As someone that has listened to Metallica since the 80s I had to read this book. After reading the book I wonder if I was every really listening. Some lyrics I took at face value when belting them out with James. Now I am actually hearing the meaning.

A great read for any Metallica fan.

This book is a fascinating deep dive into the meaning and resonance behind Metallica's Lyrics, with thoughtful, nuanced and well researched points by Irwin.
Music and lyrics are generally subjective in how you interpret them, but this is more than just that (though Irwin clearly is a fan and has really put a lot into his dissection of these songs) but Irwin's points should resonate with and interest many who read it - his exploration of the philosophy, meaning and influence behind the lyrics is a study as opposed to his random thoughts and is a great read overall.

While there is a degree of subjectivity in how we all interpret music, this is a really insightful review and exploration of some masterful works. Giving the respect which is due to the sophistication and sensitivity of the lyrics, the author offers insights and contexts about Hetfield’s timeless works. A thorough and genuinely interesting analysis.

I’d always hoped for a book like The Meaning of Metallica—a rigorous, intellectual dive into James’ lyrics—and I can't think of anyone better to write it than William Irwin, editor of the Philosophy and Pop Culture series (including Metallica and Philosophy.) The Meaning of Metallica expands the Metallica conversation, raises new questions and reached me in some very personal ways.

My thanks to both NetGalley and ECW Press for an advanced copy of this study on song lyrics.

Songs mean a lot to people. Lyrics and music can remind people of the good times, the bad times, first loves, high school, and that time you got whiplash head banging to For Whom the Bell Tolls. William Irwin, author and editor of many book on philosophy and pop culture has written a guide to the lyrics of songwriter James Hetfield and his band. In The Meaning of Metallica: Ride the Lyrics, Professor Irwin brings his knowledge and thoughts on the influences, meanings and feeling behind some of Metallica's biggest songs.

The book starts with a brief biography of Mr. Hetfield, his religious childhood and influences, and a description of the band. Professor Irwin is a fan, he makes this quite clear also at the beginning, and makes it clear that this is his interpretation of the songs, not an official guide, or annotated songbook. From there the book is broken into chapters, each with a theme, and the songs are disassembled and studied with that them in mind, war, religion, blind obedience.

The writing is clear, and while it helps to know a bit about philosophy, theology and a bit of pop culture and musical influences, it is not necessary to understand what the Professor is trying to do, but it does make the enjoyment a little richer. This is not a huge book, but what is covered is very interesting, and to see the craft and thought that went into songs, that hundreds of thousands of people in various concert venues sing back to the band is truly amazing.

What is most important, and something that Professor Irwin tries to make clear, this is his interpretation, based on his fandom and his life experiences and knowledge. As a fan, as a listener, the song is everything that the song is to you. This is not a, "What a jerk "Harvester of Sorrow" is so about a satanic John Deere tractor". If that is what you believe and what the song means to you good. Songs are personal statements by the songwriter and the listener. That said, I learned quite a lot and wish to know what else Professor Irwin enjoys on his home stereo. And if he will do any more books on song lyrics.

Recommended for Metallica fans without a doubt, also for lyricists on how draw on what they know to write, poets and other creative types not just for ideas, but how to execute these ideas. One of the better books on writing I have read in quite a while.

This is not about Metallic. It’s about the songs, a way to interpret those lyrics that are so charged and that means something different for each Metallica fan.

I’m a casual but longtime fan of Metallica so the premise of this book intrigued me; it may be the first one purely devoted to a critical study of the lyrics of the band’s frontman James Hetfield.
The title itself is bold and challenging, suggesting a definitive document, but that’s a symptom of the publishing world and not author arrogance. At any rate, the author himself offers the disclaimer that this is his own personal interpretation, not the final word, and that we are welcome to disagree with it and substitute our own.
William Irwin is clearly not just a fan of Metallica - he is a F A N of Metallica. This may make the book unpalatable to some readers, but I am fine with it as everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and I am making a personal choice to read Irwin’s. Subdivided into separate (big) themes such as religion (which comes first), addiction, war and freedom - all regular subjects of Metallica songs - Irwin proffers his interpretation of Hetfield’s lyrics.
If I am honest, a lot of his conclusions went over my head and many seemed to derive far too great a meaning from certain lyrics, but occasionally he made me look at my favourite Metallica songs in a totally new way, and his obvious affection for the songs is a positive rather than a negative factor.
On the whole, “The Meaning of Metallica” is a success, shedding new light on familiar songs and encouraging debate. Anyone who disagrees with William Irwin’s conclusions is invited to write their own book.

DNF at 32@

The author is just so holier-than-thou about Metallica and I can't stand it. I have loved Metallica my whole life but the way he talks about Metallica, especially in relation to other bands, is just so arrogant. We get it, Metallica are great. I just really chaffed at his writing style and his inability to even pretend to be objective.