The Unforgiven

Before anyone accuses me of being a Metallica fan - I'll just admit that it's true! Well, ok, I used to be one. Can't say that I really 'follow' them anymore, but back in the day I really dug 'em. What might surprise some people is that on occasion, I do dig out some of my old stuff and give it a listen. These guys are GREAT musicians. I can understand if some or many who read this don't care for their music, but getting beyond musical tastes, they really do know how to construct and arrange music and vocals. Most of the lyrics, I don't care for one iota. But I love the musical arrangements. I've been brought to tears during some of the more string-intense melodic parts of a couple of their songs. YES, I'm still talking about Metallica. :) Only someone with the same tastes would know what I'm talking about!

But to the point here. About 3 or 4 years ago, I was listening to "The Black Album." I was brought to tears, not only by the music, but by the lyrics of this one particular song. I had never really paid much attention to what the lyrics of any of their songs actually meant, but this one really captured me on this day. I cried for what my life might have been, if not for people having told me about God's grace, and helping me out of the bondage of religion and its many effects. I cried for people who are still trapped in deadly religion.

While searching online for the lyrics a couple of years ago, I came across a website that had the lyrics posted, and it was also a website where people could comment about song lyrics. Many people commented that it may be a song about the rules of "society" in general. Or about socialism or communism. I was surprised that only a couple of people commented that the lyrics may be about religion. Well, I'll post the lyrics below and you can interpret it as you will.

I understand if you don't care for the music, so perhaps the lyrics will get the point across. But there is something about the "mood" of the music that adds to the emotion and the intensity of the subject matter, so I invite you to watch it if you want to. Don't worry, you won't have to brace yourself too much. It's one of Metallica's "slower" songs. :)

Metallica - The Unforgiven


New blood joins this earth
And quickly he's subdued
Through constant pained disgrace
The young boy learns their rules

With time the child draws in
This whipping boy done wrong
Deprived of all his thoughts
The young man struggles on and on he's known
A vow unto his own
That never from this day
His will they'll take away

What I've felt
What I've known
Never shined through in what I've shown
Never be
Never see
Won't see what might have been

What I've felt
What I've known
Never shined through in what I've shown
Never free
Never me
So I dub thee unforgiven

They dedicate their lives
To running all of his
He tries to please them all
This bitter man he is
Throughout his life the same
He's battled constantly
This fight he cannot win
A tired man they see no longer cares
The old man then prepares
To die regretfully
That old man here is me...

What I've felt
What I've known
Never shined through in what I've shown
Never be
Never see
Wont see what might have been

What I've felt
What I've known
Never shined through in what I've shown
Never free
Never me
So I dub thee unforgiven

You labeled me
I'll label you
So I dub thee unforgiven