The Unforgiven

Metallica

About The Unforgiven

"The Unforgiven" is a power ballad by American heavy metal band Metallica. It was released as the second single from their eponymous fifth album Metallica (also known as The Black Album). Though one of the slower tracks on the album, its chord progression is distinctly one of the heaviest ballads featured on the album. The song deals with the theme of the struggle of the individual against the efforts of those who would subjugate him. The song has since spawned two sequels, in the form of "The Unforgiven II", from the album Reload, and "The Unforgiven III", from the album Death Magnetic.  


Year:
1991
6:27
869 
#2

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New blood joins this earth
And quickly he's subdued
Through constant pain disgrace
The young boy learns their rules
With time the child draws in
This whipping boy done wrong
Deprived of all his thoughts
The young man struggles on and on he's known
A vow unto his own
That never from this day
His will they'll take away

What I've felt
What I've known
Never shined through in what I've shown
Never be
Never see
Won't see what might have been
What I've felt
What I've known
Never shined through in what I've shown
Never free
Never me
So I dub thee unforgiven

They dedicate their lives
To running all of his
He tries to please them all
This bitter man he is
Throughout his life the same
He's battled constantly
This fight he cannot win
A tired man they see no longer cares
The old man then prepares
To die regretfully
That old man here is me

What I've felt
What I've known
Never shined through in what I've shown
Never be
Never see
Won't see what might have been
What I've felt
What I've known
Never shined through in what I've shown
Never free
Never me
So I dub thee unforgiven

What I've felt
What I've known
Never shined through in what I've shown
Never be
Never see
Won't see what might have been
What I've felt
What I've known
Never shined through in what I've shown
Never free
Never me
So I dub thee unforgiven

Never free
Never me
So I dub thee unforgiven

You labeled me
I labeled you
So I dub thee unforgiven

Never free
Never me
So I dub thee unforgiven

You labeled me
I labeled you
So I dub thee unforgiven

Never free
Never me
So I dub thee unforgiven

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Metallica

Metallica i/məˈtælɨkə/ is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California, whose releases include fast tempos, instrumentals, and aggressive musicianship that placed them as one of the founding "big four" of thrash metal alongside Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax. They formed in 1981 when James Hetfield responded to an advertisement that drummer Lars Ulrich had posted in a local newspaper. As of 2003, the line-up features long-time lead guitarist Kirk Hammett (who joined the band in 1983) and bassist Robert Trujillo (a member since 2003) alongside Hetfield and Ulrich. Previous members of the band are lead guitarist Dave Mustaine (who went on to found the band Megadeth), and bassists Ron McGovney, Cliff Burton and Jason Newsted. The band also had a long… more »

12 fans

Written by: James Alan Hetfield, Kirk L. Hammett, Lars Ulrich

Lyrics © O/B/O CAPASSO

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Genre
"The Unforgiven" is classified as a power ballad, a blending of the hard rock and heavy metal genres that Metallica is most known for.
Album
The song is from the band's fifth album entitled "Metallica" which was released in 1991. This album, also famously known as "The Black Album," was the band's first to debut at number 1 on the Billboard 200.
Composition
"The Unforgiven" is in the key of A minor and features an unusual structure, starting with a chorus rather than a verse, contrasting with more traditional song structures.
Achievement
The song reached No. 10 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and No. 35 on the Billboard Hot 100, showcasing its commercial success.
Music Video
The music video for "The Unforgiven" was directed by Matt Mahurin, who has also worked with U2, Alice in Chains, and Queensrÿche. The video has a dark and moody tone, reflecting the song's serious lyrical themes.
Sequels
The song has two follow-up tracks, "The Unforgiven II" and "The Unforgiven III", which were included in subsequent albums - "Reload" and "Death Magnetic" respectively. All three songs share similar musical themes, but each has its own unique elements and lyrics.
Lyrics
The lyrics of "The Unforgiven" deal with themes of self-doubt, solitude, and the psychological struggles of a man who feels he's been constantly suppressed by societal pressure.
Recognition
"The Unforgiven" is often recognized as one of Metallica's most accomplished and memorable songs, signifying their mainstream breakthrough.
Live Performance
"The Unforgiven" is a staple in Metallica's live performances, signifying its enduring popularity amongst fans.
Cover versions
Several artists have covered "The Unforgiven" over the years, including jazz pianist Brad Mehldau and Finnish a cappella band Apocalyptica, showcasing the song's versatility and broad influence.

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    The Unforgiven

    361.1M
    1.4M     64,743

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1992

    Billboard #35


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