Song analysis of ...and justice for all by Mettallica

Essay by brad_900High School, 11th gradeB, April 2007

download word file, 3 pages 3.0

Metallica is an American based band formed in 1981, by guitarist and vocalist James Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich. They placed an ad in the local newspaper about forming a band, thus recruiting Ron McGovney. The band chopped and changed into the Metallica we have today, consisting of James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo. In 1983 the band released their first album "Kill 'Em All". The views in their songs increased their fan base, however the songs were not yet a hit. In 1984 the band released their second album "Ride the Lightning" and on it was "Fade to Black", this single set them apart from all the other metal bands. This is because of its views into the real world were unprecedented to other bands. Metallica were the only metal band at the time that had messages in their lyrics. This set them apart from all other metal bands.

There messages changed from death, law, money and power. Which at the time major issues were arising.

During the European leg of their tour promoting their album "Master of Puppets", Cliff Burton was killed when their bus rolled allowing Cliff to fly out the window and was squashed by the bus. The bus was lifted up however the support ropes broke and the bus smashed onto him again. The band saw this as a sign, encouraging them to continue in his memory. "And justice for all" was the first album released after the death of Cliff.

The song is believed to be written about the movie "…And Justice for all", which is about a lawyer who realises that the courtrooms are unjust and that the rich can buy their way out of punishments.

Firstly the title…"And justice for all" comes from the last line...