The Outlaw Torn Lyrics
I think it's about Cliff dying. Just take the line:
"You make me smash the clock and feel...I'd rather die behind the wheel"
The day after Cliff died, James completely destroyed his hotel room and among the things he destroyed was an alarm clock. He also got drunk and was out in the street screaming Cliff's name, asking where he was and wishing he had been the one who died. "I'd rather die behind the wheel" - behind the wheel of the bus - in the back of the bus, in one of the bunks - is where Cliff was laying when the bus flipped, hurling him out the window and being crushed.
I'm just glad I got to see him live when they opened for Ozzy...awesome bass player.
JB
You saw Metallica open for Ozzy? You are so lucky. I wasn't even born yet when that tour occured. As a matter of fact I was born four years after Clidd died.
You saw Metallica open for Ozzy? You are so lucky. I wasn't even born yet when that tour occured. As a matter of fact I was born four years after Clidd died.
@Lowman Crazy man -- thanks for your perspective. I also had just read recently that I believe they were playing card the night before; and Kirk H. would've been in that bunk; had Cliff not drawn the ace of spades...
@Lowman Crazy man -- thanks for your perspective. I also had just read recently that I believe they were playing card the night before; and Kirk H. would've been in that bunk; had Cliff not drawn the ace of spades...
Definitely fact check me if i'm off base; but a wild twist of fate.
Definitely fact check me if i'm off base; but a wild twist of fate.
ive heard a lot of different meanings for this song but here is the one that hear a lot and read newsted talk about: its about the band losing cliff burton..and not knowing how to move on from there..and knowing that theyd give anything to have him back..and hoping that they can move on and not feel the pain of cliff dying forever
also, the lyrics were written by the entire band..and newsted did most of the musical arrangment (yay)
@metallichic sources?
@metallichic sources?
The S&M version of this song is easily one of Metallica's best songs ever. I can relate to the lyrics, and I agree with what King Nothing has said. One of Metallica's most underrated songs.
Okay so this outlaw meets this girl and she totally changes him for the better but then she left him or he left her, I can't remember which. But then he now searches for her because he loves her and what not but he'll never find her, she's long long long gone. Happen to you?
After reading all of your thoughts, I've discovered that I know nothing of the subject matter. But could I possibly throw in something new? The songs title caught my eye. "The Outlaw of Torn" is a historical novel written by Edgar Rice Burroughs around 1914. The meanings you've come up with are present in the character Norman of Torn. It is a short story and could add to the complexity of this song. I am convinced that it has some bearing. Outlaw of Torn Outlaw of Torn
I reviewed the storyline of Burrough's "Outlaw of Torn" on Wikipedia here: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Outlaw_of_Torn
I reviewed the storyline of Burrough's "Outlaw of Torn" on Wikipedia here: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Outlaw_of_Torn
And i don't think its storyline of medieval rivalry btw England and Scotland and a young outlaw on the side of Scotland who discovers he is the long lost brother to the royalty of England, has anything to do with these lyrics.
And i don't think its storyline of medieval rivalry btw England and Scotland and a young outlaw on the side of Scotland who discovers he is the long lost brother to the royalty of England, has anything to do with these lyrics.
Its actually
"I'm Outlaw Torn"
If you have seen the S&M live video, he clearly says- "I'm Outlaw Torn" -
NOT-"Outlaw of Torn"-NOT
I think it's more he's looking to hurt/kill the person who took his love away.
Agreed. "Outlaw of Torn" just makes zero sense.
Agreed. "Outlaw of Torn" just makes zero sense.
been there, done that...
the weight of this song never fails to move me. damn shame they couldn't fit the whole thing on Load :)
then along comes the S&M version of the song which gave it twice as much weight, making it an unstoppable powerhouse.
It's about Cliff. James' unending search for someone or something in his life to replace Cliff.
For me the song is more of a personal nature. It talks of the struggle within; hence, the outlaw torn. He looks at the outlaw, who he once was, anger and discontent for what he had been and his new life, the one he struggles to keep. The Outlaw keeps creeping back and he must fight it. the opening line for me tells me that he is looking for his inner-self. He would rather die behind the wheel then to return to the outlaw. He can't deal with this struggle and finds himself asking for help from his lady, he gives her instructions for him. If you see me strut, remind me of what made this outlaw torn.
@Wraithlin you nailed it bro. Well for me anyway. This is EXACTLY how I feel when I hear this song. And even after listening to it a million times over the years it still moves me to tears. Definitely one of the most underrated songs ever
@Wraithlin you nailed it bro. Well for me anyway. This is EXACTLY how I feel when I hear this song. And even after listening to it a million times over the years it still moves me to tears. Definitely one of the most underrated songs ever
i like forthelove's interpretation but i think Lowman's/ JB's is more correct...i never knew that before....gr8 song and the S&M version is awesome..espcially when the orchestra plays thier part...wish i get a song like this when i die :D