Being an avid fan of metal, I owe a lot to the music; in the good times sharing of memories, and in the bad times a lot of support. Moreover, the music has also inspired and motivated me. Hence, I write this piece as a tribute to the metal’s amazing powers. Here is a list of some of the songs which I feel can support us, liberate us and most of all, inspire us..
1. Hallowed Be Thy Name by Iron Maiden
The best metal song according to me; the song is about an innocent man who is going to be hanged in a few minutes. The man’s voice offers both an anger towards the society who doesn’t believe in his innocence; and disappointment towards God who doesn’t save him despite no fault of him at all. His words inspire us to do something good in whatever life left ahead of us.
When you know that your time is close at hand,
Maybe then you’ll begin to understand
Life down here is just a strange illusion…
2. One by Metallica
One of the bests by Metallica. The song has been written excellently and the lyrical depth takes us into another realm both musically and emotionally. War is truly an ignominious act by man, and this song serves to remind us of the consequences; and the brutal realities of life both in and out of battlefield. Showing us that our problems are indeed minuscule as compared to others, say a soldier in the midst of war; the song can push us ahead in our dark times.
Now that the war is through with me
I’m waking up I can not see
That there is not much left of me
Nothing is real but pain now..
3. Peace Sells by Megadeth
The song is legendary; not only because of an excellent riff and solo, but also because of its well writen lyrics. The song represents an anger of a common man getting pounded by the authorities again and again; despite him working as hard as he can. Its really liberating to be able to associate so well with the man. It’s song writing at its best as seen from the lines:
What do you mean I aint kind?
I am just not your kind..
The song ends by the man questioning; “Peace Sells, But Who is Buying?” It seems really apt in the belligerent world today. This reminds me of a quote from the book 1984, “Idea of world peace was given up just when it became possible.”
4. Heaven and Hell by Black Sabbath
Heaven and Hell is a brilliant poetic composition. It talks about the fact that both heaven and hell exist in our lives and are not something external; “out there”.
The closer you get to the meaning
the sooner you’ll know that you’re dreaming…
Sabbath also creates a metaphor in the form of a “dancer” which might represent people around us as can be seen from: Love can be seen as the answer, but nobody bleeds for the dancer.
This might mean that although we know that love is the answer, but we do not really show love for the people around us.
Since Heaven is right where we are now, Sabbath writes, You’ve got to bleed for the dancer!
5. A Tout Le Monde by Megadeth
What do you think a man might say when he is about to commit suicide? The song is about that. Instead of being cynical, the man shows deep sense of love and gratitude for his friends. Again, poetic genius can be seen from the following lines:
If my heart was still alive
I know it would surely break
Since the song is about the regrets and guilt at the point of death, it sort of liberates us from our worries but also poses a question. Are we doing enough to make sure we do not reach the same state when we are about to die?
6. Blood Brothers by Iron Maiden
A song which talks about the fact that the people all around the world are connected by a common destiny- a destiny of being human. Hence, we are all Blood Brothers!
Also, the song talks about the fact that we may devote our lives to something materialistic: money, prestige or fame; but it can be easily swept away by fate’s own hand. Hence, we need to search for something more internal.
Will we ever know what the answer to life really is?
Can you really tell me what life is?
Maybe all the things that you know that are precious to you
Could be swept away by fate’s own hand
7. Metal Church by Metal Church
One of the most underrated metal song ever; it really is one of my favorites. The shades of poetry can be seen from its metaphorical creation of “Metal Church” which can represent both the organized religion and the government; indirectly controlling the people without directly getting into the public view.
Metal Church will find you, comes from very far
Metal Church behind you knows just who you are, who you are!
Again, it serves as a reminder of us being expected to do certain things by religious and government authorities; things which do not really represent our true character. Hence, the lyrics can elevate us to do things which the “Metal Church” does not expect us to do: follow our true humanity…
8. Children of the Grave by Black Sabbath
The song is by an “adult” telling children to not follow the society who want them to follow certain things; but to follow their own heart and create a change for the better by spreading love. Its seems like an inspirational yet poetic piece of advice as seen from the following lines:
So you children of the world, listen to what I say
If you want a better place to live in, spread the word today
Show the world that love is still alive, you must be brave
Or you children of today are children of the grave….
9. Metal Gods by Judas Priest
A beautiful piece by Judas Priest, nicknamed “Metal Gods” after this song, it talks about how the technology i.e. machines, robots, satellites etc. have pervaded our lives completely. The satire can be seen in technological creations being called “gods”.
Machines are taking all over
With mankind in their command
In time they’d like to discover
How they can make their demand
Listening to the song makes us aware of our slavery towards the technology, and how we need to make sure we preserve a “mind” of our own..
10. In My Darkest Hour by Megadeth
The last song in the list; is about loneliness, emptiness and anger. As the song represents the heart of a person who is truly lonely and has no avenue to speak out or talk to someone; we can really relate very well to the song particularly in times of our turmoil.
Through the darkest hour
Grace did not shine on me
It feels so cold, very cold
No one cares for me
By finding a listening ear in the song, we can reduce our worries and feel light-hearted. Its another way of getting inspired: reduce our burdens and focus on what we should be doing instead!
The sometimes dark, sometimes negative, sometimes optimistic lyrics in metal songs can surely liberate us; both creatively and emotionally. With liberation, comes inspiration. The songs can motivate us, drive us to derive hitherto energies hidden within us and inspire us to be creative; to do good work. I call this phenomenon Metal for Inspiration.
Some Ideas to Share 