFs at 16 working was one of the greatest moments of my life... Followed by PC gaming, also one of those MFs introduced myself to more Anime (the bloody, ass n titties) Anime which at the time I'd seen DBZ, Akira, Sailor Moon, etc.. Had my virginity popping off with all types of goodies. 90s were and always will be GOATed Excuse my life story lol It all came crashing down with nostalgia For those that can relate Cheers 🍻🍻
I agree. They were a different band with Cliff. Nothing against Jason, he's a good bass player, but the band was a force or nature with Cliff and in my opinion, nothing in their later catalog ever matched Lightning or Puppets
Enjoyed watching your reactions to this song and your apprehension at the use of the word Master over and over again. I was heavily addicted to coke when this came out. I chased the dragon for a while but this song helped me kick the habit. I was ‘chopping my breakfast on a mirror’ too. Been clean for over 35 years.
As someone who struggles with addiction everyday this song hits home for me every time i hear it. I wish i had known what this was about in my younger angrier years i would have saved myself alot of pain and torment. I have personally felt every lyric in this song and the pain never goes away i just know how to block it out now and my journey through recovery will never be over and i just want anyone on here struggling with addiction to know that you can beat it, it will be hard it will be painful but in the end it will be worth it once you get sober/clean.
Keep your head up brother! Beat this Demon I know you can! I myself am a recovering alcoholic! Sober for 30 something years! I dont remember much from 13 to 17 yearss old I was alwaays loaded I have had some episodes i fallen off the wagon but i get back on and go on! Wish you the best I pray you win this battle!!
I absolutely LOVED watching this reaction. I have been a Metallica fan for a long time - but only now paid enough attention to the lyrics. but musically, I enjoyed the stanky faces you made when the music was hittin! Music conquers all! SUBSCRIBED
Great thing about Metallica's songs is they all touched on social issues. Fight Fire with Fire (Nuclear War), Ride the Lightning (Capitol Punishment), Master of Puppets (Drug Addiciton), Fade to Black (Suicide), Eye of the Beholder (Freedom of Speech), etc. Definitely check out more of their stuff!
@@cubzrulz that heavy metal was more than just noise…the people that were plying it, and in this particular case, Cliff Burton, should be viewed more on just their talent of playing their instruments (early 20s)…these guys, especially Cliff, were/are incredible musicians in music theory, even though they never actually studied it
I love seeing people stepping out of their comfort zone and actually LISTENING and UNDERSTANDING the meaning behind great music rather than basing it off the fact that it's loud and hard-core. Keep up the goid work and stay open my Kings!
Guys pretty much most of metal is not devil stuff or satanic. That’s just a false imagery put out by those who don’t listen closely. Even when they speak of hell or the Devil in the songs it’s usually not to glorify them or they are using them as symbolism for other things. Keep up the reactions to metal because like rap it’s very lyrical and deep. Don’t be afraid to use resources to help with the lyrics either because I think understanding the message will increase your enjoyment of it.
@Idk “factually incorrect” you didn’t present any facts you dork. You only presented the case that some metal does which considering I never said “no metal does” isn’t actually not disagreeing with me even though your attitude is disagreeable. You then go on to say it’s like rap to a lesser extent which further backs what I said. Smh lol
Yes you guys summed it up perfectly in the beginning of the video..For those of us that have struggled with drug or alcohol or substance abuse,this song makes alot of sense and hits hard..
@@jpgduff that's the last album recorded under the posthumous influence of Cliff. Then, without Dave or Cliff, they reverted to what they were before Dave joined- a midtempo brit metal band.
One of the greatest songs about drug addiction ever written. You can tell it was written from experience and we should all feel lucky that these guys are still alive(RIP Cliff) after what some of them went through to different degrees. James, the front man, never stopped struggling with booze. He's had his high and low moments but he's very much an addict.
They were huge meth freaks through the first three albums. You can see it in Cliff 'Em All, at one point they are hanging out in a kitchen and there's a mirror on the table with a pile of meth on it. I was also in a metal band in the scene in SF at the time, so we knew the guys before they got huge.
I love when people broaden their exposure to cultures they aren't familiar with. I'm black. My father loved country & rock; and my mother loved Jazz & r&b. I was exposed to it all. I love all music, including Asian and French music. Being diverse makes your life experience all the more enjoyable. Love it all. I'm so happy for these guys. ❤️
The cover of the album 'Master of Puppets' has the crosses because there is another song on the record called 'Disposable heroes', which is about soldiers being sent to fight wars and die, and the hand pulling the strings also fit the narrative of the title track. It was a very successful album for Metallica in 1986... their 3rd album, they opened for Ozzy Osbourne on an arena tour that year and were crushing it live. The album went gold in the US (half million copies sold) on that tour and made Metallica a contender for dominating the heavy metal scene in the future... The album has sold 6x platinum in the US to date. The album has ripping metal tracks - 'Disposable heroes'... 'Battery'... 'Damage inc.'... The subtle track "Welcome home (Sanitarium)" and the brilliant instrumental 'Orion' 🔥🔥🤘🤘 However, it was the last Metallica record to feature bassist Cliff Burton, who was killed in a tour bus accident in Sweden in the fall of '86... Jason Newsted (bass) was hired late in the year to finish the tour and joined Metallica.
Welcome to the family, fellas! First time I saw them was in 1989 in Miami on the Damaged Justice tour. It’s refreshing to see songs I’ve known for so long through new eyes. Do yourselves a favor and check out songs from them like “Blackened,” “And Justice For All,” “Disposable Heroes,” “Fade to Black,” One,” and even the new stuff like “Hardwired,” and “Moth Into a Flame” I’m sure there will be plenty of people like me to help guide you up Metallica mountain. We welcome everyone.
Hell yeah y’all rock for playing that! Master of puppets came out in 1986 I believe. Back then it just hit really hard , they had a different sound and played faster than most. Hey y’all cool as hell and it was fun watching you guys experience that! God bless y’all and stay safe!✌️
As a previous drug addict this song has always been my escape. I don't think I've ever listened to this song sober, and I've been a Metallica fan since 1998 when I was 13 years old, thanks to my dad who was a big metalhead... not a drug addict. This is literally my first time in maybe 25 years listening to Master sober. I've been sober for 5 years now, and if I'm honest, listening while not on drugs and while on drugs is completely different. Fix me.
"I hope it's not demonic." I heard that comment and, as a guy who's listened to all levels of metal for the better part of 30 years, I can honestly say I don't think I've ever heard a song about demons. (I could be wrong. Lots of whisky has passed into this vessel since it launched.) All the lyrics tend to be metaphors. As for this song, you need to hear a full stadium screaming "MASTER! MASTER!" to recognize the influence this song had on their fans. It's incredible.
yup, can't stand those people who always say metal music is demonic. 99% of it is about real life stuff. Yeah we like to wear our shirts with skulls on it. But guess what..? underneath your face is also a skull so then to that 'logic' we are all a buncha demons lol
love when you guys get the story telling of the great music of the rock bands of the 80s 90s.i grew up in some best times music I was born 1976 so ive heard everything and love all music but 80s and 90s were some the greatest music ever
Keep in mind that this album came out in 1985, when most of these guys were all of about 23 years old. And now, in modern days, this song is even better live.
the storytelling on this song is just amazing. The master is the drug telling you that you need him to survive, you will no longer need to eat and the music plays all the stress and demons surrounding you. After receiving a dose you feel tranquility, some kind of "peace" (calmed guitar solo). After that solo the stress comes back and the user is telling to the master: "Where is the tranquility you promise? The user is disappointed, but hooked!!! And he need another FIX. Now he is out of control (second solo) and the master remembers to the user that he is total control of him and will drag him completely to its domains... The final laughs.... Pure poetry....
*The guitar solo represents the stages of the drugs/alcohol. At 1st, it's mellow, calm, euphoric (the drug kicking in). Then it starts getting chaotic (the drug wearing off). Then it's a chaotic frenzy as they're in withdrawals, needing more, now.*
It's definitely a masterpiece of metal at its finest. I love other metal bands too, but Metallica was my first back in the 80's. I started right before this album dropped and it was & still is amazing.
I've been listening to Metallica since 83 and still believe that this album is where they were at their finest. The Cliff Burton tattoo on my arm thanks you for reacting to this.
The lyrics and rocking out are great, but I really appreciate the complexity of the song with all the chord and time signature changes. It’s hard to play a song like that, let alone write it.
that "light bulb moment" when they get what the song is really about is priceless. Metallica's older albums all have really deep meanings they are "masters" of their craft see what i did there lol Their best work was the first 4 albums... Kill em All, Ride the Lightning, Master of Puppets, and And Justice for All all four albums are on another level
I got my first Metallica album, Master of Puppets on tape in the second grade (1987) have loved then ever since, if people would read the lyrics , James is a great lyricist on many topics and many of hos songs are about veterans amd soldiers
The most underrated part of Metallica is their lyrics. This is storytelling at its finest, the different stages of first the drug luring the user in, the sanguine and lyrical guitars as they get high, the anger and frustration as they come down and see their own misery, and then the drug coming right back for the next round. James has a wonderful way of turning common phrases very slightly and reusing them in clever ways. Everyone thinks of the shredding guitars and pounding bass and drums, but the lyrics are the hidden gem that raised them to the status of legends. Great reaction guys, hell on Earth is a very real thing...
Strange as it seems, Ive always found thrash/heavy metal hypnotic and centering. Once you really hear the lyrics, close your eyes and just feel the power of the sound. I'm 60 years old and have listened to Metallica, Anthrax, Megadeth and the godfather of thrash, Slayer since i was in my 20's. they have been the soundtrack to my life. Metal heads have always been "other", on the outside. This sounds brings us together through thick and thin. I still play this as loud as I can, and don't give a damn.
I'm 41 and I am with you on that one, my bandmate is 48. Last metal show I went to I got to see Anthrax with Black Label Society and Hatebreed. These guys had so much energy and the crowd well in their crowd I'm on the younger end amazingly lol
1986 this album came out. This was their last album together before bassist Cliff Burton's death. Many Metallica fans, myself included, proclaimed Master of Puppets their best album ever.
And Justice For All, Black, Ride the Lightning and Kill Em All are just as good! I've been listening to them since at least 1990 when I was about 9-10 years old.
Metallica actually has a lot if really deep songs. One, for whom the bell toles, blackened, fade to black... if everyone would just open the lyrics or even sing along they would see that they actually was a great bunch of role models for kids.
I'm surprised you guys missed basically all the drug references in this song. " Needlework the way ", " fix me", "chop your breakfast on a mirror", "I will run through you", "taste me you will see, more is all you need"... All in all though, solid reaction and it was a blast watching you guys put the pieces together on the meaning, as well as seeing how much you guys enjoyed the song. There is another song on this album, that talks about soldiers being used as pawns by the government, like one of you suggested, and just how much Hell is in War. That song is called "Disposable Heroes". I'd recommend giving it a listen if you have time. Another track that talks about the experience of War Veterans, is "One". Not sure if you've reacted to it yet, but if not, I'd suggest it. Many of their older tracks speak to the issues of when they were written...Vietnam, Drug Abuse, Government Overreach, Homelessness, etc. I'm fairly new to this channel, but I'll be checking back regularly to see the new content. 🤜🏻👍🏻
Truly this song takes on a heavy meaning when you are struggling with substance abuse or mental health issues. I had OCD that manifested in bulimia and I really clung on to this song when I was in rehab trying to get away from the pull to the behavior.
I'm sure many have already said it in the comments already, but this song is not about the devil. This is about drug addiction. Actually as I typed that the one in the middle looked it up and got the answer. Great reaction video. The one on the far left brought the energy. And clearly you all love the guitar solos haha You guys were talking during 9:43-9:52 and really missed a cool guitar riff that only comes around for that 9 seconds, but has a ton of groove (about 6:10 in the actual song). I think you all would have enjoyed that part. Thanks for the entertainment! Enjoyed it!
To me this song has 3 meanings. A: Addiction B: controlling governments masquerading as a democracy C: spiritual warfare. BTW the endurance needed to play this song at full tempo is inhuman. And they play it faster live... Another reason why they are seen as legendary It's fkn brilliant 🎸
@@symptomoftheuniverse4149 drug addiction and spiritual warfare are not mutually exclusive things. The proliferation of harmful and addictive drugs is a tactic in spiritual warfare.
