The Greek Stoic philosophers were mostly known for their views on mental control.
Having as their main idea that we should only concern about the things that we can change, they gave a different perspective to the tragic moments.
A Stoic, even with the loss of a loved one, had to remain indifferent.
They were of the opinion that we must control whatever happens, even if it is beyond our control.
At the heart of Stoicism, the principal idea is that we are responsible for what we feel or think.
They believe that emotions cloud logic and destroy judgement!
On the other hand, we see the musicians, who do not control their feelings, creating songs for tragic events.
They talk about feelings created beyond their logic!!
The song
With their deepest sentiment, that of the loss, Metallica wrote “To live is to die“.
The tragic death of bassist Cliff Burton inspired them to create one of their most important songs!!
Burton was killed in a bus accident while the band was on tour.
Metallica, wanting to pay tribute to Burton, used some of his recordings, which he had done before his death.
As mentioned in the album, the composition is written by Burton and performed by Newsted.
The narration at the end of the song is by German poet Paul Gerhardt!
“When a man lies, he murders some part of the world. These are the pale deaths which men miscall their lives.“
The second half is written by Burton himself.
“All this I cannot bear to witness any longer. Cannot the kingdom of salvation take me home?”.
According to Metallica members, these phrases were often used by Burton.
Particularly the last phrase marked him so much that it was also written on his grave.
The tragedy and feelings of Metallica members continued for years.
From 1989 until 2011 the song was never played live.
It was another way of showing us that some losses are not easily cured…
Sources: Metallica’s Biography, Wikipedia
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