199 - Metallica One 1988

Inspired by the Dalton Trumbo antiwar novel "Johnny Got His Gun" (which became a movie in 1971 starring Jason Robards) about an armless, legless and faceless veteran, "One", from the hit album "And Justice for All", is a depressive but brilliant song. This song is about a soldier fighting in World War I and a landmine blows off in his face. He can't hear, see, smell, taste and he doesn't have arms or legs. He comes out of a coma in a hospital. During the time he is in the hospital he reflects on his life and things his father told him. Eventually the doctors get worried because he's having spasms all the time, but he doesn't seem to be dying. They call in the general and he can't figure it out either but the soldier with the general recognizes it. "Its Morse code," he says. The general asks what he is saying and the soldier looks for a minute and then says, "He is saying K-I-L-L- M-E over and over again". Amazing solo, furious break, mellow acoustic parts, technical drums and the chilling story line so awesomely captured by James' emotional voice.