“One” is a powerful and emotionally charged song by Metallica, released in 1988 as the third single from their iconic album “…And Justice for All.” The lyrics tell the story of a soldier who is severely injured in battle and left to die alone on the battlefield. The soldier reflects on his life and contemplates his mortality as he lies there helpless and dying.
The song is filled with raw emotion and a sense of desperation as the soldier begins to come to terms with his fate, ultimately accepting his end with a sense of resignation. The chorus is hauntingly melodic as it repeats the refrain “Hold my breath as I wish for death,” capturing the soldier’s inner turmoil and pain.
With its thunderous guitar riffs, pounding drums, and intense vocals, “One” is a fan-favorite and remains one of Metallica’s most iconic and enduring songs. The music video, which features clips from the 1971 film “Johnny Got His Gun,” perfectly complements the song’s themes of war, suffering, and death. Overall, “One” is a powerful and moving track that showcases Metallica at the height of their musical prowess.
Image by Ai Junkie
