Song Meaning: Wherever I May Roam by Metallica

ARTIST: Metallica | ALBUM: Metallica aka black album | RELEASED: 1991

Another Metallica song that comes from their heart, "Wherever I May Roam" explores the band's longevity. At the time of the release of the album, Metallica had been on the road for nearly a decade. Playing live was their only way to build a fan base, because radio stations and MTV never really played their material. In fact, I believe only dozen radio stations played Metallica songs in 1980s. That's just ridiculous given that there are well over dozen large cities in the Lower 48.

However there was a change in direction that the band undertook with the release of the Black Album. It was still a heavy metal album, but it was "good" enough to crossover to popular music scene, namely pop rock radio and MTV. "Enter Sandman", the debut single, was on regular rotation on MTV and radio. But this didn't change the band's touring attitude as they continued to tour heavy in favor of their new album. So "Wherever I May Roam" is reflection of the band's old days where they were consistently on the road, trying to make new fans and make a name for themselves. The song is, in away, a tribute to overcoming adversity in the enduring process of finding eventual success that they are enjoying today.

Let me know what you think of the song. Feel free to make a comment below...

---

(And the road becomes my bride)

And the road becomes my bride
I have stripped of all but pride
So in her I do confide
And she keeps me satisfied
Gives me all I need

And with dust in throat I crave
Only knowledge will I save
To the game you stay a slave

Roamer, wanderer
Nomad, vagabond
Call me what you will

But I'll take my time anywhere
Free to speak my mind anywhere
And I'll redefine anywhere

Anywhere I roam
Where I lay my head is home

(And the earth becomes my throne)

And the earth becomes my throne
I adapt to the unknown
Under wandering stars I've grown
By myself but not alone
I ask no one

And my ties are severed clean
Less I have the more I gain
Off the beaten path I reign

Roamer, wanderer
Nomad, vagabond
Call me what you will

But I'll take my time anywhere
I'm free to speak my mind anywhere
And I'll never mind anywhere

Anywhere I roam
Where I lay my head is home

But I'll take my time anywhere
I'm free to speak my mind
And I'll take my find anywhere

Anywhere I roam
Where I lay my head is home
I say!

But I'll take my time anywhere
I'm free to speak my mind anywhere
And I'll redefine anywhere

Anywhere I roam
Where I lay my head is home

Carved upon my stone
My body lie, but still I roam,
Yeah yeah!

Wherever I may roam
Wherever I may roam
Woah

Wherever I may roam
Wherever I may roam
Yeah!

Wherever I may wander, wander, wander
Wherever I may roam

Yeah, yeah, wherever I may roam

Yeah, yeah, wherever i may roam
Wherever I may roam
Wherever I may roam