10 Rock Songs With Really Disturbing Endings
2. One - Metallica
Of all the other thrash bands coming out in the '80s, Metallica actually seemed to have a lot more to say in their lyrics. Although James Hetfield wasn't going to give Bob Dylan a run for his money or anything, the way he talked about war and the harsh realities of human life were a lot better than every other metal band going on about demons and Satan. Right before they went for mainstream success though, One was the final single of pure thrash, with a lyric sheet ripped straight out of your nightmares.
Taken from the book and movie Johnny Got His Gun, this song tells the story of a man who has become a casualty of war, having absolutely no limbs after stepping on a landmine. Along with having no motor functions at this point, he can't even speak either, with most of the lyrics of this song just taking place inside the guy's head, as he feels constant pain from the machines that are keeping him alive.
Once he comes to terms with his situation though, he realizes that he is completely trapped, wanting to have the release of death and being kept alive by doctors that insist on running tests on him, thinking that he is brain dead. There have been plenty of horror movies that detail what it's like to be trapped, but it's even more frightening when the prison is inside your own head.