Song Meaning: Master of Puppets by Metallica

Title track from Metallica's third studio album

This is the song you have to listen to when you wake up in the morning :-) It'll set the tone for the rest your day. "Master of Puppets" is the title track from Metallica's third studio album, which is now considered to be one the greatest heavy metal albums in the history. When you listen to the album in it's entirety, it's easy see why such recognition is attributed this album.

The song emphasizes the negative effects that result in the use of alcohols and drugs, like addiction and inevitable death. If GNR were to write a song about drugs, on the other hand, like Mr. Brownstone and Nightrain, they would put more emphasize on the enjoyment aspect of it. This contrast is one of the many features that distinguishes heavy metal from hard rock. But I think both genres are equally enjoyable.

Excessive use of alcohols is synonymous with Metallica. In fact, Metallica was nicknamed as Alcoholica! So "Master of Puppets" comes right from the heart of the four band members. I believe Master of Puppets was a fictional alcohol, and lyrics were written from the point of view of person being addicted to it. "I'm your source of self-destruction" refers to the fact that, once being addicted, that habit can never be reversed. "Leading on your deaths construction" is the result of the excessive use of "Master of Puppets." "Taste me you will see / More is all you need" is a classic line, and a lyrical way of saying "once you you start it, you can never stop it."

The chorus describes how alcohols, upon consumption, start to take over the life, and be in complete control. "Master of Puppets I'm pulling your strings," means you have given up your consciousness and letting alcohol "pull your stings." On an interesting note, when the song is being performed live, James Hetfield lets the audience sing the chorus in it's entirety. If you have never seen it, you HAVE to watch it; it's simply amazing to see a sea of people singing in unison. It's just another testament to the popularity of the song and the album. Accordingly, "Master of Puppets" has been immoveable from Metallica's live setlist. 

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End of passion play, crumbling away
I'm your source of self-destruction
Veins that pump with fear, sucking dark is clear
Leading on your deaths construction

Taste me you will see
More is all you need
Dedicated to
How I'm killing you

Come crawling faster
Obey your Master
Your life burns faster
Obey your Master
Master

Master of Puppets I'm pulling your strings
Twisting your mind and smashing your dreams
Blinded by me, you can't see a thing
Just call my name, 'cause I'll hear you scream
Master
Master
Just call my name, 'cause I'll hear you scream
Master
Master

Needlework the way, never you betray
Life of death becoming clearer
Pain monopoly, ritual misery
Chop your breakfast on a mirror

Taste me you will see
More is all you need
Dedicated to
How I'm killing you

Come crawling faster
Obey your Master
Your life burns faster
Obey your Master
Master

Master of Puppets I'm pulling your strings
Twisting your mind and smashing your dreams
Blinded by me, you can't see a thing
Just call my name, 'cause I'll hear you scream
Master
Master
Just call my name, 'cause I'll hear you scream
Master
Master

Master, Master, where's the dreams that I've been after?
Master, Master, you promised only lies
Laughter, Laughter, all I hear or see is laughter
Laughter, Laughter, laughing at my cries
Hell is worth all that, natural habitat
Just a rhyme without a reason
Neverending maze, drift on numbered days
now your life is out of season
I will occupy
I will help you die
I will run through you
Now I rule you too

Come crawling faster
Obey your Master
Your life burns faster
Obey your Master
Master

Master of Puppets I'm pulling your strings
Twisting your mind and smashing your dreams
Blinded by me, you can't see a thing
Just call my name, 'cause I'll hear you scream
Master
Master
Just call my name, 'cause I'll hear you scream
Master
Master