10 Hidden Details You Never Noticed In Metallica Tracks
3. That Horn At The Start Of "The Unforgiven"
Earlier, we spoke about how both "The Unforgiven" and "The Unforgiven II" begin with that iconic horn, which has since become a hallmark of the tracks' legacy in live settings and beyond. But what does that horn actually mean? And why is it there?
There's a reason why many listeners may not recognise the signature sound from elsewhere. The horn is actually stolen directly from the 1960 western The Unforgiven, best known for starring decorated World War II hero turned famed actor Audie Murphy, alongside then-future star Audrey Hepburn.
However, not only was the sound lifted from the film, but it was the reversed to mask the little theft and (most likely) avoid attracting the ire of United Artists' copyright lawyers.
While the film and the track itself seem to have very little in common (with the track being about a persecuted individual and his struggles with bitterness, isolation and regret), the opening acoustic passage doubtlessly has a vibe very reminiscent of classic American western movies. Furthermore, the horn gives the song a more out-of-left-field beginning, instantly setting "The Unforgiven" apart from other entries in The Black Album.
Plus, the pun was probably just too strong for the band to resist.